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What is physical therapy?
At Urology Austin, our commitment to comprehensive care includes offering patients in-office physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Physical therapy is a beneficial treatment option for urology patients diagnosed with several urinary conditions, or who are experiencing symptoms that negatively impacts their quality of life.
For urology patients, physical therapy is focused on pelvic floor rehabilitation. The pelvic floor is composed of muscle and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs. These organs include the bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum.
What can this treatment help?
This conservative treatment option that is used in conjunction with other methods of treatment, or as a first-line approach for patients who prefer to avoid medications or surgical procedures. Physical therapy is ideal for symptoms of:
- Stress incontinence – Leakage that occurs with laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting
- Leakage that occurs after childbirth
- Men who experience urinary incontinence after having a radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate)
- Men experiencing scrotal pain
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Constipation
- Genital pain
- Sitting pain
- Rectal pain
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Painful intercourse
- Poor or painful orgasms
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Tailbone pain
- Pre- or Postpartum discomfort
- Pre- and Post-operative rehabilitation
When pelvic floor muscles become weak, this can cause urinary and fecal incontinence. Pelvic pain may also result from contracted muscles, muscle fascia, or connective tissue.
Depending on the urologic condition, this therapy offers several avenues of treatment for patients. These may include:
- Kegel exercises – Pelvic floor muscle retraining and strengthening.
- Trigger point therapy – Hands-on therapy to release tension from contracted pelvic muscle or muscle fascia that is causing pain.
- Myofascial release – Hands-on therapy to release tension from myofascial connective tissue that is causing pain.
A typical course of therapy may be once per week for six weeks, depending on the health concern. However, treatment may be much longer, and can include maintenance therapy over time. The ultimate goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is achieve improvement and patient satisfaction without resorting to medications or surgery.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, and have been assessed by one of our urologists, talk to your doctor about the benefits of physical therapy. If you want to schedule a consult with one of our providers call (512) 610-5329 extension 4118.
The HIPPA-compliant text messaging line for scheduling appointments is (440) 703-6315. We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.