Physical therapy has been shown to be one of the first lines of treatment for women's pelvic health issues. Through research and clinical outcomes, thousands and thousands of women's issues have improved by seeing a trained pelvic health therapist.
Some physical therapists' claim to treat pelvic health issues but may not have specialized training in this area. If you are looking at this kind of treatment make sure to ask these questions:
* Does the pelvic health therapist have advanced training specifically for women's pelvic health?
* Does the pelvic health therapist do internal pelvic floor treatment? (This alone is one of the main reasons to see a trained therapist due to some conditions will only improve with this type of treatment).
* Can I speak to the therapist before I schedule to make sure they are a good fit? (Also very important to make sure your goals align with their style of treatment).
Once scheduled there are many type of modalities and interventions that the therapist may use for treatment. Here are just a few:
* Techniques for decreasing the nervous system up-regulation that can happen with pelvic floor issues.
* Bladder re-training techniques.
* Gentle, but effective manual therapy techniques.
* Diaphragmatic 360 breathing
* Simple and easy to do exercises specifically for you
* Guidance and support with education and life-style adjustments.
* Occasionally dry needling, cupping, electrical stimulation, red light, and other modalities that can be helpful.
Finding a women's pelvic health therapist that is right for you can take some research and education. Don't settle. If you don't get better for one, than move on and find a new therapist. Their goal should be to offer what you need. They should be empathetic, a good listener, caring, and willing to help you with your issues.
Thanks for being here!
Always - Beth
