Guest blog with Pelvic Floor Therapist Jennifer Guan
The pelvis and pelvic floor are seldomly talked about, and many don’t know what the pelvic floor or its true function is. That is until we notice something just isn’t right! Pelvic floor problems are extremely common after childbirth, and having the information of a great pelvic floor therapist can be extremely beneficial. We hope you enjoy this week’s guest blog with pelvic floor therapist Jennifer Guan.
Thank you for joining us Jennifer, can you tell us a bit about your journey into pelvic floor therapy?
I started my physical therapy career thinking I would be a sports therapist. During graduate school, I joined a research team investigating interventions targeted at women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. Initially, I chose to join this research team because of my interest in learning more about the pelvis in general. It was then that my interest in pelvic floor therapy was sparked. My first job was in a sports therapy clinic. However, I realized just how prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction was, including in the athletic population, and transitioned to become a pelvic floor specialist.
What is pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy involves treatment applied to the pelvic floor. The muscles and nerves of the pelvic floor are essential for supporting abdominal and reproductive organs and maintaining bladder, bowel, and sexual function. If any structure in this area is impaired, restricted, or imbalanced, pelvic floor dysfunction or pain can occur. Treatment however is not isolated to the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is an integral part of the core, and patients with pain in their spine/low back, pelvis, hips, and trunk often also have pelvic floor dysfunction.
What does a visit to a pelvic floor therapist look like?
First, a pelvic floor therapist will take a thorough history and discuss your symptoms with you. Based on your history and symptoms, an exam is then performed by your pelvic floor therapist. This may include observation and palpation of the abdomen, pelvis, hips, and back. The therapist will evaluate how you move and your range of motion, test flexibility and look into your strength in those regions. For many, an internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles is warranted. The internal evaluation allows the therapist to evaluate the tone of the pelvic floor muscles, strength, endurance, coordination, and motor control. However, internal assessments are optional. If you do not wish to receive aU.S.internal evaluation, your pelvic floor therapist will still help find strategies to help you.
What is your degree in?
My degree is a DPT or Doctor of PU.S.cal Therapy. The degree is a graduate-level clinical doctorate. I completed further specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy following graduation.
Why is pelvic floor therapy so important?
Approximately a quarter of US women are affected by pelvic floor disorders. Postpartum urinary incontinence is one of these disorders. The incontinence products market in the U.S. is estimated to be worth $3.7 billion this year. However, most patients do not inform their healthcare provider of their condition (or try to manage symptoms independently). If left untreated, pelvic floor disorders can significantly impact daily life. Pelvic floor therapy is an effective, minimally invasive, first-line treatment for these disorders.
Is there a difference between postpartum pelvic floor therapy and regular pelvic floor therapy?
Postpartum pelvic floor conditions are common; however, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone of any age and gender. Men can also attend pelvic floor therapy. A good pelvic floor therapist will work with you one-on-one and treat each patient through an individualized approach.
What if you have never done anything to benefit your pelvic floor before? Is it too late to start?
Ideally, a pelvic floor specialist evaluates a patient between 6-8 weeks postpartum, immediately after their obstetric postpartum check-up. However, it is never too late to start pelvic floor therapy. I have patients in their 80s who developed postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction decades ago but are now seeking treatment.
What are some common problems you see postpartum and how can this therapy help?
The most common conditions that I see postpartum are urinary (incontinence, frequency, or urgency), fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Both patients who deliver vaginally and via C-section are susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction. I also see patients who report new onset or worsening postpartum pain in the pelvic/vaginal region or in the abdomen from C-section scars. Pain can also arise in the back, shoulders, arms, and rest of the body. Typically from childcare activities such as carrying or breastfeeding. Postpartum pelvic floor disorders are common, but not normal symptoms. Physical therapy can help you with these symptoms.
Where can our readers go to learn more about you?
Please reach out to me at drjenniferdpt@gmail.com or 650-469-3638. I offer free phone consultations and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for reading this weeks post, ” Guest blog with pelvic floor therapist Jennifer Guan.” For more tips and tricks on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood visit our weekly blog.
