1st Classen Physical Therapy, offers a broad range of therapies including pelvic floor therapy. We currently offer internal and external therapies for Women with problems with pre and post partum, pregnancy issues, incontinence, pelvic pain, pain with intimacy, prolapse to name a few. We also offer external care for men suffering from pelvic and groin pain. Pelvic pain and incontinence are common, but should never be considered normal and are treatable with pelvic floor trained therapists.
So-how does it work? We address pain, muscle imbalances, weaknesses, and tightness. We use tools such as Grastin, Cupping, Dry Needling, Soft tissue Instruments, electrical stimulation devices, pelvic weights, and pelvic wands to name a few. We use muscle relaxation techniques, manual therapies, and neuromuscular re-education techniques to return balance to the pelvic floor. Research shows that these techniques when paired with strengthening greatly improve pain and function. Treatments look different from person to person, but below we will look at what you could expect as a man or woman seeking care. Your comfort is of the utmost importance, so we walk you through all therapies before we begin to ensure your understanding and comfort with the activity.
So, what can you expect when you come in for your first examination and the following care? For Women, you can expect a detailed examination of your personal issues to determine a personalized plan of care. We examine the internal and external musculature of the pelvic floor to determine the root of the problems, as well as surrounding joints and musculature. Once a plan is established, we use tools such as Kegel weights for strengthening, pelvic wands for trigger pointing and relaxing muscles or decreasing scar tissue, and more. Kegel weights have been shown to improve strength of the pelvic floor and decrease urinary incontinence. Pelvic wands have been shown to decrease scar tissue, painful trigger points, and decrease tightness in pelvic muscles, thus decreasing pain. We also use internal electrical muscle stimulation to assist with strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
For Men, you can expect a detailed external examination of the pelvis, core, and upper leg musculature, as well as testing of the spine to determine the root of your problem. We do not offer services to address fecal incontinence, or hands on internal work with men. If we determine that type of care is required, we will point you to another clinician to continue your care. We use muscle relaxation techniques, fascial release techniques, external trigger pointing, joint mobilizations, and other manual therapies to address muscle imbalances and dysfunctional movement patterns.
Are your pelvic floor conditions getting in the way of living your life to the fullest?
Come see us at 1st Classen Physical Therapy, and see how we can help you to get your life back!
This blog is brought to you by Kyra Fulgham.
Citations:
Ajimsha MS, Ismail LA, Al-Mudahka N, Majzoub A. Effectiveness of external myofascial mobilisation in the management of male chronic pelvic pain of muscle spastic type: A retrospective study. Arab J Urol. 2021 Jul 26;19(3):394-400. doi: 10.1080/2090598X.2
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Anderson, R.U., Harvey, R.H., Wise, D. et al. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Reduction of Medication Use After Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with an Internal Myofascial Trigger Point Wand. Appl Psychophysiol Biof
eedback 40, 45–52 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-015-9273-1
Herbison GP, Dean N. Weighted vaginal cones for urinary incontinence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jul 8;2013(7):CD002114. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002114.pub2. PMID: 23836411; PMCID: PMC7086390.