How to Tell the Difference Between Pelvic Floor Therapy and Physical Therapy
Many women get confused between pelvic floor therapy and physical therapy. It can be difficult to understand which option works best for your body if you don’t understand what each therapy does and its benefits. If you are interested in knowing the difference between pelvic floor therapy and physical therapy, then you are in the right place.
Over 50 million Americans attend physical therapy treatments each year, with 52% of that number being women. However, the number of women who participate in pelvic floor therapy each year is unknown. This is due to a lack of providers who offer pelvic floor care, as well as a lack of knowledge about the pelvic floor in general.
It’s important to know which therapy is right for you and the symptoms you are experiencing. Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas specializes in pelvic floor therapy for women. It is our mission to provide a comfortable environment for women to receive treatment so that they can live life with lasting relief. Contact Pillar Physio today to start your journey to healing.
Related: What is a Pelvic Floor Therapist and Do You Need One?
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Simply put, pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy. A pelvic floor therapist is a physical therapist who has received additional certifications in pelvic floor care. Typically, pelvic floor therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in addition to other credentials.
Benefits
There are many benefits to participating in pelvic floor therapy. Some benefits include improving urinary incontinence, assisting postpartum constipation, preparing for childbirth, improving pelvic floor strength, addressing pain, and more.
Specialization
A pelvic floor therapist is someone with advanced knowledge about the pelvic floor and how to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. This person is qualified to treat you for any pelvis-related pain, discomfort, or prevention.
Treatments
The pelvic floor is a complex system of bones, organs, ligaments, and muscles. With the right treatment plan, your therapist can help treat a wide variety of challenges you may be facing that are linked to your pelvis. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction so that you can seek the right treatment plan for your pain.
Related: Why Women Avoid Pelvic Floor Therapy: 8 Surprising Reasons
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a very broad field of therapy. This kind of therapy can be used to address a range of musculoskeletal issues, such as any injuries, pain, or other conditions. A physical therapist is someone who is trained in physical therapy and typically holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Benefits
In physical therapy, you can expect to receive treatment that offers exercises, hands-on therapy, and other treatments as needed, based on your specific issue. The benefits of physical therapy are numerous. They include addressing pain, increasing mobility, and aiding in recovery.
Specialization
Some general physical therapists may specialize in specific treatments, such as a pelvic floor therapist. However, a physical therapist with no additional certifications can address and treat a wide variety of issues. In addition, some physical therapists may have a preference for the type(s) of therapy they wish to perform.
Treatments
Treatments that can be treated with general physical therapy include recovery from surgery, injuries, pain, and even childhood physical development. Physical therapy is a rapidly growing field. Due to the increasing demand for physical therapy, there is a promising outlook for careers.
Related: How Does the Pelvic Floor Work: What You Should Know
Learn More About Pelvic Floor Therapy and Physical Therapy Differences
Discover more about pelvic floor therapy and physical therapy by reviewing common questions below that others are asking.
Is pelvic floor PT worth it?
The answer to this will be subjective as it will depend on the outcome of each person individually. However, pelvic floor PT is beneficial to many, especially those who are experiencing pain and discomfort caused by the pelvis. The time you spend taking care of your body now will benefit your long-term health.
What is another name for pelvic floor therapy?
Other names for pelvic floor therapy include:
Pelvic floor muscle training
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Pelvic floor physio
Pelvic floor care
Pelvic therapy
Pelvic floor PT
Can I go to a general physical therapist for pelvic floor PT?
This will depend on the physical therapist that you are seeing. The important thing to consider is that your physical therapist has training for the pelvic floor. Getting treated by a general PT who doesn’t understand the pelvic floor won’t be beneficial to your health and goals. Finding a pelvic floor therapist will be the best option for you.
Pelvic Floor Therapy and Physical Therapy Are Both Important
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your body, seeing a pelvic floor therapist or a physical therapist can be highly valuable. The first step in feeling your best is addressing the problem areas and working with a specialist who can give you insights into your body’s functions.
At Pillar Physio, we offer a hands-on, whole-body approach. That means you can trust that you will receive a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to your body and goals. Your pelvis is unique, and it should be treated as such. In addition, we focus on providing lasting relief by assessing your pelvis in the context of the rest of your body. You are more than just your pelvis.
Set up your assessment today with Pillar Physio so that you can begin your journey toward living a pain-free life. Your family and your community need you. You deserve the best treatment possible.
