Our mission is to help patients improve bladder, bowel, and pelvic function through all stages of life

WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY?

The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles attaching to the bottom of the pelvis, like a supportive hammock. In many cases, dysfunction in the bladder, bowel, or pelvis occur because of imbalances in the pelvic floor or surrounding structures. In addition, we identify how stress management, sleep patterns and even nutrition can affect your symptoms.  We approach therapy with a holistic view, recognizing the emotional, mental, and physical components of your care.

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS CAN PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY TREAT?

Urinary and bowel disorders:

• Overactive bladder, frequency, urgency, and urinary leakage
• Urinary retention, slow stream, and painful urination
• Constipation, fecal urgency, and leakage
• Pelvic organ prolapse

Pain syndromes:

• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
• Chronic prostatitis
• Pelvic floor dysfunction, including painful intercourse
• Restricted and painful scar tissue from surgeries or post-partum
• Hip bursitis, low back pain, abdominal pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Preparedness, support and post-operative recovery:

• Prostatectomy
• Pelvic organ repair
• Hysterectomy

Pregnancy and Postpartum Rehabilitation:

• Treatment and management of diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA)
• Pregnancy related orthopedic pain (SI dysfunction, low back pain)
• Safe and individualized exercise programs during and after pregnancy
• Managing painful scar tissue post C-section

In addition to pelvic floor, our therapists are trained in the following areas:

• TMJ pain and jaw stiffness
• Neck pain and stiffness, headaches
• Dizziness and hypersensitivity to movement (Vestibular rehabilitation)

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT

You will participate in a comprehensive evaluation in a private treatment room to determine if pelvic floor therapy is appropriate for you.  A detailed history will be taken by a therapist trained to understand the sensitive and personal nature of topics discussed. The therapist will address your concerns and answer questions throughout your private, one on one session.  We’ll help you identify and adapt conditions that may contribute to pain and dysfunctional symptoms, such as: bladder and bowel habits, postures and movements, food and fluid intake, past and current physical injuries, illnesses and mental health. The evaluation is one therapeutic hour.

Depending on your diagnosis, your therapist may perform an internal assessment.  This examination is brief and gentle, and provides invaluable information for your therapist to create the best course of treatment. If you are not comfortable with the internal portion of the exam, it can be deferred during this appointment. We will always ask your consent before performing any type of treatment!!

Male prostatectomy patients may not require internal exams.

After a thorough evaluation, you and your therapist will construct an individualized plan of care to meet your objectives.  Typically we see patients once a week for an hour, but we tailor therapy to your needs. A variety of methods will be employed during your treatment.

• Education on appropriate behavior modifications to help improve bladder and bowel function as well as pain management strategies.
• Exercise to improve strength, flexibility, stability, and mobility with focus on muscular coordination. 
• Manual therapy techniques to improve alignment and decrease pain including myofascial release, visceral mobilization, trigger point therapy, and craniosacral therapy.
• Modalities like biofeedback, electrical stimulation, dry needling, cupping, and photobiomodulation can be used along with manual therapy for pain management.

BLADDER CONTROL & PELVIC PAIN

At Alliance Urology Specialists, we offer the most comprehensive incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction care in the region. With the creation of the Alliance Urology Specialists Bladder Control & Pelvic Pain Center, complete diagnosis and treatment is now available in one place for men and women suffering from incontinence, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor pain/dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, dysfunctional voiding, and bedwetting.

The dedicated medical team at Alliance Urology Specialists Bladder Control & Pelvic Pain Center includes nationally renowned incontinence and pelvic pain specialists, urinary physical therapists and continence nurse specialists, along with on-site physical therapy and a cutting edge research department. 

“We’re here to handle the difficult cases that other urologists either don’t have the time or expertise to treat,” said Alliance Urology Specialists physician Scott MacDiarmid, MD, FRCPSC.  “We have assembled a team of providers that is second to none.”

The Alliance Urology Specialists Bladder Control & Pelvic Pain Center Offers:

State-Of-The-Art Diagnosis

Alliance Urology Specialists offers advanced video-urodynamics providing state-of-the-art evaluation of patients with urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunctions.  The 40 minute test provides the necessary information to make the correct diagnosis and to recommend the best treatment options.

Comprehensive Treatment

Our practice has experienced tremendous success with patients utilizing non-invasive treatment techniques for urology disorders, such as diet modification, and physical therapy. While conservative measures are always the first step, advanced surgical options are also available. 

HOW CAN WE HELP? At Alliance Urology Specialists, our occupational and physical therapy team are highly skilled and specifically trained in pelvic floor therapy for all genders.  We work with you to build a safe and confidential therapeutic relationship to help you achieve your unique goals.  Most importantly, you are empowered with the tools you need to continue the journey of rehabilitation to manage your condition and the resources available to you. Please contact your physician today for a referral or if you have further questions, please call to schedule an appointment, call (336) 274-1114.