PHYSICAL THERAPY

Pelvic Floor Therapy

For many people, it can be difficult or embarrassing to talk about pelvic floor problems like incontinence and pelvic pain.

Cascade Health’s pelvic floor specialist, Aurora Martin, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA is committed to making sure that doesn’t keep you from getting the care you need to maintain optimal pelvic health. Knowledgeable, caring and easy to talk to, she is passionate about helping you improve function, decrease pain and gain a deeper understanding of your body and how you can improve your health.

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About Pelvic Therapy

Pelvic therapy can correct or reduce the symptoms of dysfunction in the muscles that make up your pelvic floor. These muscles have the important job of keeping your pelvis aligned with the rest of your body and supporting your bowels, bladder and reproductive organs. If they’ve been damaged, contract too much or don’t contract enough, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Pain, incontinence, painful intercourse and other symptoms can occur. 

Dr. Martin helps people decrease and manage symptoms related to the pelvic floor. Anyone — men and women, elite athletes and pregnant women, adolescents and the elderly — may experience pelvic floor dysfunction, and she will create an individualized plan to meet your specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of Pelvic Therapy?

Conditioning your pelvic floor muscles with therapeutic treatments and self-care practices can:

✅ Reduce pain in low back, sacrum, hips and pelvic region

✅ Improve range of motion

✅ Improve urinary and bowel control

✅ Reduce risk of developing chronic pain

✅ Reduce pregnancy discomfort

✅ Reduce/improve pelvic organ prolapse in women

  • Incontinence (urinary and fecal)

  • Urinary urgency and frequency

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Pelvic pain related to intercourse

  • Painful urination

What Conditions Can Pelvic Therapy Treat?

  • Post surgical abdominal or pelvic pain

  • Vaginismus

  • Vulvodynia

  • Perineal, rectal and clitoral pain

  • Pregnancy related spine, pelvic, and lower extremity pain

  • Pregnancy related carpal tunnel pain

  • Postpartum pain and fitness

What Treatments are Available?

Based on your evaluation and goals, there are a variety of therapies that the therapist may incorporate into your treatment plan. Usually, a number of therapies will be used together to treat different aspects of your condition(s), such as pain and weakness. Some of the treatments Cascade Health offers include:

Exercises

  • Stability and strengthening

  • Motor control and balance

  • Pelvic Exercises (Kegels)

Therapies

  • Biofeedback

  • Electrical stimulation

  • Trigger point release

  • Vaginal dilators

  • Weighted vaginal cones

  • Manual therapy

Education and Self-Care

  • Lifestyle modifications

  • Pain education

  • Relaxation techniques

Due to the nature of pelvic floor dysfunctions, you should expect a slightly different approach the first time you visit. The therapist will begin by reviewing your medical records, discussing your symptoms and concerns and measuring things like your posture and breathing. They will also perform a thorough musculoskeletal examination. 

When appropriate, they may also ask your consent to perform an internal vaginal or rectal exam to identify muscle issues that may be causing your pain or dysfunction. The therapist will thoroughly explain the process and purpose of each part of the examination before proceeding and will always stop the exam if you wish. Please come prepared for this possibility. 

After they have completed all the exams and information gathering, the therapist will work with you to identify your goals and develop a custom treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. As you begin your regular sessions, they will also track your progress, adjust the treatment plan as needed and report back to your referring physician if you choose.

Our Approach and What to Expect

  • If you are experiencing pain in the pelvic region, low back, hips or genitals.

  • If you have had or are planning to have pelvic surgery.

  • While you are pregnant or after giving birth.

  • If you are experiencing pain or difficulty going to the bathroom, incontinence or are waking multiple times during the night to use the restroom. 

  • If you experience pain during or after intercourse, during vaginal exams or when using a tampon.

  • If you experience chronic pain due to endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.

For more information about becoming a patient, please visit our patient information page.

When to Consider Pelvic Therapy