Benefits of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic health physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals of all ages and genders dealing with various pelvic floor disorders. This physical therapy specialty focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to improved bladder and bowel control, significant pain reduction, and enhanced sexual function. It also provides crucial support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, aids in the management of pelvic organ prolapse, and facilitates post-surgical rehabilitation for pelvic surgeries. 

For cancer patients, particularly those undergoing treatments for prostate, breast, and urogynecologic cancers, pelvic health physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery and improving quality of life by addressing issues such as incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Engaging in pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy under the guidance of specialized physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can greatly enhance overall health and well-being.

What are the Benefits of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

1. Improved Bladder Control: Pelvic floor physical therapy can significantly improve bladder control, helping individuals with urinary incontinence by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and reducing leakage incidents.

2. Enhanced Bowel Control: It aids in managing bowel issues such as constipation, fecal incontinence, and pain with bowel movements by improving muscle coordination and strength​.

3. Pain Reduction: Therapy can alleviate chronic pelvic pain, lower back pain, and pain associated with sexual activities. Techniques like manual therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point massage are often used to reduce pain.

4. Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pelvic health physical therapy is beneficial for pregnant and postpartum women by addressing issues such as pelvic girdle pain, diastasis recti, and recovery from cesarean sections or vaginal deliveries​.

5. Support for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Physical therapy helps manage symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support pelvic organs and reduce feelings of pressure or heaviness.

6. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: It is crucial for individuals recovering from pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy, by aiding in pain management, scar tissue mobilization, and restoring normal function.

7. Core Strength and Stability: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles contributes to overall core stability, which can improve posture, reduce back pain, and prevent injuries.

8. Urogynecologic Cancer Rehabilitation: For cancers like endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and other pelvic cancers, pelvic floor physical therapy is crucial in strengthening the muscles that support bladder and bowel function, reducing incontinence, and managing prolapse​. Physical therapy uses techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and biofeedback to manage and alleviate pain caused by cancer. Post-treatment, many patients experience sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy can improve sexual function by addressing issues like vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and erectile dysfunction.

9. Improved Sexual Function: It can enhance sexual health by addressing issues like dyspareunia (painful intercourse), erectile dysfunction, and other sexual dysfunctions. Strengthening and relaxing pelvic muscles can improve sexual satisfaction and reduce pain​.

10. Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation: Pelvic floor physical therapy helps significantly improve urinary continence after prostate surgery. Post-prostatectomy, many men experience erectile dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy aids in improving erectile function by enhancing blood flow and muscle strength in the pelvic region​. Engaging in pelvic floor exercises before prostate cancer surgery (prehabilitation) can prepare the muscles for the post-surgical recovery process, leading to better outcomes​

11. Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Breast cancer treatments often lead to lymphedema. Physical therapy helps manage this condition by using manual lymphatic drainage techniques and exercises to reduce swelling and improve lymph flow. Post-mastectomy or lumpectomy, physical therapy assists in restoring shoulder and arm mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall function. Techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization help in managing scar tissue, improving flexibility, and reducing discomfort

12. Emotional Well-being: Gaining control over pelvic floor dysfunctions can boost self-confidence and overall life satisfaction, reducing anxiety and improving mental health​.

13. Comprehensive Treatment Approach: Pelvic floor physical therapy often includes education on lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and exercises tailored to individual needs, making it a holistic approach to managing pelvic health issues. Techniques like manual therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point.

Find Expert Care

Navigate & Improve Your Pelvic and Abdominal Health Wellness

Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, working toward strengthening your pelvic floor, or seeking specialized care, PT Locator™  is a directory established by the national professional association, Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association, that helps patients find a licensed Physical Therapist / Physiotherapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) who specializes in pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy in their area. The PT Locator tool serves as a central database where members can list their practice information, website, education, certifications, and areas of practice so that patients can connect with clinicians based on their needs and geographic location.

Find a PT or PTA who specializes in pelvic health today!

Find a Pelvic Health PT or PTA