When is the right time to go to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
In short, anytime is a great time! If you have any signs of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pain, urinary or bowel symptoms, or any other symptoms that affect your quality of life or daily function you should definitely consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist or healthcare specialist. Sometimes things that you have lived with for a long time or assume are normal may be common signs or causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. A common population who experience pelvic floor dysfunction is pregnant women. Other common groups include female athletes, children, and men. Unfortunately, there is no age or situation that guarantees or protects you from pelvic floor dysfunction. Many of the clients I see have a recent or history of abdominal surgery that may not realize is affecting their symptoms.
For those who have experienced childbirth (Cesarean or vaginal delivery), even after years, one can improve mobility, strength, and function of the pelvic floor. You don’t have to wait years to start PT following childbirth; in fact, starting sooner can prevent future pelvic floor dysfunction decades later. The internal examination of the pelvic floor is not performed until 6 weeks postpartum, however there are plenty of things that can be worked on including muscle tension, abdominal strength, and scar mobilization. Unfortunately in Western society, women are usually neglected after their 6 week follow up although most women are not fully healed at this point. In my experience, it usually takes closer to 12 weeks and sometimes even up to 2 years to feel like themselves again. The majority of women also are uninterested in sexual activity despite clearance to participate at 6 weeks. A lot of women have experienced sexual dysfunction prior to pregnancy and never really enjoyed it to begin with.
Here is a checklist of factors to consider when deciding if now is the right time for you:
Do you have time to attend your appointments?
Can you dedicate an hour a week or a few times a month to commit to meeting with your therapist?
Is there a PT you want to work with close to where you work or live?
Can you financially invest in your health right now?
Are you going to look for an in network provider or work with whoever you connect with best?
Do you have a good support system to help you meet your goals?
A responsible partner, family or friends who can help watch your children when you are out of the house
Do you have reliable transportation to get to your appointments?
Are you mentally able to take on another responsibility?
Do you have other responsibilities ( kids, work, travel plans) that make it hard or overwhelming to take on something new?
How interested are you in making a change to how you live currently?
How much are your symptoms affecting your quality of life right now?
During your physical therapy evaluation, your therapist should discuss your current symptoms, medical history, and goals in order to come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Pelvic floor physical therapy is similar to orthopedic physical therapy, in that you will be using therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, and sometimes manual techniques address your needs. The main difference is that a pelvic floor assessment performed which can include an internal and/or external pelvic exam. Your pelvic floor physical therapist should also address other areas of the body such as your spine and hips which are closely related to pelvic floor function. If you have questions about if pelvic floor PT is right for you, book a complimentary consultation with me so we can chat!