Pelvic Floor
Exam & Assessment
A pelvic floor physical therapy assessment involves both an external evaluation of the body as well as an internal assessment. The external examination portion examines functional movement patterns, strength and flexibility of the trunk, pelvis, hips and Legs. The internal assessment, upon patient consent, portion evaluates the strength, length, and quality of the pelvic floor muscles. The exam differs from a obstetrics and gynecological exam—there is no speculum or stirrups and uses a single digit to check for tension in muscles and strength of pelvic floor muscles. Both an internal and external examination or significant in evaluating the whole person rather than isolating on just the pelvic floor muscles. Once the examination is complete clients have a full understanding of where their weakness and balances lie.
Common Conditions Treated
Abdominal pain
Bladder and bowel issues
Constipation
Diastasis recti
Dyspareunia/Pain with sex
Interstitial cystitis/Painful bladder syndrome
Overactive bladder syndrome
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pudendal neuralgia
Sexual dysfunction
Surgery (abdominal/pelvic)
Urinary frequency
Urinary incontinence
Vaginismus
Vulvodynia