Pelvic floor disorders affect people of all ages, genders, lifestyles, medical histories and sexual orientations. In many cases, people don’t know about the nonsurgical treatment options available to manage or resolve pelvic floor problems – and as a result, they deal with bothersome symptoms longer than they need to. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a great, conservative option for people who want relief from their symptoms without a procedure.

Conditions treated by pelvic floor physical therapy:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying
  • Overactive bladder
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder symptoms
  • Pregnancy and postpartum recovery or symptom reduction
  • Constipation
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Genital, sacral, groin, abdominal and/or low back pain
  • Diastasis recti
  • Hernia/hernia repair
  • Post-surgical pelvic, prostate, spine or abdominal symptoms
  • Pudendal neuralgia or entrapment
  • Pain with urination or defecation
  • Vulvodynia
  • Testicular pain
  • Pre/post gender-affirming surgery symptoms
  • Pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction over the age of seven

Available therapy interventions

Real-time ultrasound biofeedback enables the therapist to visualize how well the pelvic floor muscles are working, so the therapist can create a custom therapy program for the patient

Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback uses sensors over the pelvic muscles to help the patient retrain pelvic floor muscles’ coordination and function

Myofascial and other manual therapies can increase mobility or function in the pelvic floor’s muscles, skin and fascia

Bladder and pelvic muscle education teaches patients about the lifestyle factors or current habits that may be affecting their bowel, bladder, sexual and pelvic function

Progressive custom strengthening and stabilization helps relieve pain and helps patients return to their desired functional and recreational activities without symptoms

Dry needling utilizes small needles to improve muscle tone, activation, utilization and neuromuscular connectivity

Postural corrective training and pelvic balance improves overall strength with static and dynamic exercises to restore pelvic floor balance and muscle tone

Electrical stimulation uses gentle electrical current to improve how well the pelvic floor muscles work

Dilator or pelvic wand provides progressive programs to aid with internal muscle tension release for symptom management

Prescription required

A doctor's order is required to start pelvic floor physical therapy. You can start with your primary care physician, gynecologist or urogynecologist (women), or urologist (men). Are you looking for a pelvic floor specialist physician? See Inova's pelvic floor health medical team

Pelvic floor PT locations (please call to schedule)