Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Support for strengthening your pelvic muscles
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for Strength and Bladder Control
Incontinence (either stress or urge incontinence) is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. This condition leads to a loss of bladder control. Incontinence can feel embarrassing, especially when a simple cough, laugh or sneeze triggers a bladder leak.
Our treatment approach addresses the unique issues and concerns that women of all ages may experience. A specially trained physical therapist (PT) will provide a comprehensive, private and compassionate evaluation to understand your symptoms and help provide personalized treatment to improve and enhance your quality of life.
Our PTs specialize in a form of therapy called pelvic floor rehabilitation, which can improve muscle strength and bladder control. In fact, an estimated 79% of people receiving pelvic floor muscle training improved enough to avoid surgery.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule a pelvic floor therapy appointment with Anna Jaques Hospital's Physical Therapy team, please call 978-463-1336.
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Pelvic floor disorders may be caused by injury due to trauma, surgery or complicated labor. Symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder may include:
- Muscle weakness or tightness
- Pelvic pain
- Pre- and postnatal low back pain or joint problems
- Sexual pain or discomfort
- Urinary incontinence (inability to control the flow of urine)
Risk Factors for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Women struggle with symptoms of pelvic floor issues most often:
- After a hysterectomy (surgical removal of uterus)
- During menopause
- During pregnancy (pre-natal) or after delivering a baby
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Information
You may be a candidate for our services if you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
- Do you notice involuntary urine loss when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump or lift heavy objects?
- Did you develop recurring low back, low abdominal or hip pain following a hysterectomy or after the birth of your child?
- Is it hard to control the urge to urinate?
- Is sex painful?
Your pelvic floor PT will ask you a series of questions about your health history and symptoms. This allows them to get to know you and fully understand your pelvic floor condition.
Your PT will also evaluate the muscles in your pelvis and surrounding areas, including your hips, spine and abdomen. You will work with your PT to decide what the best treatment plan is for you. They respect and value your comfort and consent throughout your plan of care.
Typically, a treatment visit will last for one hour, and you will come 1-2 times per week. Following your PT program at home is the ultimate goal. The frequency at which you come in may change throughout your plan of care, depending on how you progress.
Your insurance will likely cover your pelvic floor disorder treatment. However, you may need prior authorization and/or insurance referral from your physician along with orders for physical therapy. Contact your insurance carrier for more details on your specific plan.
