Questions You May Have

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles provide support for the pelvic organs (bladder, intestines, and uterus), maintain optimal intra-abdominal pressure, and are involved in urinary and fecal continence.

Here is a helpful video that highlights the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor.

Common reasons include:

• Preventative wellness visit

• Pelvic pain

• Pelvic pressure/heaviness

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Painful intercourse

• Painful bowel movements

• Constipation

• Tailbone pain

• Urinary or fecal incontinence

• Diastasis Recti

• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain

• Hip pain

• Low back pain

All of these issues can be caused by overactive, weakened, uncoordinated, or injured pelvic floor muscles.

The physical therapy evaluation will include a movement analysis of hips and pelvic floor muscles, functional movement, flexibility and strength of the spine, and sacroiliac joints to identify contributing factors to the pelvic floor disorder. An evaluation of the pelvic floor entails an external exam followed by an internal exam due to the location of the pelvic floor muscles.

It is entirely the patient's choice to undergo an internal pelvic floor exam. The purpose of the internal exam is to identify pelvic floor muscle tenderness and trigger points, mobility, strength, and control. These findings guide treatment interventions to efficiently address the cause of dysfunction. If you are not comfortable with an internal exam, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan and provide education based on the external exam and movement analysis.

The assessment will be in a private room, with sheets provided to respect your modesty. Denise Griffith, PT, DPT is very sensitive to your personal comfortability and prioritizes forming a trusting and professional relationship with you first.

Treatment sessions for pelvic floor dysfunction will also include specific testing and training programs for women to return to exercise.