Pelvic floor therapy helps women relieve pain, improve bladder control, and restore confidence through personalized, evidence-based care.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy: The Foundation of Women’s Health
Many women silently struggle with bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intimacy, believing these changes are simply part of getting older. In truth, these symptoms often signal issues within the pelvic floor—muscles that play a vital role in bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Pelvic floor therapy is an evidence-based approach that restores function, comfort, and confidence by addressing the root cause rather than masking symptoms.
At Grace & Gratitude Wellness, we partner with Prime Therapy to empower women through education and accessible care. This article explains what pelvic floor therapy is, what it treats, and how it can help you feel like yourself again.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles become weak or overly tight, women can experience urinary incontinence, constipation, prolapse, pain during intercourse, or lower back and hip discomfort.
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on restoring balance and strength through specialized assessment and individualized treatment. During therapy, a trained pelvic health physical therapist may use breathing exercises, posture retraining, gentle manual therapy, and targeted exercises to relax or strengthen specific muscles.
Pelvic floor therapy is not just for postpartum women—it can benefit anyone experiencing pelvic symptoms due to pregnancy, surgery, menopause, or even chronic tension from stress.
Common Conditions Pelvic Floor Therapy Treats
Women often seek pelvic floor therapy for:
- Urinary incontinence (stress or urge leaks)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, or rectum)
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pelvic, hip, or lower back pain
- Postpartum recovery and scar tissue
- Bowel issues, constipation, or incomplete emptying
By addressing the root cause—whether weakness, tension, or lack of coordination—pelvic floor therapy provides lasting relief and improved function.
The Connection Between Pelvic Health and Hormones
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, atrophic vaginitis, and increased pelvic floor tension or weakness. These shifts affect tissue elasticity and blood flow, often worsening bladder urgency and discomfort during intimacy.
In pelvic floor therapy, practitioners consider hormonal influences and collaborate with your healthcare provider to create a holistic care plan. Some women benefit from localized estrogen therapy, while others find improvement through non-hormonal moisturizers, probiotics, and gentle self-maintenance routines.
What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Therapy
Your first appointment is usually a one-on-one evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist. You’ll discuss your medical history, symptoms, and goals. With your consent, an internal and external muscle assessment helps identify tightness, weakness, or trigger points contributing to pain or dysfunction.
Treatment may include:
- Guided relaxation and breathing techniques
- Manual therapy to release tension
- Biofeedback tools like Perifit for muscle coordination
- Education on posture, lifting, and bladder habits
- At-home exercises or use of dilators and wands
Progress is gradual, but most women begin noticing improvement within a few sessions.
Taking Back Control of Your Pelvic Health
Your pelvic floor is like any other muscle group—it needs care, attention, and maintenance. The good news is that improvement is possible at any age. Pelvic floor therapy provides the tools and knowledge you need to reduce symptoms, prevent further issues, and reconnect with your body.
At Grace & Gratitude Wellness, we believe education is empowerment. Our partnership with Prime Therapy allows us to offer specialized pelvic health resources and personalized care right here in Devils Lake, ND.
Learn more about women’s pelvic health and treatment options from trusted resources like The American Physical Therapy Association’s Pelvic Health Section for additional reading.
It’s Time to Prioritize Your Pelvic Health
Your comfort, confidence, and well-being matter. If you’ve been living with leaks, pain, or pelvic discomfort, there’s help available—and you don’t have to go through it alone. At Grace & Gratitude Wellness, we’re here to help you take the first step toward lasting pelvic health and renewed confidence.
📍 Visit us in Devils Lake, ND (inside City Plaza) or explore our services at Grace & Gratitude Wellness.
📞 Call us at (701) 203-2791 to schedule your appointment
