Pelvic Physical Therapy: A Specialty You May Not Know You Need - All About Seniors

By Dr.Ana Karim, PT, DPTEveryone has heard of physical therapy.But have you heard of pelvic physical therapy?Its one of the fastest-growing specialties in rehabilitationyet many people have never been told it exists.If youve ever experienced bladder leakage when you laugh or cough, felt a strong urgency to find a restroom now, struggled with constipation, noticed pelvic pressure, or dealt with persistent pelvic or low back painpelvic physical therapy may be exactly what youve been looking for.What Is Pelvic Physical Therapy?Pelvic physical therapists are licensed physical therapists with advanced training in the muscles and structures of the pelvic region.

That includes the muscles from the belly button to the kneesthe core, hips, and pelvic floorall working together to support movement, balance, bladder and bowel function, and comfort.Like all physical therapists, we are trained in movement science, strength, balance, and rehabilitation.In addition, pelvic specialists complete extensive continuing education focused specifically on:Bladder and bowel healthPelvic floor muscle strength and coordinationCore stabilityBalance and fall preventionPain managementThis is not just about doing Kegels.It is about helping your body function optimally and comfortably so you can continue living independently and confidently.How Can Pelvic PT Help Older Adults?Pelvic physical therapy addresses commonbut often unspokenconcerns for both women and men, including:Urinary incontinence (leakage)Overactive bladderUrinary urgency and frequencyConstipation and bowel managementPelvic painPelvic organ prolapsePost-prostatectomy incontinenceCore weakness and balance concernsThese issues are commonbut they are not something you simply have to live with.Improving bladder control can mean fewer interruptions to activities, better sleep, more confidence when leaving your apartment, and greater peace of mind.

Strengthening your core and hips can improve balance and reduce fall risk.Addressing bowel health can improve comfort and overall wellness.Small improvements can make a very big difference in daily life.What Happens During a Pelvic PT Visit?Your comfort, dignity, and privacy are always the priority.A pelvic PT evaluation begins with a conversation about your goals and concerns.We assess posture, breathing patterns, hip strength, balance, and core coordination.

Depending on your symptoms and with your full consent, an external and/or internal examination of the pelvic floor may be offered to better understand how those muscles are functioning.You are always in control of the process.Together, we create a personalized plan that may include:Targeted strengthening or relaxation exercisesBladder and bowel educationLifestyle and habit modificationsBalance and functional trainingBiofeedback, a tool that allows you to see how your pelvic muscles are working on a screenThe goal is practical, real-world improvementhelping you move, participate, and live with greater ease.Gaitway of Charlotte LLC is a locally recognized and award-winning concierge practice, delivering high-quality physical, occupational and speech therapy to the Greater Charlotte area since 2012.As our practice has grown over the years, we have added complementary service lines to meet the needs of our community, and we are very excited to bring pelvic therapy to our in-home services.We are thrilled that Dr.Ana Karim, PT, DPT, has joined Gaitway, and we will be offering in-home pelvic physical therapy treatments.

Ana comes to us as a very well-respected pelvic clinician in the Charlotte area who is also an accomplished educator to the PT profession on her specialty.