What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Written by Emily Dumont, PT, DPT

Pelvic floor issues affect up to 1 in 3 women and men too! Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized treatment for the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissue which stretch across the pelvis. The pelvic floor has multiple functions including: supporting the pelvic organs, assisting with bowel and bladder control, along with sexual function. It is also a core muscle and assists in keeping us upright and plays a role in our balance.

The pelvic floor is centrally located in our body; therefore, everything affects it from how you move, how you sit, your sleep and your stress levels. Small habits that you are doing everyday like clenching your jaw or the way you walk could be negatively impacting your pelvic floor. Due to its proximity to the organ’s constipation, menstrual health, and other digestive issues can play a role

As pelvic floor therapists we are trained in treating the muscles of the pelvic floor to optimize their function and treat any dysfunction that may exist. However, we cannot forget that the pelvic floor is connected to a whole person and we have to assess the whole body to really get to the root of the cause. At Poppy Physical Therapy we do one on one sessions for a full hour in order to find the "why". We go beyond addressing just your symptoms and want to find why your symptoms started for real, lasting relief.