Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy assists in managing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, thus improving overall pelvic health using a well rounded treatment plan. Pelvic floor therapists use several therapeutic methods to help relieve symptoms and pain. While some techniques involve strengthening pelvic floor muscles, others help facilitate the lengthening and relaxing of the muscles. Pelvic floor therapy is a holistic practice that can include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, breath work, and so much more.

Treatment plans are tailored to best address each patient’s unique needs. Though it may sound like pelvic floor muscles would be difficult to recondition, pelvic floor therapists have the skills to help patients make improvements, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain. Pelvic floor therapy can be done by both physical therapists and occupational therapists.

Spear’s Pelvic Health Specialists provide comprehensive and accessible care for pelvic, lumbar, and abdominal health needs, inclusive of all genders.

Who is pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy recommended for?

Pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy is a powerful treatment that is beneficial to people experiencing a wide array of symptoms. Factors causing pelvic floor dysfunction vary from patient to patient.

Some medical problems that can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy can include, but is not limited to:

• Painful Intercourse
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Genital Pain
• Post-Transition Discomfort
• Perimenopausal & Menopausal Concern
• Urinary Incontinence
• Prenatal Discomfort
• Prostatitis
• Coccyx/Tailbone Pain
• Low Back/Sacroiliac
• Joint Pain & Reconditioning
• Osteoporosis
• Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation
• Post-Cesarean Section
• Postpartum Discomfort
• Post-Prostatectomy

People who experience these medical issues may benefit greatly from pelvic floor therapy. Medical professionals often recommend pelvic floor therapy before turning to invasive surgical procedures.

What are the benefits of treating pelvic floor dysfunction?

There are a wide array of profound benefits to seeking therapy or treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. From increased bowel and bladder control to improved sexual functioning, pelvic floor therapy can truly be life changing for patients.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen, elongate, or relax pelvic floor muscles. Therapists manipulate the muscles so that they become stronger. Equally important is the coordination of pelvic floor muscles, when these muscles are conditioned to work together more effectively, many of the issues associated with pelvic floor dysfunction begin to dissipate, including bladder control issues, constipation, incontinence and much more.

Through pelvic floor therapy, patients can experience a dramatic reduction in pain, and in some cases, pain is alleviated altogether. Furthermore, physical therapy and occupational therapy gives patients the necessary tools to prevent pain from returning in the future.

What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?

Symptoms that impact both men and women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction include:

• Using the bathroom with increased frequency and/or struggling to go
• Painful and/or frequent urination
• Incontinence (either urine or stool)
• Constipation, straining to pass bowel movements, or pelvic pain after bowel movements
• Lower back pain with no apparent cause
• Ongoing genital, rectal, or pelvic floor pain
• Stress urinary incontinence resulting from laughing, sneezing, or coughing

Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction that impact men and people with male sex organs exclusively include:

• Groin pain
• Ejaculation issues
• Erectile dysfunction
• Prostatitis

Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction that impact women and people with female sex organs include:

• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Compromised reproductive health

A person is unlikely to experience all of the symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction; in fact, experiencing only one or two symptoms merits a call to the doctor and/or a visit to the therapist.

Does insurance cover the costs of pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is regarded in the medical community as a serious issue that requires treatment. Therefore, pelvic floor physical therapy, among other types of treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, is typically covered by public and private insurance. At Spear, what sets us apart is our commitment to making our services as accessible as possible for patients in the diverse communities that we serve. We participate in-network with all major insurance companies in NYC including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC & Medicare. We also will work with patients with out-of-network plans to make care more affordable, as well as provide one of the lowest self-pay rates in the city for this specialty service.

Patients should review their insurance coverage before beginning treatment. Some insurers cap the amount of physical therapy coverage per year per patient, and others limit the number of sessions that will be covered. Spear provides pelvic floor therapy in-network with most insurance companies and works with patients out-of-network to provide affordable care. In addition to numerous locations, we also provide telehealth so anyone can access care.

Is pelvic floor therapy painful?

It is possible to feel discomfort during pelvic floor therapy, however, the patient is in complete control during the session and is encouraged to communicate with their therapist if there is pain, so that treatment can be adjusted. Pelvic floor physical therapy begins with a pelvic floor exam and assessment, during which time the physical or occupational therapist will work to understand the cause of symptoms.