Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized type of treatment that focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the muscles in the pelvic area to treat pain and restore function. The cluster of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue in the pelvic floor are prone to a variety of conditions that can result in discomfort due to a lack of strength, injury, or some other restrictive influence on the pelvic floor.
How Long Should My Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Take?
Every patient is different. The extent of time necessary for effective pelvic floor physical therapy services is dependent on a variety of determining factors related to the condition and symptoms that have been contributing to pain and dysfunction in the pelvic region. These factors may include but are not limited to how long the patient has been suffering with the symptoms of pain or dysfunction, other systems in the body that have been affected as a result, and patient specific limits such as injuries or allergies and dietary restrictions that might limit the scope of options for treatment. Patients who are dealing with more complex limitations will typically require longer periods of pelvic floor therapy treatment.For example, a patient with contributing factors such as an inadequate diet, stressful work environment and constipation or other similar health issues on top of lengthy bouts of discomfort due to a hip labral tear and herniated disc may require a more extensive treatment plan, than another patient who was injured in a fall and is not dealing with additional lifestyle or health matters that might hinder treatment.
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?
A pelvic floor physiotherapist specializes in working with the musculoskeletal system of the human body. This includes the bones, the muscles, the joints and how they all work together to support the various other internal systems of the organs, the arteries, and central nervous system. The job of the physiotherapist is to help eliminate pain and restore optimal functionality in the pelvic floor. This is accomplished by working with the patient to identify ways to correct posture, promote better body positioning, develop a home exercise support program, and review a range of pain management options for alleviating discomfort. Relaxation techniques are an integral component of pelvic floor therapy treatment and the physiotherapist guides the patient in learning those techniques to achieve the desired results. Your physiotherapist is a highly trained pelvic health expert ready to educate you on pain science, nutrition, bowel and bladder health, toileting behavior, and sexual dysfunction.
Which Exercises are Bad for the Pelvic Floor?
Overexertion can be detrimental to the rehabilitation process of the pelvic floor and should be avoided to refrain from placing too much undue strain on that area.When performing any exercises, always listen to your body and stop if you experience pain, discomfort, strain, or unexpected bladder leaks. Any instance where you’re forced to compensate or lose your form during the exercise may cause your condition to worsen and hinder recovery.
Do Physiotherapists Massage Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Our physiotherapist conducts manual therapy which incorporates different techniques than a traditional massage. These techniques include soft tissue mobilization and trigger point or myofascial release actions that are designed to manipulate the muscles located in the pelvic floor. In order for muscles to function properly they must receive sufficient blood flow. This requires manual therapy techniques to help decrease myofascial limitation and spasms. Since many of the muscles in the pelvic floor are located deep inside the body near the urethra, bladder, and anorectal and genital areas, manual therapy often requires internal vaginal or rectal manipulations.When the patient is experiencing restriction or complication in the muscles, nerves, and organs of the pelvic floor, the common result is dysfunction in the form of bladder or bowel issues, abdomino-pelvic pain or discomfort, and sexual dysfunction.
What to Wear to Pelvic Floor Therapy in New Jersey?
We highly recommend that patients wear comfortable clothing, allowing a complete range of movement during pelvic floor therapy sessions, similar to what you would expect for a visit to the gym. Shoes should also be comfortable and offer plenty of support, think sneakers instead of heels or loafers. Some therapy sessions might require the removal of clothing. A sheet will be provided, but we suggest that patients bring a pair of socks to help stay warm.
What is the Cost of Pelvic Floor Therapy?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pelvic floor physical therapy so it’s difficult to determine the cost of treatment until the patient is evaluated by one of our physiotherapists. Beyond Basics develops each treatment regimen for the particular unique needs of each patient. Since each therapy is tailored to address the condition and symptoms of the patient, the cost of treatment can fluctuate from one patient to the next, based on the complexities of the condition and the length of treatment needed to eliminate the condition. We will always take every opportunity to work with a patient in creating a treatment plan that is affordable.
How Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Cause Bloating?
Pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles, can significantly contribute to bloating due to its impact on gastrointestinal functions. When these muscles are not functioning properly, it can impact the ease of emptying and make it difficult for your body to pass stool and gas through the intestines. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of waste and gas in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.
What are the first steps I should take if I suspect I have endometriosis?
If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in endometriosis. They can help you determine the next steps, which often includes imaging tests, symptom management strategies, and a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help with endometriosis symptoms?
Pelvic floor physical therapy can significantly alleviate symptoms of endometriosis by targeting the musculoskeletal system, which can help reduce abdominal-pelvic pain, bladder and bowel urgency, frequency, retention, incomplete emptying, and sexual pain. By addressing these areas, pelvic floor therapy can improve the quality of life for those affected by endometriosis.
How often should I attend pelvic floor physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of pelvic floor physical therapy sessions varies based on the severity of your symptoms and your individual treatment plan. Typically, patients might start with weekly sessions and gradually reduce frequency as they progress.
What can I expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session?
During a pelvic floor physical therapy session, you can expect a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, a discussion of your symptoms, and personalized exercises to help relieve pain and improve function. Your physical therapist might also use techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation exercises.
Are there any at-home exercises I can do to complement my pelvic floor physical therapy?
Yes, your physical therapist will likely recommend specific at-home exercises tailored to your needs. These might include stretches, relaxation techniques, and strengthening exercises to support your pelvic floor health.
How long does it take to see improvements from pelvic floor physical therapy?
The timeline for seeing improvements varies among individuals. Some patients might notice relief after a few sessions, while others may take several months to experience significant changes. Consistency with physical therapy and at-home exercises is key to achieving the best results.
How do I know if my pelvic floor muscles are contributing to my endometriosis pain?
A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles to determine if they are contributing to your pain. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary issues, and bowel dysfunction can indicate pelvic floor muscle involvement.
Can pelvic floor physical therapy replace surgery for endometriosis?
While pelvic floor physical therapy is highly beneficial for managing symptoms, it does not replace the need for surgical intervention in cases where excision surgery is required to remove endometrial tissue. However, in many cases, physical therapy can significantly reduce symptoms so that individuals might no longer need surgery.
Should I get an assessment before doing Kegels?
Yes, it is important to get a proper assessment from a pelvic floor physical therapist before starting Kegels, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary issues, or discomfort. Not everyone benefits from Kegels, and doing them incorrectly or unnecessarily can lead to further issues. A personalized assessment will help determine the appropriate exercises based on your specific condition.
Why might Kegels not be beneficial for everyone?
Kegels are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution and might not be suitable or beneficial for everyone. Some people have overactive or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles, and Kegels can exacerbate their symptoms. A personalized assessment is crucial to determine the right treatment approach.
What are some signs that Kegels might not be the right exercise for me?
If you experience more pain, discomfort, or pressure in your pelvic region after doing Kegels, it’s a red flag. It’s important to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to find the right exercises for your condition.
What alternatives to Kegels might be recommended by a pelvic floor physical therapist?
A pelvic floor physical therapist might recommend several alternatives to Kegels depending on the individual’s specific condition and needs. Alternatives to Kegels might include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, postural correction, and manual therapy.
How can a pelvic floor physical therapist help me?
Our pelvic floor physical therapists can provide a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. They use various techniques to address pain, and dysfunction, helping you achieve better pelvic health and overall well-being.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?
At Beyond Basics, we are out of network with most insurance providers. This allows us to offer better care, including full-hour, one-on-one sessions without passing you off to aides. We create a treatment plan based on your specific needs rather than the limitations set by insurance plans, and we focus on functional goals that truly improve your life.
We accept out-of-network plans from Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Oxford. Our internal billing staff will work with you to submit claims on your behalf and walk you through your options. You can also make convenient monthly payments with various finance options through Care Credit, offering special interest-free financing of 6, 12, or 18 months, as well as discounted package rates.
If you have any questions about insurance coverage or financing, call our billing office at 212.354.2622, text us at 212.354.2622, or email [email protected].