Overview

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. In many cases patients and their partners may be taught these techniques so that they be performed more frequently and at home.

Pelvic floor physical therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of some types of chronic pelvic pain.

References

Kotarinos RK. Pelvic floor physical therapy in urogynecologic disorders. Curr Womens Health Rep 2003;3:334-9.

Oyama IA, Rejba A, Lukban JC, Fletcher E, Kellogg-Spadt S, Holzberg AS, Whitmore KE. Modified Thiele massage as therapeutic intervention for female patients with interstitial cystitis and high-tone pelvic floor dysfunction. Urology 2004;64:862-5.

Stuge B, Veierod MB, Laerum E, Vollestad N. The efficacy of a treatment program focusing on specific stabilizing exercises for pelvic girdle pain after pregnancy: a two-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial. Spine 2004;29:E197-203.