What Is Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) has specialities depending on your recovery or preventative needs. Pelvic physical therapists are experts in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that make up and support the pelvic region. They typically have specific training in pelvic pain, breath control, sexual function, pregnancy related concerns, visceral conditions, and urinary and bowel dysfunction. Pelvic therapists can offer a safe space for support, education, and hands on treatment that will help you feel your best.

When to See A Pelvic PT?

Physical therapists are seen to prevent movement dysfunction and maintain health, but you’ll most likely see a therapist after an injury, surgery, or new diagnosis. Physical therapy can help you regain function, decrease pain, gain range of motion and mobility, restore endurance, enhance balance, and improve coordination. You may be referred to pelvic PT if you experience pain or instability in your abdominal, hip, or pelvic region, have bowel or bladder incontinence/retention/frequency, experience sexual dysfunction or other symptoms related to the pelvic floor and core.

Goal of Pelvic PT

The goal of PT is to help you become self sufficient in your health journey or recovery. Depending on your condition, you may need anywhere from just a few visits, to weeks, or months of therapy. During this time you will slowly build up your home routine and learn how to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Dilators may be introduced during therapy as a tool to treat dyspareunia (pain with sex), vaginal scars, pelvic floor pain, pelvic floor tension, and other conditions causing narrowing, shortening, or restriction of the vagina or vaginal opening.

Post Therapy

Home exercise programs are a critical component of successful physical therapy. After you are discharged from therapy it’s important to keep up a routine to maintain progress or wellness. For post pelvic PT this might include breath work, yoga, stress management, proper nutrition, pelvic floor relaxation or strengthening, and/or the use of tools at home, such as the VWELL dilator set.

Maintenance with VWELL Dilators

The use of dilator therapy has been shown to improve patient outcomes particularly when used greater than 3 months. This indicates that a regular and long term program can be beneficial.

Dilators are typically used before bedtime for 10-15 minutes, but they can be used at any time in a comfortable and safe environment. Show your body who's the boss and who is in charge. Because it always takes YOU to tango.

How to Enhance Relaxation During Dilator Training?

It is important to be relaxed when using dilators so that the pelvic floor is not tense. Mindfulness, breathing techniques, and music are just a few simple ways to enhance relaxation during dilator training.

Dilators Can Be The Smart Way To Train and Improve Your Pelvic Health

The VWELL Silicone Dilator Set helps you take charge of your wellness using a safe, comfortable design and a hands free option with each size.

Your therapist or doctor may provide you with an at home program to continue using dilators and progressing towards your goals or for maintenance. Learn more about dilators and how to use them by exploring the blog.

Post written by Dr. Cassandra Sharp PT, DPT

-

Stay with us at IntiMD for more tips, tricks, hacks, and other benefits to shaving, intimate care, pelvic health and wellness, increasing your pheromones, intimate toys, and a whole lot more.

Be sure to follow IntiMD on Instagram, Tiktok and all our other social media accounts for more.