What is pelvic PT?
It is a treatment approach using the principles of physical therapy to address dysfunction involving the structures of the pelvic girdle. This region of the body is very dynamic and complex. The bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the pelvis function more like the rotator cuff (RTC) of the shoulder. Much like RTC pain in the shoulder, pelvic girdle pain and dysfunction are staggeringly common and can be treated by a specially trained licensed physical therapist.
Who needs it?
One in four women over the age of 35 is affected by incontinence. (1) It also affects men at about half the rate of women. The onset of incontinence may be linked to pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause in women, and bowel or prostate issues in men. (2) Despite so many people affected, most wait an average of 6 years before seeking any medical advice. (3) This is commonly due to embarrassment or the misconception that pelvic problems such as incontinence are a normal part of aging. While it is common, it is not normal to experience incontinence or pelvic pain at any age and there are a wide variety of treatment options. In physical therapy we deal with the physical treatment options such as neuromuscular reeducation, strengthening, stretching, and manual therapy (the therapist uses their hands to manipulate tissues) in some cases. Ignoring incontinence issues may have a detrimental effect on a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Incontinence can present a much greater risk for falls and fractures, especially in older adults increasing risk of falls by 26% and fractures by 34% in older adult women. (4)
Just a few things pelvic PT addresses:
- Urinary incontinence (frequency, urge, and stress)
- Pelvic pain (insidious or pain with intercourse)
- Prenatal and postpartum care for mothers
- Hip, low back, or tailbone pain
- Recovery from surgery (prostate, hysterectomy, abdominal)
- Fall risk/balance
What to do if you have pelvic concerns
Do not wait! Speak up and get treatment. To hear more Pelvic Physical Therapy treatment or to schedule an appointment please contact Rehabilitation Services at Wickenburg Community Hospital, 928-684-5529. Help is closer than you think.
- Stavros Charalambous. The Impact of Urinary Incontinence On Quality of Lide. Review Article, June, 2009. Argyrios Trantafylidis, Department of Urology, Ippolratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- NIH website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/urologic-disease/blader-control-problems
- National Association For Continence. (2002). National stress urinary incontinence survey. Unpublished study. Charleston, SC
- Brown JS, Vittinghoff E. Wyman JF, et al for the Study of Osteopractic Fractures Research Group. Urinary incontinence: does it increase risk for falls and fractures? J Am Geriatr Soc 2000 Jul;48:721-5 Pubmedweb of Science