Abdominal/Pelvic Physical Therapy

Abdominal/Pelvic Physical Therapy is a specialization of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. We are fortunate to have Physical Therapists who are highly qualified in this speciality. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles which interact with your spine, abdomen, lower body, bladder, and bowel. Abdominal/Pelvic Physical Therapy usually requires a detailed examination of the pelvic floor.  This can include internal or external examination, often both. Your therapist will talk you through the process of the pelvic examination, give you the opportunity to ask questions or express concerns and will always make sure that you consent to the examination. Your comfort is paramount. The internal examination involves assessing the pelvic floor muscles manually for strength, flexibility, tone, scar tissue or spasm. The examination may reveal tender spots known as trigger points that can refer pain to other areas of the body.  Based on the results of your examination, your therapist will provide treatment.  This could include pelvic floor strengthening, relaxation, muscle stretching, or trigger point treatment.  It might also involve stretching for your legs and low back, breathing exercises, scar massage, bladder and bowel training, or establishing an exercise regimen.  No two patients are alike, and the treatment plan is based on the individual patient’s particular history, needs, and goals.  Abdominal pelvic physical therapists work closely with the patient’s entire care team in order to provide the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and safe care possible.

• Postpartum rehab

  Every woman who delivers a baby, whether vaginally or cesarian, deserves a postpartum evaluation. Once cleared by your healthcare provider, ask for a referral to pelvic physical therapy to assess for pelvic floor health, pelvic organ prolapse, abdominal muscle healing, and assistance in returning to physical activity.  Carrying a baby for nine months is hard […]

• Labor and delivery pre-hab

  Let’s face it: labor is a marathon. You wouldn’t sign up for a marathon and then show up to the race without training, would you? Believe it or not, it is a great idea to train for labor and delivery in the same way that you might train for any other physically demanding event. A […]

• Prenatal care

  Pregnancy is difficult enough–trust us, we’ve been there! With all of the hormonal changes, the rushing around to get ready for the baby, the doctor’s appointments, and everything else, it is a whirlwind of activity from the moment you discover that you have a baby on the way. Now add the aches and pains of […]

• Urinary Dysfunction

  One of the most important functions of the pelvic floor involves control of the bladder and bowel. The pelvic floor musculature helps keep us continent and provides us feedback about when it’s time to go to the restroom. Urinary incontinence is common, affecting around 25% of the population. Despite its prevalence it is never normal […]

• Pelvic and Abdominal Pain

  Common causes of pelvic and abdominal pain include: Pelvic floor muscle spasm Pudendal neuralgia Proctalgia fugax Anal fissures Scar tissue Endometriosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Vaginismus  Chronic constipation Interstitial cystitis  Chronic prostatitis  All of these conditions can be effectively managed with abdominal pelvic physical therapy. These are complex conditions which require skilled care and collaboration […]