Why You Should See a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist
When it comes to healthcare, most people think of doctors or physical therapists, but there’s a growing recognition of the specialized role that occupational therapists (OTs) play in addressing pelvic health. Whether you're dealing with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or recovering from surgery, pelvic health OTs bring a unique, holistic approach to treating these often-overlooked conditions.
What is Pelvic Health OT?
Pelvic health OT focuses on improving the function and quality of life for individuals experiencing issues related to the pelvic floor—muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum. This form of therapy goes beyond just addressing muscle dysfunction; it also considers how these conditions impact daily life and routines, making it highly functional and person-centered.
As OTs, we focus on helping you engage in meaningful activities (occupations) that are important to you. When pelvic health issues arise, they can limit everything from self-care to exercise, and even work productivity. A pelvic health OT can offer tailored solutions that allow you to regain control of your body and your life.
Who Should See a Pelvic Health OT?
Pelvic health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. You should consider seeing a pelvic health OT if you experience any of the following:
Urinary Incontinence: Leaking urine during daily activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercise is not normal, but it’s also common. Pelvic health OTs are trained to assess and treat incontinence through muscle strengthening, bladder retraining, and behavior modification strategies.
Pelvic Pain: Conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, or post-surgical pain can severely impact your ability to engage in daily activities. OTs use a combination of relaxation techniques, manual therapies, and exercises to reduce pain and restore function.
Constipation or Bowel Issues: Pelvic health therapy can be beneficial if you're experiencing difficulty with bowel movements. OTs can provide interventions like pelvic floor exercises, dietary modifications, and habits training to improve bowel health.
Pre- and Postpartum Care: Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic floor. A pelvic health OT can provide education on body mechanics, teach exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and offer support for conditions like diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) or postpartum incontinence.
Prolapse: If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (when the pelvic organs drop due to weakened pelvic muscles), a pelvic health OT can help you manage symptoms and improve your ability to engage in physical activity without worsening the condition.
Why Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is distinct from other forms of pelvic health care because it focuses on how pelvic floor dysfunction affects your everyday life. Instead of just focusing on muscle strengthening, pelvic health OTs consider how your symptoms limit your ability to do things like:
Work: Pelvic pain and incontinence can interfere with job performance, whether it’s standing for long periods or simply needing frequent bathroom breaks.
Leisure Activities: Many people avoid exercise, sports, or even socializing due to fear of leakage or pain. OT interventions can help you return to these valued activities.
Intimacy: Pelvic pain or muscle dysfunction can interfere with sexual health. OTs address this aspect of well-being sensitively and holistically, aiming to restore comfort and intimacy in relationships.
Daily Tasks: From lifting groceries to doing housework, pelvic floor issues can make even simple tasks overwhelming. Pelvic health OTs help retrain your body to perform these activities in a pain-free and efficient way.
What to Expect in Pelvic Health OT?
When you work with a pelvic health OT, your treatment plan will be highly individualized. The OT will begin with a thorough assessment that includes a review of your medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific goals. This could include:
Muscle strengthening or relaxation: Through exercises like Kegels (or reverse Kegels if over-tight muscles are the issue), your OT can help you regain control of your pelvic floor.
Bladder and bowel retraining: Your therapist can teach you techniques to regain control over urinary or bowel urgency, frequency, and leakage.
Posture and body mechanics education: Simple adjustments to the way you move and sit can reduce strain on your pelvic floor.
Lifestyle modifications: Your OT will work with you to develop daily habits and routines that support pelvic health.
Take the Next Step
If you’re experiencing pelvic health issues, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Occupational therapists specializing in pelvic health provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach that addresses not only your symptoms but also how they impact your ability to live life to the fullest.
Through customized interventions and a focus on your personal goals, a pelvic health OT can help you regain control of your body and get back to the things that matter most. If you think you might benefit from this kind of therapy, reach out to a pelvic health OT in your area and take the first step toward relief and recovery.
Reach out to The Pelvic OT today if you think pelvic health OT is the right approach to your health problems.
