Harrison Memorial Hospital Expands Rehabilitation Services with Pelvic Floor Therapy

Harrison Memorial Hospital continues to expand its rehabilitation offerings with the addition of pelvic floor therapy, an additional service available through the HMH Physical Therapy Department. This service complements the wide variety of rehabilitation treatments already provided through physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Pelvic floor therapy is performed by two certified therapists Alexia Fryman and Laura Curtis, who have been specially trained.

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on improving the strength, coordination, and function of the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles become weak, tight, or do not function properly, a variety of symptoms can occur that affect daily comfort and quality of life. Pelvic floor therapy works to restore normal muscle function, reduce pain, and help patients return to their normal activities.

Many individuals can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Common bladder concerns include urinary leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising; frequent or urgent urination; difficulty fully emptying the bladder; and pain with urination. Patients experiencing pelvic pain may have symptoms such as pelvic pressure or discomfort, pain with sitting, or abdominal and pelvic muscle tightness.

Pelvic floor therapy can also support women during pregnancy and after delivery. Treatment may help prepare the body for childbirth, address pelvic pain during pregnancy, manage postpartum bladder leakage, assist with diastasis recti, and strengthen the core following delivery.

Patients recovering from surgery may also benefit. Pelvic floor therapy can support recovery after gynecologic surgery, hysterectomy, or abdominal and pelvic procedures.

In addition, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to broader musculoskeletal issues such as persistent low back pain, hip instability, core weakness, and poor breathing patterns or posture.

Pelvic floor therapy is individualized to each patient and may include education about pelvic health, pelvic floor muscle training, relaxation and coordination techniques, core strengthening and breathing exercises, manual therapy, posture and movement training, and bladder and bowel habit education.

If pelvic symptoms are affecting comfort, daily activities, bladder or bowel control, or overall mobility, pelvic floor therapy may help. Early treatment can often improve symptoms and prevent them from worsening.

For more information about pelvic floor therapy at Harrison Memorial Hospital or to schedule an appointment, call 859-235-3553.