Women's & Men's Health

Women’s & Men’s Abdominopelvic Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction is very common, affecting over ⅓ of women, and increases in prevalence with increasing age. However, although they may be more common with increasing age, they are not an inevitable part of the aging process. There are many treatment options including physical therapy to help treat symptoms associated with abdominal and pelvic floor issues.

A physical therapist trained in pelvic floor physical therapy can help identify and treat the issues previously described in women, men, and children. They will create a customized treatment plan which may include the following:

• Manual techniques to improve mobility throughout the abdominal and pelvic muscles, ligaments, fascia, and other soft tissues
• Exercises to strengthen and/or relax the pelvic floor and core musculature
• Self care education including diet and lifestyle modifications
• Bladder and/or bowel retraining
• Joint mobilization
• Relaxation techniques
• Visceral manipulation
• Biofeedback to work on increasing or decreasing pelvic floor muscle activation

We also have a Stott Certified Pilates Instructor physical therapy assistant (Sue Freese) who is Graston trained.

During your first visit, you will be seen by a physical therapist in a private treatment room where you can share your history and concerns. We will discuss the exam and questions can be answered immediately.

The exam may include:

• Postural assessment
• Looking at the spine, hips and pelvis for any orthopedic concerns
• Abdominal assessment to look at rib motion, breathing techniques, abdominal muscle, fascia and scar mobility, and assess for a possible diastasis recti
• Pelvic floor muscle assessment which can be external and/or internal (vaginal or rectal) to assess for muscle tone, coordination, strength and endurance
• Tests to assess joints, nerves and other surrounding abdominal or pelvic/hip muscles

Through our thorough and comprehensive evaluation we search with you to find the cause of the symptoms. We collaborate with doctors, massage therapists, naturopaths, allergists, and counselors, and other healthcare providers throughout the Midwest to give you the most comprehensive care possible.

We recommend having a referral for physical therapy to be seen by our pelvic rehabilitation specialist. If you have any questions feel free to call our office and ask to speak with a pelvic physical therapist who will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding this type of physical therapy.