Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - Common, but not normal.
Why Smithfield Physical Therapy Specialists Pelvic Physical Therapy?
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With experience treating a number of pelvic conditions, from pelvic pain to urinary incontinence, you're not alone – we're here to help! Starting with a thorough exam and history, we can help find the root cause of your symptoms and get you back to feeling like you.
Common Pelvic Floor and Pelvic Health Conditions Treated:
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Urinary Incontinence/Urinary Leakage
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Postpartum Incontinence
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Pelvic Pain
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Pudendal Neuralgia
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Coccydynia ("tailbone pain")
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Pain with Intercourse
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Peripartum and Postpartum Care
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Pain with Pregnancy
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Constipation
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Diastasis Recti (aka "Mommy Tummy")
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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Prostate-Related Conditions
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Testicular Pain
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Pregnancy-Related Back and Pelvic Pain
Are you recently postpartum?
Check out Smithfield Moms Collective, a local nonprofit organization whose aim is to support the physical and mental well-being of new moms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Questions are understandable. Check out below for common questions encountered and contact us if you have any further questions.
What is Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Pelvic health physical therapy is a sub-specialty of physical therapy and encompasses a treatment approach that provides a structured, effective and safe rehabilitation of the region based upon impairments noted upon examination by your physical therapist. The goals of treatment are to alleviate pain, weakness and dysfunction and get you back to doing what you love most, symptom-free! Your physical therapist will complete a thorough evaluation to include in-depth questioning regarding your personal history and symptoms and a comprehensive orthopedic and pelvic-specific examination to develop a multimodal, individualized treatment approach to address what you've been experiencing and to enable you to regain your quality of life.
Check out our blog to learn more about this speciality and how it may benefit you!
Do I Need a Referral for Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Within the state of Virginia we have what is known as direct access therefore you do not need a referral from a medical provider to seek pelvic physical therapy services. We do however prefer for you to have a referral from your OB provider if you are pregnant to ensure continuity of care across all medical providers.
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Note: Although you can see a physical therapist within the state of Virginia without a medical referral, there are a few insurances that have restrictions. Please reach out with any questions you may have and to find out more!
Is an Internal Pelvic Floor Muscular Examination Required?
Internal pelvic floor muscular examination is considered to be the "gold standard" for understanding the root cause of pelvic dysfunction. Think about it, would you trust an auto mechanic who diagnosed your car troubles without even looking under the hood? Pelvic physical therapists have specific, high-level training to assess the muscles, nerves and connective tissues that make up the pelvic floor and surrounding structures, and we do this by performing an internal muscular exam of the vagina and/or the rectum, depending on what area we need to assess.
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However, an internal exam is not required and will only be completed if you are completely comfortable with it. Your pelvic floor therapist will always discuss your options with you and allow you to select the exam and treatments that you are comfortable performing and/or receiving.