Pelvic Floor Health
Aeriel Caraglio PT, DPT, PRPC has received specialized training in pelvic floor health that can be used to treat a number of conditions; from pain with sitting to post partum trauma. Pelvic Floor treatments can help women, men, and children of all ages experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. All treatments are designed for each individual patient after a thorough evaluation.
Women’s Health Treatment Team
Aeriel Caraglio PT, DPT, PRPC
Specializing in treatment of men, women, and pediatric pelvic floor dysfunctions, as well as pre-natal and post-partom care
Brett Slutsky, PT, DPT
Specializing in women and pediatric pelvic dysfunction in addition to general orthopedics
Pelvic Floor Tension and Pain
Pain in the muscles of the bladder, uterus, and rectum can be caused by several factors that include muscle, joint, and nerve problems. Patients with this condition may have pain with sitting, constipation, or intercourse. Pelvic pain can affect anyone from pediatrics to senior citizens.
Patients may also experience:
Pain in:
- Intercourse or other sexual activities
- Tampon use
- Pelvic exams
- In the groin/buttock, low back, hip or sacroiliac, abdomen
- In the lower extremity with symptoms that include shooting, burning, or tingling
Difficulty with:
- Normal activities such as sitting, standing, or walking
- Recreational activities
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or retention
- Chronic constipation or difficulty passing a bowel movement
Incontinence
Incontinence is involuntary loss of urine or stool resulting from loss of pelvic muscular support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. This condition can be caused by stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence. Physical therapy treatment will focus on rehabilitation of the pelvic muscles and education on lifestyle changes to assist the patient and allow them to return to activities of daily living.
Causes of Incontinence include:
- Injury or trauma
- Surgery in the vagina or rectum
- Lack of exercise and use
Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care
Pregnant women may suffer from pain due to changes in posture, weight, or hormonal factors. These conditions may make the patient more susceptible to injuries during pregnancy and related orthopedic problems may persist or begin after pregnancy as well.
How can Physical Therapy help?
Techniques used and known to assist in pain and discomfort include:
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Exercise
- Education
- Bracing/support
- Biofeedback
- Modalities (post-partum)
A referral to a Physical Therapist would be appropriate for anyone with:
- Pelvic/Hip pain
- Incontinence
- Pain associated with scars (episiotomy or Cesarean section)
- Pain with intercourse
- Musculoskeletal issues related to bed rest
- Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
- Prolapse
- Coccydynia
Physical Therapy can also help assist women experiencing other symptoms during or after pregnancy. These treatments may include:
- Prenatal and post-partum exercise
- Posture and body mechanics
- Pelvic floor exercises/education
