Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Why choose Ochsner for pelvic health physical therapy?

Ochsner Therapy & Wellness offers outpatient pelvic health physical therapy in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Baton Rouge, Slidell, Luling and Raceland, Louisiana.

Pelvic health physical therapy can help you rebuild pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder, bowel and sexual function while restoring strength and reducing pain.

Whether you are experiencing urinary leakage, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related discomfort, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse or recovery challenges after surgery or childbirth, Ochsner's specialized women's and pelvic health physical therapists work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

Specialized expertise

Ochsner physical therapists receive advanced training in evaluating and treating pelvic floor issues, including conditions related to muscles, connective tissue, nerves and movement patterns within the pelvis.

Ochsner Therapy & Wellness is also host to a specialty residency program in pelvic health physical therapy, helping ensure patients receive care informed by the latest clinical evidence and best practices.

Integrated team-based care

Pelvic health conditions often require more than one specialist. Ochsner's pelvic health physical therapists work closely with urogynecologists, urologists, colorectal specialists, women's health providers and other experts to ensure coordinated care. Patients may also benefit from access to Ochsner's comprehensive Female Pelvic Health program.

What conditions do pelvic health physical therapists treat?

Ochsner's pelvic health physical therapists care for patients experiencing:

Urinary incontinence and bladder leakage
Urinary urgency and frequency
Pelvic pain
Pain with sex
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
Postpartum recovery
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Constipation and bowel dysfunction
Fecal incontinence
Endometriosis-related symptoms
Post-surgical pelvic dysfunction
Pelvic floor muscle weakness or overactivity
Nerve-related pelvic pain, including pudendal neuralgia

What can I expect during pelvic health physical therapy?

Your first visit with Ochsner's pelvic health therapy team begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history and personal goals. Your therapist may assess posture, movement patterns, core strength and pelvic floor function to better understand the source of your symptoms.

Treatment plans are individualized and may include:

Education and lifestyle modifications
Pelvic floor muscle training
Manual therapy
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Core and hip strengthening
Scar tissue management
Bladder and bowel retraining
Home exercise programs
Functional movement training

Your therapist will explain every aspect of the evaluation and treatment process and answer any questions throughout your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, connective tissues and joints of the pelvis. Treatment can help improve bladder, bowel, sexual and movement-related function.

Pelvic health physical therapy can help women and men experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, urinary or bowel concerns, pregnancy-related issues or recovery after surgery.

Not always. Your therapist will discuss the evaluation process with you and explain all options. An internal exam may provide valuable information in some cases, but your comfort, preferences and medical needs will guide your therapist's approach.

Every person is different. Some people improve after a few visits, while others benefit from longer treatment plans. Your therapist will create a personalized care plan based on your condition and goals.

Yes. Pelvic health physical therapy can help address postpartum issues such as pelvic pain, urinary leakage, abdominal weakness, diastasis recti and return-to-activity concerns.

If pelvic symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, exercise, work, sleep, relationships or quality of life, it may be time to speak with a pelvic health physical therapist. Early treatment can often help prevent symptoms from worsening.

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Therapy & Wellness

Our certified therapists help improve your quality of life by increasing strength and function, reducing pain and restoring normal movement, to help you stay in motion and feeling great.