Finding the Right Pelvic Health Therapist

Welcome to the Healthy Core blog, written for individuals who wish to be better informed about solutions for pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. In this blog, we are going to share the wisdom we have gained as pelvic floor therapists after treating thousands of patients. We will cover many topics related to the pelvis including exercise and fitness, bodily functions (in clinical terms), core function and a healthy gut. The pelvic floor does not work in isolation and can be the driver of many pain syndromes like pelvic and back pain, as well as dysfunctions related to bladder, bowel, sexual function and reproductive health. Pelvic floor dysfunction is not unique to women as men have pelvic floor muscles and can develop similar symptoms.

Most providers and physical therapists do not receive education in pelvic floor dysfunctions while in school. Pelvic health therapists receive much of their knowledge from postgraduate studies and coursework taught by other physical therapists, chiropractors, neuroscience gurus, fitness and Pilates instructors and even from their own patients. The good news is that more physical therapy programs now include internships in pelvic health. However, finding holistic pelvic health providers who are results-driven and experienced can be a daunting task. There are ideal characteristics you want to look for in seeking help from a pelvic health therapist. You should continue searching until you find these qualities, even if it means traveling to get the help you need. With this age of technology, you can search just about any topic on the web and find information. But how do you know you are in good hands (pun intended)?

Here are some qualities to look for in a good pelvic health physical therapist, not necessarily in the order of importance:

• Has experience practicing under a mentor in pelvic health, has had a fellowship in women's and pelvic health or is a board-certified women's health specialist (WCS)

• Has a background in orthopedics and post-graduate pelvic floor dysfunctions

• Has compassion to address your emotional needs through a trauma-informed lens

• Has been recommended from a provider or friend who has received treatment

• Provides education and empowerment to teach you how to manage your condition

• Addresses the core system and will evaluate and treat you as a whole individual, not a part

• Teaches you how to lengthen the pelvic floor through breathwork and does not recommend Kegel exercises as the first line of treatment

• Modifies your current exercise program or helps you get started with one

• Addresses hip range of motion, spinal mobility and core strength

• Practices good health habits and yet is realistic and understands the demands of life

• Continues to advance his/her education and skills

We have many patients contact us before scheduling an appointment at our clinic and we offer a FREE 15-minute virtual consultation. Our treatment approach is to get patients better in fewer visits and make ourselves obsolete. In other words, we want our patients to help themselves! In addition, we use visceral mobilization (myofascial release of the fascia surrounding muscles and organs) and other fascial tools, intravaginal trigger point release and Integrative Dry Needling therapy to maximize the benefits of treatment. We address nervous system dysfunction, which is at the heart of many dysfunctions and health issues.

You deserve to find and receive the help you need, learn to self-manage your condition and have HOPE for the future! You can achieve a healthy core without dysfunction! To locate a pelvic health specialist in you area, click here. Do your own research to find the most qualified provider for your condition. Contact us at (330)528-0034 or info@healthycorewellness.com to set up a FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our pelvic health experts.