By Jasmine Reiss, PT, DPT, ATC Clinic Director, Physical Therapist and Emily Schlender, PTA, Senior Physical Therapy Assistant, Clinic Coordinator
Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than many people realize—and it affects individuals across all stages of life. Whether you're recovering from childbirth, managing chronic pelvic pain, or struggling with urinary incontinence, pelvic floor therapy can offer significant relief and help restore your quality of life.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues within the pelvic region. When these muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and disruptions in daily activity.
This type of therapy involves personalized, guided exercises and techniques to help restore strength, coordination, and function to the pelvic floor. It’s a safe and effective treatment for both women and men.
Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by injury, surgery, hormonal changes, or muscle imbalances. Our team works with patients facing a range of pelvic health concerns, including:
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pain during intercourse
- Endometriosis
- Hysterectomy recovery
- Pre- and post-partum complications
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Ovarian cysts
- And more
Pelvic Floor Pain and Its Connection to Lower Back and Hip Pain
Many patients are surprised to learn that chronic lower back or hip pain can actually be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles work closely with the deep core, hips, and lower back muscles to stabilize the spine and pelvis. When any part of this system is weakened or imbalanced, it can contribute to persistent pain or discomfort in the surrounding areas. Addressing pelvic floor issues can often reduce or resolve lingering hip and back pain—especially when other treatments haven’t worked.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first session will begin with a comprehensive review of your medical history and symptoms. From there, your therapist will perform a pelvic floor and orthopedic evaluation to assess muscle tone, coordination, and any contributing factors. Together, you’ll discuss your findings and create a personalized plan of care tailored to your goals and comfort level.
Urinary Incontinence: A Closer Look
Urinary incontinence—the involuntary loss of urine—can affect people of all ages. The two most common types are:
- Stress Incontinence: Leakage that occurs during physical activity, such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, strong urge to urinate, often triggered by certain cues like pulling into your driveway or turning your key in the door.
- Many people believe leakage is just a normal part of aging or a side effect of childbirth—but it’s not. While common, it's not normal and often signals treatable pelvic floor dysfunction.
Healthy Bladder Tips
- Hydration: Drink half your body weight in ounces daily, with at least two-thirds as plain water.
- Limit bladder irritants: Watch out for caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners.
- Avoid “just in case” bathroom trips: Only go when you feel the need.
- Don't hover: Fully sit on the toilet to allow your muscles to relax properly.
- Follow a normal pattern: Aim to void every 2–4 hours, with no more than once per night.
Insurance & Referrals
Unified Therapy Services accepts commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (including all MCOs). We also offer private pay options. While some plans require a physician referral, many do not—and our staff will help verify your coverage before your first appointment.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re dealing with pelvic discomfort, bladder concerns, or unexplained hip or back pain, pelvic floor therapy may be right for you. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an evaluation.
Schedule an evaluation today:
4135 Pennsylvania Ave., Dubuque, IA
563-583-4003, option 2
frontdesk@unifiedtherapy.com
www.unifiedtherapy.com
Jasmine Reiss, PT, DPT, ATC
Clinic Director, Physical Therapist
Emily Schlender, PTA,
Senior Physical Therapy Assistant, Clinic Coordinator