Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy, also called pelvic health physical therapy, is physical therapy for the muscles at the base of your pelvis that support the bladder and bowel, and that play a role in sexual function. It treats leaking, pain, pressure and weakness, and our therapists offer private, personalized pelvic floor treatment for men and women. We see patients in Chubbuck, Idaho, from Chubbuck and Pocatello.
Are you suffering in silence?
Many people live with pelvic symptoms for years and do not know where to turn, or are too embarrassed to ask. In many cases, there is something that can be done. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a private, one-on-one setting where you can talk plainly about it.
This page is the overview. The pages for Incontinence, Pelvic Pain, pelvic organ prolapse and prenatal and postpartum care go into more detail on each concern.
What the pelvic floor is and what pelvic floor dysfunction means
The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles and connective tissue that supports the bladder, the bowel and the uterus or prostate. Pelvic floor dysfunction means those muscles cannot coordinate well. They may be too tight (hypertonic) or too loose and weak.
Leaking
Urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, squat or run, or you cannot get to the toilet in time. See Incontinence.
Urgency and frequency
Needing to go often, bladder trouble, and constipation.
Pain
Pelvic or tailbone pain, pain with sex, vulvodynia, vaginismus, scar pain after a C-section or episiotomy. See Pelvic Pain.
Pressure and heaviness
A feeling of heaviness or a bulge. See pelvic organ prolapse.
A weak pelvic floor
A weak pelvic floor shows up as leaking and pressure, and it can be strengthened with the right exercise.
Reduced sensation
Less feeling in the vagina, or passing gas from the vagina or anus when you bend forward.
Pain nearby
Hip pain and pelvic floor problems often travel together, and so do back pain, sciatica and piriformis syndrome. See Back Pain.
Who this is for
Pelvic floor therapy is not only for one group.
Women
Before and after childbirth, around menopause, with a long-standing pelvic ache, or after pelvic surgery.
Men
Pelvic pain, leaking and bladder trouble, including after prostate surgery. Our therapists treat pelvic floor problems in men and women.
Any age
The muscles matter at every age. Starting care sooner often means a simpler plan.
Why Kegels are not always the answer
Many people are told to do Kegels, which strengthen the pelvic floor. If your muscles are already too tight, extra squeezing can make pain and urgency worse. Some people need to learn to relax and lengthen the muscles first, then build strength and timing. That is why you are checked before you are given exercises.
What to expect at your first visit
Visits are private and unhurried, and nothing happens without your agreement.
A conversation first
We talk about your symptoms, your history and your goals. You can say as much or as little as you like at the start.
An exam at your pace
The therapist checks posture, hips, back, breathing and how your core and pelvic muscles work together. We explain every step before we do it and you can ask questions or stop at any time.
A plan with you
Our approach combines patient education, manual techniques, therapeutic exercise and other treatments, personalized to you. Treatment may include manual therapy, and hip and back muscles may be treated with dry needling when it fits.
Home work
Breathing and exercises you can do on your own, written for your situation.
Pelvic floor questions
Do you offer pelvic floor PT near me in Pocatello?
Our clinic is in Chubbuck, Idaho, a short drive from Pocatello. Call us, and we will talk through your concern before booking.
Is pelvic floor therapy for men too?
Yes. Our therapists provide pelvic floor treatment for men and women.
How long are visits, and how many will I need?
Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes. The number of visits depends on your diagnosis and how long you have had the problem, and you are re-evaluated regularly.
Do I need a referral?
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
Does insurance cover it?
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Private pelvic floor care in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area, and we keep it private and respectful.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.