Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Now Available at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Now Available at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital
Many people experience bladder leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, or pregnancy-related discomfort but assume these issues are just a normal part of aging, childbirth, or everyday life. While these conditions are common, they are not something you simply have to live with. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a safe, conservative, and evidence-based treatment option to help improve function and quality of life.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles also play an important role in core stability, bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall movement. When these muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, they can contribute to a variety of symptoms.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help treat:
- Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercise
- Frequent urination or a strong urge to urinate
- Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
- Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
- Bowel urgency
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain with intercourse
- Tailbone pain
- Hip, low back, or pelvic pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pregnancy-related back or pelvic pain
- Recovery after childbirth
- Core weakness or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Pelvic organ prolapse, often described as a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or bulging
Pelvic floor physical therapy can also help treat conditions such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), endometriosis-related pelvic pain, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and pudendal neuralgia.
Many people are surprised to learn that pelvic floor physical therapy is beneficial for women throughout many stages of life—not just after having children. Treatment can help women experiencing symptoms related to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, hormonal changes, aging, gynecological surgeries, or chronic pelvic pain conditions.
During your first visit, your physical therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. Depending on your condition and comfort level, the evaluation may include assessment of posture, breathing, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. When appropriate, an internal pelvic floor muscle examination may also be offered to better assess muscle function. Internal examinations are never required and are only performed with your informed consent.
Treatment is individualized and may include exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, breathing techniques, manual therapy, education on bladder and bowel habits, posture and body mechanics training, and a personalized home exercise program.
Many people delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed or believe their symptoms are something they simply have to accept. In reality, pelvic floor dysfunction is very common and, in many cases, highly treatable. Seeking care can help reduce symptoms, improve confidence, and allow you to return to the activities you enjoy.
If you are experiencing bladder concerns, pelvic pain, pregnancy or postpartum issues, or symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, talk with your healthcare provider about whether pelvic floor physical therapy may be right for you.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is now available at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital. We are excited to provide specialized, compassionate care close to home and help women improve their comfort, function, and quality of life.
About the Provider
Sabre Menninga, DPT, is a physical therapist at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital. Sabre earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center and her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has specialized training in women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation and is excited to bring pelvic floor physical therapy services to the Pawnee County community.
Originally from Pawnee City, Sabre is passionate about providing high-quality care close to home and helping women of all ages improve their comfort, confidence, and quality of life through individualized physical therapy.
