Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is physical therapy for pelvic diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy for pelvic diagnoses involves specialized treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction and related conditions.

Question 2

What should I expect for my first session?

Accepted Answer

Your PT will take an extensive history of your current problem and she will perform a musculoskeletal examination which may consist of assessing your spine, hips, pubic bone, pelvic alignment, inner thigh, abdominal and gluteal musculature, as well as doing an internal and/or external pelvic floor muscle examination if indicated, with your permission. Your first session will last for one hour.

Question 3

How often should I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Each patient is different and your PT will determine the best course of treatment based on your specific diagnosis. Generally a patient who needs help with strengthening would be seen once a week. A patient needing help with getting the musculature to relax and return to its normal tone would typically be seen 1-2 times a week. As the patient progresses, we start decreasing the frequency of treatment, tapering off for discharge.

Question 4

Will my insurance be accepted?

Accepted Answer

We accept a large number of health insurance companies and also welcome out-of-network insurance. We have affordable cash pay rates and work with all patients to help minimize treatment fees.

Question 5

Do I need a physician's prescription to receive physical therapy services?

Accepted Answer

A prescription for Medicare patients is required. Otherwise, prescriptions are not generally required unless your specific insurance company states that you are required to obtain one.

Question 6

Why do I have pelvic pain?

Accepted Answer

Some contributing factors to pelvic pain can be tight /restricted muscles, connective tissue restrictions, neural inflammation and/or myofascial trigger points. All of these dysfunctions can be treated by physical therapy.

Question 7

Am I the only one with this complaint?

Accepted Answer

In 2002, Harvard published a study showing that 15% of the population has some sort of pelvic pain or dysfunction. Another study showed that 3.9% of the population has some type of chronic pelvic pain, which is comparable to the 4.1% of the population suffering from chronic low back pain.

Question 8

Is it normal for my perineal region to go numb when I ride my bike?

Accepted Answer

It is not normal; however, many riders experience numbness in their sit region. Most bike riders with pudendal neuralgia have concurrent contributing factors resulting in pelvic pain as well. It is important to make sure you are properly fitted on your bike and have good posture when riding. Techniques which can be utilized consist of: sitting back on your sit bones when riding, installing a different seat, or weight shifting during riding.

Question 9

Is it normal to have pain before (during and/or after) intercourse?

Accepted Answer

Pain during intercourse is not normal. Pelvic floor muscles, skin, and nerves can become sensitive if a dysfunction is present and can cause pain during arousal, intercourse, or post-coital.

Question 10

I have tried kegal exercises, but they do not work or make my pain worse.

Accepted Answer

Kegel exercises (or pelvic floor muscle exercises) work i.e. tighten the pelvic floor muscles. When the muscles are already too tight or have trigger points, tightening them can further create increased pain and/or irritate the skin and nerves.

Question 11

I feel that I am unable to empty my bladder fully. Can anything be done?

Accepted Answer

If the pelvic floor muscles have trigger points or increase tone they may not be able to relax completely when you void to allow your bladder to empty well. PT can assist in teaching you how to empty properly and relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Question 12

Why do other areas/organs in my pelvis and abdominal region hurt if the problem is in the pelvic floor?

Accepted Answer

The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs and can refer pain to these areas when there is some type of dysfunction. Restrictions in the abdominal, hip and gluteal muscles can also refer pain to the pelvic floor.