Pelvic Rehabilitation + Education
Physical therapy telemedicine is covered by most major insurances at this time.
Sometimes, breath and movement
is the best medicine.
Pelvic Rehabilitation is the highly specialized treatment of the pelvic region, including the abdomen, low back, and hips. We aim to increase function, decrease pain, and elevate quality of life. Pelvic muscles, nerves, joints and connective tissue can be injured, dysfunctional, painful, weak, restricted or imbalanced. Often, bodies experience a domino effect, meaning other regions of the body begin to act and feel differently as a compensatory mechanism. There may also be a mental aspect to pelvic pain and dysfunction, as chronic pain is described by many as frustrating, restrictive, invisible to others, intrusive in relationships and shame evoking.
The courage it requires to seek treatment is profound. We will address all opportunities for healing: biological, psychological and social. Sometimes it takes a multifaceted approach to find and address the root cause (or causes) of ongoing discomfort. From simple exercises to perform at home to lifestyle changes, patients will feel knowledgeable, comfortable and confident with their individual programs and will continue to progress long after pelvic rehab is over.
“There is nothing that can replace the support of others who have gone, or are going
through some of what we are struggling with at this time.”
— Suzanna Fox; Just in time, someone like me.
Treatments Include
Gender affirmative care
Dry Needling
Bladder and bowel retraining
Biofeedback
Neuromotor re-education to train muscles and restore posture
Strengthening exercises designed for pelvic floor, core and hips
Flexibility focus to facilitate pain free and effortless movement
Soft and deep tissue mobilization, internal and external, including myofascial release and neural mobilization
Manual therapy to restore inadequate joint movement
Desensitization techniques to reduce hypersensitivity
Yoga and Pilates integration to home exercise programs
Patient and partner/caregiver education
Progressive muscle relaxation
Non-western techniques including cupping, aromatherapy and mindfulness
Individualized treatments developed to balance, strengthen and restore full and pain-free movement
Common Reasons to Seek Treatment
Bladder Dysfunction: Incontinence: stress, urge, mixed urgency and frequency, bladder retention, bladder pain and voiding pain
Bowel Dysfunction: Constipation, incontinence, painful bowel movements, abdominal pain and bloating
Musculoskeletal: Perineal, genital, and pelvic girdle pain, low back and hip pain, postural weakness and deficits, pelvic floor and core weakness
Lifespan Rehabilitation: Prenatal, postpartum, menopause, post-menopause, and osteopenia/osteoporosis
Sexual Considerations: Pain during or after intercourse, decreased libido, climax difficulty or changes
Cancer Rehabilitation and Post-surgical Rehabilitation: General strengthening and endurance training, scar and tissue mobilization, help with transition back to gym or group classes
What to Expect During your First Visit
Getting To Know You
A chance to tell your story, describe your current symptoms in detail, and anything else you think your provider should know. Questions regarding your daily behaviors and habits will be asked, most specifically regarding bladder, bowel, digestive and sexual functions. This is a great way for you and your provider to get to know one another.
Evaluation and Assessment
During the initial visit, a general orthopedic assessment of your posture, breathing, range of motion, strength, and flexibility will be performed first.
A more specialized and focused evaluation of your pelvis will follow in successive visits. This may include external and/or internal pelvic floor muscle and tissue assessment for range of motion, coordination, strength, endurance, tenderness and integrity. You will lie on a treatment table undressed from the waist down, covered with a sheet. Your provider will make sure you are comfortable and ask permission to continue with the evaluation, at which time they will explain each task before proceeding. With a gloved finger and lubrication, they will perform an internal vaginal exam to assess muscle function, tension and tone, evidence of prolapse and tissue/myofascial integrity. This process may be performed anally as an alternative. Your provider will discuss the assessment procedure with you and you will decide as a team when the assessment may take place.You may defer the internal assessment if you wish and may stop the examination at any time. Your comfort and safety is paramount for optimal healing.
Discussion
After gathering information obtained in the introduction and evaluation, your provider will discuss their findings with you and answer any questions you may have. Together you will discuss a treatment plan and establish goals. The evaluation will be sent to your referring provider to update them and invite them to collaborate with us during your treatment.
Treatments
Bi-weekly or weekly treatments will be recommended as determined by you and your provider. It is imperative during the course of your treatment that you follow your provider’s recommendations as best you can. If you are not able to implement the suggestions made it is equally important that you feel comfortable to let your provider know this as well as to let them know why. In these discussions you and your provider will be able to customize a treatment plan that does work for you and for your life. Your treatment sessions may include manual treatment, therapeutic exercise, functional training, behavioral retraining, relaxation and mindfulness guidance and neuromuscular re-education. Please be prepared to move, dress appropriately, bring water to hydrate and eat prior to your session.
Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions or concerns prior to your first session. Congratulations to you for seeking treatment!
Warmly,
Lily Dawson PT, DPT
For inquiries, questions, or concerns, please email us:
FAQs
Will insurance cover Pelvic Rehab?
Most insurances cover Pelvic Rehab, however, as a general rule, we encourage patients to know their benefits prior to starting treatment to avoid surprises.
Can I self-pay for Pelvic Rehab?
Yes. If you do not have insurance, run out of authorized/covered Pelvic Rehab visits for the year, or simply decide not to bill insurance but would like to continue treatment, there is an option for self-pay. Please call our office for details!
Can I come to Pelvic Rehab on the same day as my Provider appointment?
Most insurances will not cover multiple medical appointments in the same 24 hour period. However, you may schedule talk therapy on the same day as physical therapy.
Do I need a referral?
In order to bill your insurance for PT, many insurances require a PT referral/order/prescription. You may acquire this from your primary care provider (MD, DO, PA, NP, or Chiro), specialist, or certified midwife.
I’m on my period, should I still come to Pelvic Rehab?
Yes! Treatment may be adjusted based on your cycle and preferences. There is always something to learn, someway to move and an option to heal.
Do I need to wear athletic clothing?
Nope. Wear garments that are stretchy and comfortable, something you don’t mind moving around in.
What about.... Down there?
I encourage patients to feel comfortable. No extra grooming is necessary, au natural is perfect in my book!
What if I need to cancel my Pelvic Rehab appointment?
Our practice policy for no show appointments and late cancellations (<24 hours) are listed in your new patient paperwork. Please call the office (616) 284-1237 to cancel and for re-scheduling.
**Pelvic Rehab is offered via Telehealth and is covered by most major insurances for a limited time. Lets get a head-start on your healing! Please inquire about an appointment via email or give us a call.