Physical therapy for pelvic floor disorders: Your solution for expert care

UW Health orthopedic physical therapists have advanced training and expertise in working with patients who have pelvic floor disorders.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped part of the body consisting of muscles and other non-muscular soft tissues located in the lower pelvis. It supports the abdominal organs, facilitates urinary and bowel continence and aids in sexual satisfaction.

Physical therapy and the pelvic floor

Through the normal movement and stresses associated with daily living, the pelvic floor can weaken and become lax. It is also an area that can carry increased tension and stress. When the pelvic floor weakens or carries undue stress, individuals may experience urinary or bowel urgency, incontinence, constipation and pelvic pain or pain with intercourse.

Physical therapy can often break into those dysfunctional cycles with education, behavior modification, modalities and exercises to facilitate normal coordination of pelvic floor muscles.

Our evaluation process

An initial evaluation usually includes an extensive history interview, examination of the spine and lower extremities, biofeedback assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and abdominal muscles, an internal pelvic floor assessment, education and initiation of a home program of exercises.

Whatever your symptoms, we can help.

Please note: Appointments require a referral from a physician. A written referral must be brought to the appointment or faxed by your physician to our clinic.