Do I need physical therapy?
Four separate times this week, I have received messages or had conversations that started with
So... I have (insert symptom). Is that something you work on? Do I need to come see you?
The short answer is "probably" or "absolutely yes"! If you have a question, ask away. I love getting this question. It means that all of the blogs, Facebook posts/videos, and random conversations are paying off. The world is FINALLY starting to see the connection between their symptoms and physical therapy.
How do you KNOW you can help me?
Physical therapy is now an entry level doctorate degree. We are considered an expert in the human musculoskeletal system. In most states, patients do not even need an order from their physician to attend physical therapy. During physical therapy school, PT's learn how to differentiate what issues need physical therapy vs. what needs to be referred onto another provider. *NOTE: As of August 2023, Missouri has Direct Access. That does not mean your insurance will honor (and pay for) therapy without a referral.
My favorite question is "do I need to come see you?" Whether it's for pelvic floor, back pain, knee pain, or any other body part. I just want to say, congratulations on being your own advocate! You should always take charge with your medical care. Just be careful when asking Dr. Google. Dr. Google can't ask follow up questions or actually assess any symptoms. Usually the websites or articles with the most serious consequences are the first to show up...aka...you're probably going to die.
In orthopedic physical therapy, we treat symptoms related to every single body part. From headaches and neck pain, to rib and back pain, to ankle and toes with everything in between. There are specific evaluations done for different body parts that help determine if your symptoms are consistent with issues that can be addressed in physical therapy. Outside of orthopedics, we treat developmental delay in kiddos, balance and generalized strengthening in our elderly community, as well as neurological conditions (Parkinson's disease, ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, stroke, brain injury, etc). If it hurts, physical therapy can probably help. Not every issue is "fixable", but our goal is to improve your FUNCTION and your QUALITY OF LIFE.
When it comes to matters specifically of the pelvic floor, just ask someone who treats it for a living. The muscles in your pelvic floor can be in dysfunction just like any other muscles in your body.
The following are things that are COMMON, but NOT NORMAL and would warrant seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist:
Urinary leakage ever (SERIOUSLY)
Straining for bowel movements or "power peeing"
Incomplete emptying of bowel or bladder
Pain with intercourse or pelvic exams (EVER!)
Going to the bathroom more than once at night OR more than eight times during the day (except when pregnant or on a diuretic/water pill)
Pressure, falling out, or heaviness sensation in the pelvis
Pain in the tailbone, lower abdomen, or genital area
Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles)
Low back or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain that lingers, even after "traditional" physical therapy.
Bed wetting frequently after 6 years old (when NOT going through a major life transition)
If you experience any the above, click these links to read my blogs on urinary function, bowel function, pelvic pain, or postpartum.
During the evaluation, we ask A TON of questions that help determine if your complaints are consistent with a musculoskeletal origin or if I think you need a referral to another specialist. For example, genital pain that would need a special dermatologist, the difference between diastasis recti (typically not surgical) vs a hernia (can be surgical), low back pain that comes and goes vs an unchanging pain, or deep abdominal pain that I cannot recreate during the evaluation.
Click here to read more about what happens during a pelvic floor evaluation or click here for the 5 things your pelvic floor therapist wants you to know. If you experience any of the above, please seek out a referral to a pelvic floor therapist or ask me questions.
Happy National Physical Therapy Month! Dr. Jen :)
