Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Portland
At Portland Physical Therapy and Fitness, we offer specialized pelvic floor physical therapy to support individuals navigating pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in this deeply personal area. Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy, managing hip or pelvic pain, or dealing with bladder or bowel issues, our trained physical therapists bring expertise and compassion to every session.
Pelvic health is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. If you’re experiencing symptoms that disrupt your comfort, activity level, or confidence, pelvic floor therapy can make a real difference. Reach out today to schedule an evaluation and begin your journey toward lasting relief and improved function.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the muscles at the base of the pelvis—an area responsible for bladder control, bowel function, sexual health, and core stability. These muscles can become weak, tense, or imbalanced just like any other part of the body, but they often get ignored.
Our therapists are specially trained to assess and treat this unique region. Common symptoms we treat include urinary leakage when laughing or jumping, pain during intercourse, difficulty with bowel movements, and discomfort in the hips or lower back. We also work with pregnant and postpartum clients, athletes, and individuals recovering from surgery.
It’s more than just exercises—it’s education, awareness, and hands-on care to restore function and reduce discomfort in one of the most important muscle groups in your body.
How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Work
Pelvic floor therapy works by first understanding how your body moves, responds, and holds tension. Using gentle techniques, movement assessments, and guided exercises, we evaluate the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
Treatment may involve releasing areas that are too tight, strengthening muscles that aren’t doing their job, and re-educating your nervous system so your body can respond with better control and less strain.
Think of it like working with any other muscle group—but with greater nuance. We may teach you how to breathe differently, use biofeedback, or work on surrounding areas like the hips or core. Many patients are surprised to learn that hip or lower back pain is actually being influenced by pelvic floor dysfunction.
It’s not just physical, there’s also a strong education component to help you understand how your body works and how to support it daily.
What to Expect from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Plan at Our Clinic
Pelvic floor conditions often require a more involved treatment plan than typical orthopedic issues. That’s because they impact a wider range of daily activities—sleep, movement, intimacy, and self-confidence—and healing takes time.
A typical treatment plan involves one-on-one sessions once per week for 8 to 10 weeks, though that can vary depending on your condition. We’ll start with a thorough evaluation, identify key problem areas, and begin working together toward restoring comfort and function.
Early sessions may involve gentle manual therapy, breathing work, and education about pelvic anatomy. As your symptoms improve, we progress to strengthening, functional exercises, and strategies for long-term self-care.
Our goal is to help you not only feel better but also understand your body, build resilience, and regain quality of life. It’s a collaborative journey—and you’re in control every step of the way.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Ignoring Pelvic Floor Issues?
Many people, especially women, normalize symptoms like leaking when sneezing or pain during intimacy. These are common, but they’re not normal. Ignoring pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to worsening symptoms and more complex issues down the road.
Without treatment, mild symptoms may progress to more serious conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, or even loss of bladder and bowel control. Over time, these issues can interfere with daily activities, limit exercise, reduce intimacy, and affect emotional well-being.
What’s more concerning is that untreated pelvic floor dysfunction often leads to unnecessary surgical interventions—procedures that could often be avoided with early physical therapy.
You don’t have to accept discomfort, leakage, or tension as a part of life. Pelvic floor therapy is a proactive way to care for your body and prevent future complications—before surgery becomes the only option.
Ready to Get Started?
Pelvic floor therapy is deeply personal, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Portland Physical Therapy and Fitness, our team is here to provide specialized, thoughtful care in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or simply want to better understand how your body works, we’re here to help.
Let’s start with a conversation, reach out today to schedule your first appointment.
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