A resounding YES to all of the above!
Everyone SHOULD see a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy, postpartum, after any abdominal surgery, after any genitourinary surgery, and even with gynecological issues like painful menstrual cramps or recurrent UTIs.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can address components of all of these issues to help you prepare, improve, and restore! We can address current issues as well as prevent future injuries and issues. We can help you safely rehab back to full function after injury or surgery. And we can help address parts of larger issues to help create long-term solutions for those lingering gynecological issues.
But my doctor “cleared” me so why?
Just like a pelvic floor therapist would never prescribe medication, perform surgery, assess and treat your internal organs, or deliver your baby, your OB/GYN is not really assessing or treating the state and function of your pelvic floor musculature. It is a pelvic floor therapist’s job to be an expert at assessing and treating the pelvic floor and core to make sure you have good length, good strength, good coordination, good function, and most of all that you are able to safely return to doing all the things you want to do!
But what if I’m not having symptoms?
It’s obvious why you should see a physical therapist if you’re experiencing pain, weakness, leaking, etc, but what about those that don’t? If you have no symptoms, great! You may only need an assessment to make sure everything is good and some education for safely moving forward. Or your pelvic floor therapist may find some issues that could cause symptoms or injuries later on. If this is the case, early intervention may prevent issues down the line including injuries, dysfunctions, and even surgeries.
Healthcare was meant to be a team effort, so make sure you know where your Doctor of Physical Therapy fits on that team! Pelvic floor physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system of the entire body with additional expertise in the function of the pelvic floor and core musculature. Don’t miss out on this essential component of your care! If you are pregnant, postpartum, pre- or post-surgery, having gynecological issues, or just wanting to understand more about your body, reach out to Life Changes Physical Therapy for an evaluation today!
#pelvichealth #pelvicfloordysfunction #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorawareness #pelvicfloortherapy #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #womenshealthphysicaltherapy #pregnancyphysicaltherapy #postpartumphysicaltherapy #physicaltherapy #northlaketx #argyletx #southlaketx #grapevinetx #flowermoundtx #highlandvillagetx #dentontx #lantanatx #roanoketx #kellertx #bartonvilletx #justintx #alliancetx #dentontx