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Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is used to remedy the following conditions:
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Urinary frequency
- Urgency
- Interstitial cystitis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Overactive bladder
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation
- Rectal pain
- Pelvic floor relaxation
What is pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation therapy?
This therapy combines a personalized home exercise program with office treatment. The patient is instructed on how to perform home exercises. Pelvic floor stimulation is then done with a vaginal and/or rectal sensor A mild stimulus is used to stimulate pelvic muscles and causes a comfortable, timed contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. This will feel like a gentle tapping sensation and you will feel the muscle contract. Stimulation aids in muscle re-education and strengthening and decreased muscle spasms associated with pelvic problems.
The office evaluation consists of a visit with our nurse practitioner and will take approximately 1 hour. The nurse practitioner will take a health history and perform an examination to evaluate the cause of your problem. Dietary habits will also be reviewed. Some patients have bladders that are very sensitive to certain types of drinks and food. Dietary changes may be recommended.
If you have not recently had a urine test performed you should come expecting to give a specimen.
How often will I need this treatment?
After your initial visit you will be asked to return to the office for intermittent pelvic floor stimulation treatments. These visits will take approximately 30 minutes. A positive change in your symptoms should be noticed in 3 to 4 treatments if this therapy is going to be successful for you. We recommend appointments every 1 to 2 weeks initially depending on your symptoms and progress. The average number of visits is 6 to 8.
Is there any preparation for this treatment?
No preparation is required for this treatment. It will be necessary to reschedule your treatment is you have your menses.
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is favorable because:
- The treatment is non-invasive and painless
- It has up to an 80% success rate
- It has no significant side effects
- It is affordable compared to other alternative
- It is covered by most insurance plans
In order to receive the maximum benefit you must be comfortable with the treatment and be willing to comply with the therapy plan prescribed for you.
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