Helen Kim Physical Therapy and Wellness

Start the Healing Process

You had your 6 week check up, now what? You’re left in the dark about what to expect, wondering why your body still doesn’t feel right- but it’s 6 weeks since I gave birth and I was told I would feel normal by now. Your body does not magically bounce back after having a baby. The “4th trimester” is real and an important time when you are adjusting to being a new mom, caring for a newborn, and finding time for basic self care and sleep. Many of the women I’ve treated found the healing process to be a long journey – both mentally and physically- in their transition into motherhood. Every woman deserves good care and a strong support system.  As a physical therapist, I am here to help you regain control over pain and your body, have a satisfying sex life once again, and restore your confidence in getting back to being physically active. Even if you’ve tried different types of treatment in the past, have questions, or you are still experiencing pain,  let’s discuss your condition and find a solution. 

Women seek pelvic floor physical therapy for a variety of reasons. Some are looking to reduce those embarrassing and worrisome leaks that can happen with a cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise after having a baby. Women who have had a long labor, difficult delivery, or a cesarean section will also experience pain from scar tissue formation and trauma to the pelvic floor muscles. Others present with pain in the pelvis, upper legs, abdomen, and buttocks that may be due to tight pelvic floor muscles or underlying medical conditions. All of the conditions described can greatly affect their personal lives and relationships. Each situation requires different treatment and I am a women’s health physical therapist trained to provide specialized care that will improve your pelvic floor health.

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues that line or pass through the pelvis. There are three layers of the pelvic floor muscles and the deepest layer forms a sling from the pubic bone to the tailbone that supports the uterus, bladder, and rectum. The pelvic floor helps in keeping us continent (in control of our bladder and bowels), aids in sexual performance and function, and assists in core stability. When some or all of these structures of the pelvic floor are not functioning properly, it can cause a multitude of different symptoms. People who are suffering from bowel, bladder, and / or sexual dysfunction, as well as those who are suffering from pain in the pelvis, upper legs, abdomen, or buttocks most likely have pelvic floor impairments contributing to their pain.

Issues with the pelvic floor can arise for several reasons. Childbirth, postural and lifting problems, infections, previous surgeries, underlying medical conditions, and trauma can all bring on pelvic floor dysfunction and pain – which can remain long after the initial cause has been removed or healed. Thus it’s very possible to feel the effects of an infection, surgery or injury for a long time. Anyone who has had chronic abdomino-pelvic pain, or pain that they can’t seem to get rid of after seeking the help of medical doctors or other healthcare providers is a good candidate for a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation and possible treatment.

The pelvic floor acts as a support structure to the bladder, uterus, rectum and urethra, which aids bladder retention. Being able to relax and contract your pelvic floor enables healthy functioning of the bladder and bowels. But if it becomes weak or damaged, the pelvic floor can give rise to disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, and other problems. When this happens, pelvic floor therapy can “rewire” the muscles and brain to control the coordination of key muscle groups. Every patient I treat receives a specialized program tailored to the level and frequency of rehabilitation needed, using a combination of manual techniques and exercises.