Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy (PT) directed at treating pain, weakness, and/or dysfunction associated with the muscles within and around the pelvis (especially the pelvic floor). Currently, pelvic floor therapy is offered exclusively by Genevieve Afan, PT, DPT at our AzOPT Buckeye physical therapy clinic.
Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy only about doing “Kegels”?
No, pelvic floor physical therapy is not just Kegels. The Kegel is a popular exercise to train the pelvic floor muscles. However, not every patient with pelvic floor dysfunction will benefit from Kegels. In fact, sometimes, doing so without proper instruction may make your symptoms worse. Therefore, it’s beneficial to be evaluated by a physical therapist who can help you determine if Kegels are right for you, and furthermore, instruct you on how to properly perform the exercise to get the most out of it without making your symptoms worse.
Who can Receive Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
At this time, we offer pelvic floor physical therapy for women only at our Buckeye physical therapy clinic.
What Types of Conditions Can a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Treat?
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia, Vestibulodynia
- Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)
Is an Internal Exam Required in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
An internal exam is NOT required in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. However, an internal exam can give your physical therapist very important information about the function of your pelvic floor muscles that can allow them to best treat your symptoms.
What Should I Wear to my Physical Therapy Appointment(s)?
You should wear something comfortable that you can move in for your physical therapy appointments!
What Should I Expect at my Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy appointment(s)?
At your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment, expect a lot of questions, talking, and information, as your physical therapist will be gathering information to help better understand your symptoms and how we can treat them. Your session will take place in a private room with a door every time, although there may be occasions where you will come out onto the main treatment floor for therapeutic exercises. Each appointment is intended to last for 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, please note that your appointment will end on-time regardless of what time you start in order to best serve all patients.
Does AzOPT Offer Biofeedback?
At this time we do not offer biofeedback using a machine. However, multiple pelvic floor physical therapists have been able to successfully treat their patients without the use of a biofeedback device! This is a type of treatment that can complement your therapy, however, it is not a requirement in order to get meaningful results!
Do I Need a Referral for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Generally, this depends on your insurance and whether or not you intend to have your visits covered by your insurance. Our office staff can assist with helping you discover if your insurance requires a referral for your pelvic floor physical therapy. Otherwise, you are welcome to take advantage of our services via self-pay options. Information on pricing can be obtained by calling our office staff.
How Long Should I Expect to Require Treatment in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
This is going to differ from person to person depending on their symptoms and other medical conditions. However, you will have a good idea of whether or not physical therapy is making a difference within your first 1 to 4 sessions. Some people may require 4 or less sessions, while others can require months of physical therapy before they feel ready to manage their symptoms independently or feel that their symptoms have completely resolved.
Do you have any other questions about AzOPT’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy services? We’re here to help! Although Pelvic Floor PT is only offered at our Buckeye clinic, we have 5 physical therapy clinics in Arizona ready to help you with other injuries, aches and pains. Please visit our website for more information.
