Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Common Conditions You Didn’t Know It Could Treat

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. While many people associate pelvic floor issues with postpartum recovery, the truth is that pelvic floor physical therapy can help people of all ages and genders manage a wide range of conditions.

Here are some of the most common conditions treated with pelvic floor physical therapy — and how it helps:

1. Urinary Incontinence

This includes leakage with coughing, sneezing, exercise (stress incontinence), or a strong urge to urinate (urge incontinence). Pelvic floor PT strengthens the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, improves muscle coordination, and retrains the bladder through behavior and lifestyle changes.

2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

This occurs when pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop from their normal position due to weak support structures. Pelvic floor strengthening exercises improve muscle tone and support, which can reduce symptoms and sometimes prevent the need for surgery.

3. Chronic Pelvic Pain

Can be caused by muscle tension, nerve irritation, or trauma and may affect the bladder, bowel, or reproductive organs. Manual therapy, relaxation techniques, posture correction, and biofeedback help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and relieve pain.

4. Pain with Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Pain during or after sexual activity, can be caused by tight or overly sensitive pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor PT can gently release muscle tension, improve mobility, and teach relaxation techniques to reduce pain and improve comfort.

5. Pregnancy & Postpartum Recovery

Pregnancy and childbirth can strain or injure pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain, leakage, or core weakness. Pelvic PT helps restore strength and function, improve healing, and support a safe return to physical activity or exercise postpartum.

6. Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction

This includes straining, incomplete emptying, or difficulty coordinating muscles during bowel movements. Therapists teach techniques to relax the pelvic floor during defecation and use biofeedback to improve muscle coordination.

7. Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during or after pregnancy. A pelvic floor therapist addresses core and pelvic floor muscle coordination to restore strength and support in the abdominal wall.

8. Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This can include issues like bedwetting, constipation, or daytime accidents in children. Child-friendly strategies and exercises help retrain pelvic muscles and improve bathroom habits in a stress-free way.

9. Pelvic Pain in Men

Men can also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, which may manifest as pain, urinary issues, or erectile dysfunction. Specialized techniques reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and address the root causes of discomfort or dysfunction.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common — but not normal. If you’re struggling with any of these issues, know that help is available. Our specialized pelvic floor physical therapist is here to guide you through a personalized, one-on-one treatment plan tailored to your goals.