Pelvic floor physical therapy can benefit patients who experience any of the following:
- Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise or lifting
- Frequent urination that is disrupting to lifestyle
- A sudden urge to go the bathroom that cannot be controlled
- Chronic pelvic pain/pressure or dysfunction after pelvic surgery
- Pain with intercourse or pelvic exams
- Pelvic, lower back and/or hip pain during pregnancy or following childbirth
- Sensation of not completely emptying your bladder or bowel
- Recurrent UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) like symptoms
- Constipation
These conditions may be caused by:
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
The PT evaluation includes an extensive history and a thorough movement evaluation, which may include assessing the back, hips, pelvis and other structures. If indicated, it may also include an external and/or internal pelvic floor exam, which assesses the strength, endurance and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles; as well as palpation for tender and/or shortened muscles, which often are a source of pain.
Following the evaluation, a plan of care is developed to address the identified impairments. If a strength/endurance deficit is identified, treatment often involves more strengthening exercises for the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. Biofeedback can also be used to allow for visualization of how the muscles are working.
Pain is often treated with manual techniques such as stretching of hips and release of tight internal structures.
Many conditions have a significant education component on diet, proper breathing techniques, and behavior modification techniques..
Emily Beardsworth, PT, DPT
Emily treats patients at the Mercy 600 building. She's trained in pelvic floor internal/external assessment and treatment through Herman and Wallace Level 1 and Enhanced Recovery after Delivery.
She provides evaluation and evidence-based treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction with clinical expertise in pelvic organ prolapse; genital and pelvic pain; constipation; fecal incontinence; and urinary incontinence, including stress and urge incontinence. Her practice emphasizes detailed assessment of neuromusculoskeletal, myofascial, and functional contributors to pelvic floor dysfunction with individualized treatment planning.
Kiersten Brown, PT, DPT
Kiersten treats patients at the Pelvic Health & Rehabilitation Clinic, which is located within Mercy PT at MercyCare Prairie Creek. Kiersten has a unique skill set in that she is trained in pelvic floor internal assessment and treatment, which is a rare skill among physical therapists. It provides another level of treatment, and also opens up the door to treat pain-based conditions successfully.
Pelvic Health Education:
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification
- Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor level 1
- Herman & Wallace Pregnancy and Postpartum Series
- Herman & Wallace Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 1 & 2
Stacey Schares, DPT
Stacey Schares, DPT, has almost 20 years of experience as a physical therapist for Mercy Medical Center. She is located at MercyCare Marion physical therapy.
She is trained to evaluate and treat a wide variety of patient types using a variety of treatment techniques, including orthopedics, ASTYM, PNF and pelvic floor rehab.
Stacey has specialized training in external and internal pelvic floor assessment and treatment, Level 2 certificate through APTA Pelvic Health. She is able to evaluate and treat a variety of pelvic floor disorders, including stress and urge urinary incontinence; pelvic floor tightness or pain; pelvic organ prolapse; and certain bowel disorders.