Pelvic Health and Wellness

At Renew, we believe that optimal pelvic health is vital for every person. Our physical therapists are specially trained for diagnoses and treatment of female, male, and transgender pelvic health and wellness.

Pelvic care plays a primary role for optimal core function. It’s the support mechanism during pregnancy, manages bowel and bladder related functions, and is integral for sexual activity.

Our specialists take a whole body, holistic approach to improving pelvic health and well-being. We understand that new patients may have different comfort levels and education around this topic. Our team ensures the utmost sensitivity to help you feel safe and supported through your diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Overview

The first part of the initial visit will include: your medical history, reason for the referral, discussion of the treatment of the pelvic floor area, and help identify your specific goals for physical therapy. We then conduct a full musculoskeletal assessment of all associated pelvic floor areas, including the hips, back, SI joint, public bone, glutes, core, and your breathing pattern. We’ll also evaluate your flexibility, strength and tissue/muscular restriction.

Please note that your evaluation and/or treatment may include a pelvic exam, if appropriate, to identify areas of weakness, tightness, trigger points, pain or symptom referral or relief. This is NOT a gynecological or other type of exam that you would receive from your medical practitioner. It is not required for every patient, but is within the scope and training of the pelvic floor PT. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know.

Diagnosis/Symptoms

Bladder dysfunction

Incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Interstitial Cystitis
Overactive bladder
Urinary urgency

Bowel dysfunction

Anal Fissures
Constipation
Fecal incontinence
Rectal pain

Musculoskeletal dysfunction

Back pain
Coccyx pain
Sacroiliac Pain Syndrome
Sciatic Pain

Pregnancy/Postpartum wellness

Diastasis Recti
Nursing-related injuries
Postpartum recovery
Pubic bone/pubic symphysis pain
Repetitive stress
SI joint dysfunction

Post-operative recovery

Laparoscopic incisional pain
Post-abdominal or pelvic cancer management
Post-Cesarian birth scar recovery
Post Hemorrhoidectomy
Post-Mastectomy

Sexual dysfunction

Genitopelvic pain disorder
Painful intercourse/penetration
Vaginismus
Pain with ejaculation

Transgender pelvic health

Breast augmentation
Dilator training
Mastectomy
Orthopedic issues
Post vaginaplasty management
Pre-op care for gender affirming surgery

After the comprehensive evaluation and assessment, we’ll design your treatment plan and recommendations tailored to your treatment needs. This may include manual therapy techniques, specific therapeutic exercises, and a home program customized for your goals.

The ultimate objective is to ease all associated pain, concerning symptoms, and restore functional mobility so you can start feeling like “you” again.

For the initial evaluation, please wear comfortable clothing so the PT can access the abdominals and pelvis.

Your treatment may include but not be limited to:

Abdominal massage
Colonic massage education
Cupping/myofascial decompression work
Dilators education
Hip/low back/SI joint assessment/foot/ankle assessment
Internal and/or external techniques of the pelvic floor
Pelvic wand usage education
Pelvic stimulators usage education
Posture education
Scar mobilizations
Soft tissue work
Specific breathing exercises

FAQ

A pelvic exam may be conducted in your evaluation and/or treatment to identify areas of weakness, tightness, trigger points, pain or symptom referral or relief. This is NOT similar to a gynecological exam and is not required for every patient, but is within the scope of the pelvic floor PT practice.

Yes, there is a lot of external and internal work (if part of your treatment program) that can be performed during this time. Ultimately, you, as the patient decide about your level of comfort and consent.

Yes, there a variety of education, discussion, posture training, carrying/lifting, and most of all support from your care team that can be conducted prior to your 6-week OBGYN visit. We can see you for pelvic floor PT as early as 2 weeks post-delivery, and the appointment can be held virtually from the comfort of your home, or in person.

Yes, babies are welcome. We will work with you in whatever capacity you are comfortable with during this special time of healing. We have worked with mothers who have babies in their laps, sleeping in strollers next to them, or on the floor with us as we work together. We will try to accommodate as best as we can. In addition, we can also do a virtual visit as well if it’s easier.

Our patients range in age between older teens to seniors. Every body, symptom, and diagnoses is different, but we have a variety of treatments to help for each patient, with focus on individualized specialty care.

Our team works with patients who have been a victim of physical, verbal, religious, or other trauma. We collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (mental health providers, MDs, others as appropriate) to create a program and treatment plan that is safe, comfortable, and effective for each individual.