Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Chicago
The pelvic floor is a group of hammock shaped muscles that work closely with your abdominals, low back, diaphragm, hips, and legs. Because these areas all influence each other, pelvic floor physical therapy is most effective when it treats the whole system rather than one isolated muscle group.
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At our River North clinic, a detailed pelvic floor evaluation includes a well rounded assessment of every one of these components. That gives us the full picture we need to build an effective, holistic plan of care, one on one with your physical therapist for the entire visit.
Illinois direct access means you do not need a physician referral to start pelvic floor therapy.
C-Section Scar Management
A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery, and recovery involves more than waiting for the incision to close. Scar tissue can restrict how the tissue underneath moves, and the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles often lose their timing with each other after surgery.
Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses both. Your therapist will perform hands on scar mobilization and teach you how to continue the techniques at home, so the scar stays soft and mobile instead of tight and tethered. From there we retrain the abdominals and pelvic floor to work together again, which is what lets you lift your baby, get in and out of bed, exercise, and return to daily life without pain or injury.
It is never too late to start. Whether you are six weeks or six years postpartum, scar tissue and coordination both respond to treatment.
Hip and Groin Pain
Pain or tension in the pelvic floor may occasionally present as hip, groin, or even low back pain. If a general orthopedic approach has not been successful in alleviating symptoms in these areas, a pelvic floor assessment may be warranted.
Pain with Intercourse
While pain with sex may seem common, there are absolutely strategies to make the experience pain free and more enjoyable. Often, pain with intercourse is caused by tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help identify what muscles are affected, and implement an individualized program with manual therapy, mobility, and strengthening activities.Â
Perineal Tearing
After vaginal delivery, tearing of the perineum to varying degrees is possible which may affect the function of your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help not only with scar management and pain at the perineum, but also assess your pelvic floor muscles and address any additional postpartum symptoms.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Return to Exercise
As the body goes through so many changes during pregnancy and postpartum, it can be difficult to know how to safely move your body and exercise during this time. Through the guidance of a skilled physical therapist, we can help you safely and progressively return to the exercise you love most.
Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Urgency and Frequency
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, often related to poor coordination or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles. Urgency and frequency are related but distinct concerns, involving a sudden strong need to urinate or the need to go far more often than feels normal. Both can affect your workouts, your sleep, and your confidence throughout the day.
Through a detailed pelvic floor assessment, your physical therapist will identify which muscles need strengthening, which need to relax, and how your bladder habits may be contributing. From there you will get practical strategies to manage symptoms right away, along with a plan built for long-term relief.
Ready to Book your Pelvic Physical Therapy Evaluation?
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Pelvic floor symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to live with.
Work one on one with a physical therapist who takes the time to understand your symptoms, your history, and your goals. Every session is a full hour of dedicated care, and under Illinois direct access you do not need a referral to get started.
Book your pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation at our River North clinic today.