Patient Education

For Physical Therapy Professionals: Have you created public awareness materials or educational handouts for your patients? Consider donating your material to the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy's repository of patient education resources.

Contribute to our growing Patient Education Library! Have you created public awareness materials or educational handouts for your patients? Consider donating or contributing handouts, infographics, videos, and images! All submissions are reviewed and revised by the Health & Wellness Committee. The materials we seek must promote the role of pelvic health physical therapy providers or the benefits of pelvic health physical therapy to patients and other healthcare providers.

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Downloadable Patient Education Handouts

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Diastasis Rectus Abdominis
Diastasis Rectus Abdominis

Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a separation of the left and right sides of the outermost abdominal muscle. It is caused by excessive forces that stretch the connective tissue called the linea alba. This condition most often occurs in pregnancy but may also occur in infants, older women, and men Continue Reading

Postedby Karen Lynne Litos
Date posted09/2/2020


What is Pelvic Pain?
What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is pain felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum. It has many possible causes and affects up to 20% of the population in the United States, including women and men. Pelvic pain is considered “chronic” when it lasts for more than 6 months. Physical therapists help people... Continue Reading

Postedby Jennifer H. Davia
Date posted09/2/2020


Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – How can it promote healing during the Fourth Trimester?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – How can it promote healing during the Fourth Trimester?

For decades, the medical field has normalized the after effects of childbirth such as pelvic pain and urinary incontinence, but it begs the question, is this normal? Picture this: You bring a little human into the world after nine months, you are in awe of just how precious they are. You forget your Continue Reading

Date posted02/7/2020


Embarrassed or Shy to Talk to Your Primary Healthcare Provider?
Embarrassed or Shy to Talk to Your Primary Healthcare Provider?

It is important that your primary healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) know about everything that has to do with your body, your health and how you feel. Continue Reading

Date posted10/25/2019


Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment
Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment

Urinary incontinence refers to accidental leakage of urine. There are several types of urinary incontinence including stress, urge, mixed and functional incontinence. Continue Reading

Date posted10/24/2019


Musculoskeletal Dysfunction During Pregnancy and After Childbirth
Musculoskeletal Dysfunction During Pregnancy and After Childbirth

Pregnancy and postpartum are times of great change for a woman – physically, emotionally, and hormonally. As the fetus grows during pregnancy, the musculoskeletal system is challenged by altered posture, muscle imbalances, and changes in spinal mobility. Continue Reading

Date posted10/24/2019


Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment
Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment

Pelvic pain is described as an aching or burning pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum.  The cause of pelvic pain can be complex, and the symptoms often fluctuate, making a diagnosis difficult.  Both men and women can be affected, however women are most often impacted... Continue Reading

Date posted10/23/2019


Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment
Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased density and structure of bones, causing bones to become weak or brittle. These changes increase a person’s risk for breaking a bone. Continue Reading

Date posted10/21/2019


Do I Need a Referral for Physical Therapy? If So, How Do I Get One?
Do I Need a Referral for Physical Therapy? If So, How Do I Get One?

Although laws in most states allow you to receive physical therapy services without a referral from a medical provider, some insurances require a referral for an evaluation and/or treatment. It is recommended you call your insurance company to verify their requirements as well as what your state law Continue Reading

Date posted10/19/2019


First Physical Therapist Visit for Incontinence? Here’s What to Expect
First Physical Therapist Visit for Incontinence? Here’s What to Expect

A Physical Therapist (PT) with specialized training in pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will perform a detailed evaluation in a private setting during your first visit. This will include understanding your general medical history, history related to your current condition, stress level... Continue Reading

Date posted10/18/2019


Tips for Improving Urge Incontinence and Bladder Health
Tips for Improving Urge Incontinence and Bladder Health

Urinary urgency or urge incontinence happens when the bladder contracts when it is not supposed to and may result in subsequent leakage of urine. This can occur for different reasons. Continue Reading

Date posted03/25/2019


Lymphedema: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment
Lymphedema: Causes, Symptoms, Physical Therapy Treatment

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system of the body is unable to properly transport lymph fluid from the tissue spaces back to the blood stream, leading to swelling in the limbs, trunk, genitalia, head, neck, or anywhere there is lymphatic tissue. Continue Reading

Date posted03/24/2019