(Photo by Fern Cooke) 

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be used as a treatment for a variety of pelvic floor issues such as bladder and bowel issues, sexual wellbeing, chronic pain, postpartum, etc.

When I tell people I'm in pelvic floor physical therapy they always think one of two things. Either I'm doing a whole lot of Kegels or have problems holding my pee. 

Neither of these is the case for me. I am in pelvic floor physical therapy because, in 2021, I was diagnosed with pelvic floor myalgia, also known as, pelvic floor dysfunction. This means that my pelvic floor muscles had barely any stretch to them causing lots of pain. I experienced pelvic pain nearly every day, but more so around my menstrual cycle. To put things into perspective, I had a pap smear done and felt my pelvic floor muscles contracting all day afterward, it used to hurt to put a regular tampon in, I had an internal ultrasound and had uncontrollable tears fall from my eyes. Now, in case I haven't been clear enough on this blog, painful periods are not normal, nor is pelvic pain. 

I have the most wonderful OB-GYN who referred me to the most wonderful pelvic floor physical therapist and I am forever grateful. My physical therapist, Lisa, has completely changed my life. I no longer live in pain every day, I can put in a super tampon, and I have learned so much about my body. 

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You're probably wondering what exactly goes on in pelvic floor physical therapy because Google doesn't really have a good explanation. Pelvic floor physical therapy is similar to other forms of physical therapy, the physical therapist treats you during your appointment and gives you exercises to do at home. 

Since my pelvic floor muscles are too tight and tender a lot of my appointment is releasing pressure point and learning exercises to do at home that work on stretching them out. I hold a lot of tension in my pelvic floor as well, so part of my PT was learning to be aware of that and releasing that tension when I notice it. 

Pelvic floor physical therapy is such a phenomenal holistic approach to treating pelvic pain, often associated with endometriosis. If you'd like to learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy, you can check out the links below. If you want to give pelvic floor physical therapy a try, talk to your provider about getting a prescription. Remember, you are in control of your health, your doctor is not. If your doctor is not listening to you, fire them. This is your body, this is your life, this is your health. You know what is best for you. 

Happy Menstruating! 

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