Pelvic Floor
Care

Physical therapy is the therapeutic manipulation of tissues, muscles, ligaments, and joints to increase strength, improve range of motion, release tension, and relieve pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. This specialized technique utilizes both internal (transvaginal and/or transrectal) and external stretching and massage techniques to improve muscle and tissue function along the floor of the pelvis. It is performed by specialized physical therapists in an outpatient office.

The symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence are sometimes caused by declining estrogen levels in the pelvic-floor tissues. Low-dose vaginal estrogens are an often times an effective treatment option. Low-dose vaginal estrogens are available in creams (Estrace®, Premarin®), Ring (Estring®) and suppository (Vagifem).

Many medications are available to treat urge incontinence (sometimes called overactive bladder, or OAB). Pharmacological management of OAB is an effective first-line treatment for mild-moderate symptoms. Commonly prescribed medications include Toviaz®, Myrbetriq®, VESIcare®, and Detrol®.

Simple lifestyle changes are often the most effective treatment option for bladder control problems, as well as Interstitial Cystitis. We take time to educate patients on how diet, fluid intake, and other lifestyle choices may effect symptoms. Our treatment options don’t stop there, but for patients with mild symptoms, having an open discussion with our providers, and making lifestyle changes, is a good place to start.

PTNS (Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation) is a very effective, non-invasive therapy for overactive bladder and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence. Studies suggest that PTNS may be effective in treating other conditions, such as urinary retention. PTNS stimulates the tibial nerve by sending electric current through small needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) that is inserted above the ankle. This non-invasive, pain free treatment requires regular appointments on a schedule determined by your provider. Click Here To Read More.

Bladder Instillations are an effective treatment option for patients experiencing an Interstitial Cystitis (IC) “flair up.” They help to reduce symptoms of IC, through pain relief, inflammation reduction, and sometimes, reduction of muscle contractions within the bladder. In bladder instillation, the prescription medications are placed into your bladder through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) inserted through the urethra. Delivering DMSO directly to your bladder helps to reduce symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis.

Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) is FDA Approved for the management of urge urinary incontinence. It can be very effective in patients with neurogenic bladder or with urge incontinence, who need greater relief than anticholinergic medications can provide.

A pessary is a removable device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs and relieve symptoms caused by pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the pelvic organs drop downward or sag due to stretched, damaged or weakened muscles. Vaginal pessaries offer an effective approach to managing pelvic organ prolapse without surgery by repositioning and holding the affected organs in place.

InterStim® is a surgically implanted device that uses mild electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves to influence the behavior of the bladder, urethra, anal sphincters, and pelvic floor muscles. Interstim Therapy is very often effective in dramatically reducing or eliminating the symptoms of incontinence when other therapies have failed.

A suburethral sling is a small strip of material that is inserted surgically. It provides a firm surface against which the urethra can be compressed during physical activity to prevent stress urinary incontinence. There are a variety of types of suburethral slings.

Pelvic floor reconstructive procedures are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weakened or damaged, often due to childbirth. Other causes include repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease, or surgery. It is a surgical treatment intended to restore normal female anatomy and function to improve the patient’s quality of life. They typically include the use of slings or grafts.

Surgical treatment options vary from patient to patient, as do risks, benefits, alternatives and potential outcomes. We encourage you to seek qualified medical advice before making healthcare decisions, and as such, this content is only intended to be informative. Please review this website’s Terms of Use for more information.