See A Specialist for Pelvic Floor Therapy
If you were having trouble with your vision, would it make sense for you to see a dermatologist? Probably not. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions, so making a dermatology appointment probably wouldn’t help you very much. Clearly, a dermatologist has been through many years of medical school training, and probably learned a few important things about eyes and vision, etc. However, seeing the RIGHT specialist matters based on the symptoms you are experiencing.
In the world of physical therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialty area. During the education process to become a physical therapist we all generally learn about the importance of pelvic floor function, and possibly have a specialty guest lecturer for a day or two to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction and how physical therapy can help. However, when it comes down to it, a pelvic floor physical therapist is someone who has continued their education beyond the general education of physical therapists.
A few symptoms that would be best addressed by a pelvic floor physical therapist:
Urinary leakage
Pelvic or perineal pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Difficulty or pain inserting a tampon or menstrual cup
Urinary or bowel urgency
Fecal incontinence or fecal smearing
Pelvic or perineal “heaviness”
Feeling of incomplete emptying after using the bathroom
Frequent urination
Unresolved lower back or pelvic pain
Postpartum concerns (diastasis recti, C-section scar, episiotomy scars)
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
Scar tissue from abdominal surgeries
Is it possible to have some relief of the above symptoms by seeing any physical therapist? Yes, it is possible. However, it makes the most sense to seek the expertise of a pelvic floor physical therapist. Just like you would start by seeing an eye specialist rather than a skin specialist for vision concerns, do the same for your pelvic symptoms. A pelvic floor physical therapist will have greater knowledge, resources, and skills to provide to you in order to help you gain control of your pelvic symptoms. At SHIFT Physical Therapy and Wellness we proudly specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy and will happily welcome you to our clinic to allow you space to share your pelvic story, and help you find answers and resolution to your pelvic concerns.
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
