Thousands of women are affected by different pelvic health conditions. Some conditions are common, especially during and after pregnancy. Pelvic health conditions may also occur with normal aging. Although these conditions may be common, that doesn’t mean they are normal. Pelvic health physical therapy can improve your symptoms, and everyone deserves better pelvic health – that’s why we offer pelvic health physical therapy at our Fishers location, with Dr. Chelsea Savage. Dr. Savage is a certified level one pelvic health provider. Take THIS short quiz to see if you could benefit from Pelvic PT!
PELVIC HEALTH
Improve Your Pelvic Health
Common Pelvic Health Conditions We Treat Include (But Are Not Limited To):
- Myofascial Pelvic Pain
- Female Sexual Dysfunction
- Stress, Urge, and Mixed Urinary Incontinence
- Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care
- Core Stabilization Issues
- Persistent Low Back and SI Joint Pain
- Orthopaedic Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Abdominal Scar Adhesion
FAQ:
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor encompasses a larger area than you might realize. It includes the bottom of your pelvis and supports pelvic organs like your bladder and uterus. When you think about your “core,” the pelvic floor is the bottom of this group of muscles. It also includes lower back muscles and your SI joint (very low joint in your spine).
What is PT for your pelvic floor?
Just like you go to physical therapy for other areas of your body, you can see a specially-trained physical therapist for issues involving your pelvic floor. This can include pre- and post-partum care, urinary incontinence, SI joint issues, low back pain, and more. Your physical therapy can include both manual (hands-on) treatment, guided exercises, and a home exercise program.
What conditions does pelvic floor PT treat?
Dr. Chelsea Savage and PTA Pam Baker co-treat a variety of pelvic floor conditions. Some of the most common are: pre/post partum care, urinary incontinence, and low back pain related to the pelvic floor.
What will my first appointment be like?
We understand apprehension around your first appointment with any type of physical therapy, and our job is to help you feel informed and empowered. As with any appointment at Body One PT, you will meet with your provider in a comfortable, private treatment room. For pelvic PT, Dr. Chelsea Savage will talk with you about your history and discuss what an external and internal physical exam will entail. She will answer any questions and make sure you’re comfortable. After your evaluation, Dr. Savage will develop a custom treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
Will I have an internal exam on my first visit?
Not necessarily. Whether a vaginal examination is performed during your initial visit depends on several factors, including your specific condition, your comfort level, and your explicit consent.
Not Always Required Initially: For some conditions, we can gather enough information through the history and external examination to begin treatment effectively.
Dependent on Your Condition: Certain pelvic floor dysfunctions may require an internal assessment for a more thorough understanding of the muscles’ strength, coordination, and tone. Your therapist will explain if they believe an internal exam would be beneficial for your specific situation.
Your Comfort is Paramount: We understand that an internal exam can feel sensitive. Your comfort is our top priority, and we will only proceed with an internal exam if you feel comfortable and provide your full consent. You have the right to decline an internal exam at any time.
Open Communication: Please feel free to discuss any concerns or anxieties you have about an internal exam with your therapist. We are here to listen and ensure you feel safe and respected.
How long does pelvic PT take?
Your initial evaluation will take about an hour, with follow-up appointments lasting about 40 minutes. The average treatment plan lasts from 6-8 weeks. You will also complete a symptom assessment “quiz” once every two weeks to gauge your progress.
Can’t I just do Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises are controlled, intentional muscle contractions of your pelvic floor muscles. Some sources (books, articles, online blogs) recommend kegels as a frontline treatment for certain pelvic floor conditions, such as stress incontinence. While these exercises can help under the right circumstances, it is important to have a pelvic health physical therapist’s guidance. Sometimes, pelvic floor muscles are already over-taxed and more exercises are counterproductive. Dr. Savage will guide you in the best exercises and treatment for your condition.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for pelvic PT?
Under most insurance plans, in Indiana, you do not need a doctor’s referral to schedule physical therapy. After 42 days, if your provider decides you still need treatment, Body One will work with your physician’s office to get a referral for physical therapy.
What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Health Visit:
You’ll be greeted by our welcoming Fishers clinic front desk team, and may complete necessary paperwork. Your provider, Dr. Chelsea Savage, will complete a detailed history intake. You’ll have a 1-hour evaluation in a comfortable, private setting. Dr. Savage will discuss the internal and external exam process and answer any questions. You will receive a total body movement assessment, with emphasis focusing on your low back, core musculature, hips, and breathing pattern. Dr. Savage will discuss a treatment plan for future visits, as well as any at-home exercises to perform between visits. You’ll be able to ask any questions you have during your visit.
Our Philosophy & Practice:
At Body One PT, we emphasize education – both continuing education and training for our providers, and ensuring our patients understand their condition and are comfortable with their treatment plans. We are a patient-centric practice, and locally-owned and operated; meaning instead of receiving treatment in a large gym setting with other patients, you’ll benefit from our one-on-one attention and comfortable patient rooms. For our pelvic health patients, we believe in working with your OB/GYN and/or urologist to provide the best possible care.