|
|
FAQs
You're not alone. We get a wide range of questions and share the most frequently asked questions below.
Question: what happens during a physical therapy evaluation?
Answer: your physical therapist will evaluate you on the first session. The therapist will take a history, assess posture, take measurements, and put together a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis of your condition. We'll tell you why we think you're having symptoms and what we can do to help.
Question: how long will it take for me to get better?
Answer: everyone is different. There are many factors that affect how long it will take your body to heal. Most people report a noticeable change within the first month of starting therapy.
Question: what is the pelvic floor?
Answer: the pelvic floor is a group of muscles that are attached from the pubic bone to the tailbone in females and males. They surround the urethra, vagina/prostate, and rectum. These muscles are able to contract, or tighten, and relax, or lengthen.
Illustration by Sarah Ironside
Question: what is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Answer: Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles are not able to contract or relax normally. They can become weak or too tight, which may be related to a change in bladder, uterus, prostate, or bowel function.
Question: what happens during a pelvic floor exam?
Answer: a pelvic floor exam involves observing the vulvar skin and tissues, watching for proper voluntary pelvic floor tightening and relaxing, and internally (vaginal or rectal) assessing muscle tone and strength.
Question: does everyone with a pelvic or abdominal condition need a pelvic floor exam?
Answer: no. After taking a medical history, your physical therapist will decide if having a pelvic floor examination will benefit you.
Question: I am not comfortable with any internal assessment, but my doctor suggests that I need one. What do I do?
Answer: patients always have a choice in deciding which parts of an exam they are comfortable participating in. You say the word, we don't do it until you're ready.
Question: are physical therapy sessions performed privately?
Answer: our office offers private rooms with one-on-one sessions with your therapist.
Question: how do I sign up for a meditation session?
Answer: call our front office 609-584-4770 in Hamilton and 732-994-7755 in Howell to schedule a session with Karen. We believe that calming the mind and body is an integral part of the healing journey.
Question: I've never done yoga. How do I know your yoga classes are right for me?
Answer: Connect PT yoga classes are gentle. Because the classes are taught by certified yoga teachers that are also therapists, exercises can easily be modified to suit your condition.
For more information from external resources
Online Resources
Downloadable Files
Organizations
Downloadable Files
- Biofeedback for the pelvic floor muscles. Click here to download PDF.
- Pelvic muscle electrical stimulation. Click here to download PDF.
- Dehydration chart. Click here to download PDF.
- Poop chart. Click here to view the image.
Organizations
- Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (ACHCPR)
- Urology Care Foundation
- Coccyx Pain
- Health Organization for Pudendal Education
- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- International Pelvic Pain Society
- Interstitial Cystitis
- National Association for Continence
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) / US Department of Health and Human Services - (800) 891-5388
- National Vulvodynia Association's Support Network
- National Vulvodynia Society
- The Simon Foundation for Continence
- Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
- Voices for PFD [pelvic floor dysfunction]
- Vulvodynia Information