Who Qualifies for Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Discover who qualifies for pelvic floor therapy and why would a doctor recommend pelvic floor therapy.

Pelvic floor therapy is much broader than most people realize. It is not only for women after childbirth — it can help men, children, older adults, and people recovering from surgery. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, leakage, or difficulty with basic functions like bowel movements, you may be an excellent candidate.

Why Would a Doctor Recommend Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Doctors refer patients to pelvic floor therapy for a wide range of reasons. Common medical reasons include incontinence, prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, or painful sex. Men are often referred after prostate surgery when erectile dysfunction and bladder leakage are common. Children may be referred for constipation or bedwetting, and menopausal women are frequently referred to manage pain and tissue changes.

Devices and Tools Used During Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapists sometimes use biofeedback devices to give patients real-time awareness of their muscles. These tools measure contractions and relaxation, helping patients learn how to control their pelvic floor more effectively. Equipment is never used without explanation and always supports the hands-on work and education that drive therapy forward.

Why Would a Doctor Recommend Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men and Sexual Function

One in four men experience pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime. Issues may include erectile dysfunction, prostatitis-like symptoms, or chronic pain. Pelvic floor therapy can be highly effective for these conditions, often succeeding where antibiotics or other interventions fail.

Why Would a Doctor Recommend Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pediatric and Specialty Care

Therapy is also used for children struggling with bedwetting or constipation, and for individuals recovering from gender affirming surgeries. These are specialized areas of care that highlight how broad the field of pelvic floor therapy really is.

Recent Pelvic Floor Therapy Cases in Portland, OR

  • A male patient with prostatitis-like symptoms had no relief from antibiotics. Pelvic floor therapy revealed muscle tension as the cause, leading to lasting improvement.
  • A child with chronic bedwetting saw progress after several weeks of targeted pelvic therapy.
  • A patient preparing for gender affirming surgery began therapy beforehand and continued afterward to aid recovery, with excellent results.
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Kari McNamara, RN-BSN, NBC-HWC

Nurse and Health Coach @ Kari McNamara-The Mama Coach LLC

Kari McNamara is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Health Coach