Pelvic Floor Therapy
UC San Diego Health offers specialized rehabilitation services for people with pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic floor disorders and pelvic pain.
Your physical therapist has advanced training and experience in helping people restore strength and function of the muscles that support the bladder, uterus/prostate, and other organs within the pelvic girdle.
Your physical therapist works closely with your doctors to improve your wellness and your quality of life.
Conditions Treated for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
We treat a range of male and female conditions and symptoms associated with the pelvis, including:
- Abdominal diastasis ("mummy tummy," separation of the abdominal wall during pregnancy)
- Lower back pain
- Pain and dysfunction associated with pregnancy and childbirth
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pelvic pain, including coccyx pain, genital pain, groin pain, pelvic floor myalgia, perineal pain, pubic symphysis pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and vulvar pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Post-hernia weakness
- Post-prostatectomy incontinence
- Prostatitis
- Urinary incontinence
Pelvic Floor Therapy Services
- Internal and external pelvic muscle examinations
- Pelvic girdle assessments
- Pre- and post-partum abdominal screens and rehab for abdominal diastasis, also known as diastasis recti abdominus
- Manual manipulation, including:
- Visceral manipulation
- Trigger point release
- Muscle energy techniques
- Myofascial decompression
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
Treatment Plans for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
After an evaluation, your treatment may include:
- Education on behavior modifications to influence diet, fluid intake, and bowel / bladder habits
- Training to improve your posture, biomechanics, body awareness and coordination
- Exercises (such as Kegel exercises) to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles that may be contributing to pain or dysfunction
- Manual therapy for sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, a common cause of pain
- Techniques for decreasing the urge to, and frequency of, urination
- Electrical stimulation to activate muscle function
- Education on foods and beverages that may irritate the bladder
- Progressive home exercise program to improve posture, body awareness, range of motion, strength and coordination
Kegels
Should Men Do Kegels?
Strengthening the pelvic floor can help men improve bladder control and other issues. Many common conditions may be treated with men's pelvic floor physical therapy.
Physical Therapists
Find a physical therapist with expertise in pelvic floor injuries and disorders.
