Pelvic Floor

Pregnancy is a testament to an individual’s strength and adaptability, but some of its challenges come in the form of low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. Erica Cole, PT, DPT, at Manhattan Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, leads one of the city’s only teams that works specifically with pregnant women and new mothers to treat dysfunction and back and joint pain. They create a personalized treatment plan to ensure you get the restorative rest and quality of life you deserve. Contact the office by phone or online to learn more today.

What is pelvic floor therapy?

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor aims to strengthen this important area of your body and relieve common symptoms like:

• Constipation
• Frequent urination or incontinence
• Painful sex

You work with a physical therapist to build strength in the pelvic floor and also relieve tension, creating the balance necessary for health. 

Why do I need pelvic floor therapy?

According to a study performed by the National Institutes of Health, 26-70% of pregnant women suffered from moderate to severe urinary incontinence, and an estimated 35% of women experienced sexual dysfunction. Significantly, about 95% of women with chronic lower back pain have a weakened pelvic floor.

Beginning therapy for your pelvic floor is your best bet to alleviate these issues, especially since the benefits extend beyond pregnancy to include your labor, delivery, and postpartum healing. The pelvic floor has a tremendous responsibility, and physical therapy exercises can ensure it’s able to do its job.

What can I expect from a pelvic floor therapy appointment?

Your Manhattan Physical Therapy provider gives you a thorough assessment to ensure they’re addressing your specific needs. They discuss your medical history, symptoms, and any issues, and do a physical examination.

Your treatment may include:

Pelvic floor exercises

These exercises, such as Kegels, target the muscles of your pelvic floor to help strengthen or relax them as needed.

Acupuncture

This treatment aims to remove obstacles so your body can begin effective healing. The team takes an orthopedic approach to acupuncture, looking for areas of tightness — known as trigger points — in your body so they can release the built-up tension.

Suspension therapy

Redcord® suspension therapy helps you gently restore strength and combat imbalance in your body.

This treatment offers fast and effective pain relief, often after only one visit. Patients can return for a free follow-up visit if they didn’t quite achieve their desired results after one session. This treatment is suitable for most patients since it’s both medication-free and noninvasive.

Come to your appointment in close-fitting but unrestrictive clothing that you feel comfortable in. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to bring them up with your provider, and give yourself extra time in your initial appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork.

For high-quality pelvic floor care, reach out to Manhattan Physical Therapy by phone or online today.