physical therapy

[Big Red]

I am making an appointment with physical therapy. Dont know exactly what to expect. Has anyone tried this and does it help anything.

[dg2901]

I went through physical therapy a couple of years ago. I did find it to be helpful with strengthening the pelvic floor whicn in turn helped my frequency. Its amazing how many muscles can contribute to bladder issues; and with IC, patients tend to suffer with some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction.
My experience-the first visit included alot of Q&A of my medical history, a simple pelvic exam, mild vaginal massage and upper leg massage. My only warning is be prepared to experience soreness before you start seeing results. I wish someonw would have warned me beforehandn; I was sore for days after my first couple of visits.

Good luck to you.

diana

[Big Red]

Do I need to take someone with me or is it just muscle type soreness?

[topcop229]

The pain or soreness, I think, probably depends on the severity of your PFD and maybe the level of expertise of your therapist. It shouldn't be a type of pain where you can't drive yourself home. My therapist usually does heat packs on my back and lower abdomen the entire time, then she does internal massage (she puts her finger into my vagina and massages the pelvic muscles from inside). I also often do IF stim (similar to a TENS unit). Sometimes we do biofeedback, which is where you are attached to either internal probe or external leads and you contract and relax your pelvic muscles on command and it's recorded how well your muscles are responding to what you are trying to do.

I agree with the others, it's usually worse before it gets better. I think that also depends on your level of PFD severity. I have been going to PT since last June and my muscles are still so locked up that an index finger will barely fit into my vagina. And, like IC in general, some days are better than others!

Good luck!!

[Big Red]

Thank you for your reply. That helps me to do a little if what could go on.

[dg2901]

BR---for me it was just muscle soreness from the intense massaging that she did. You should have no problems going to your PT appts alone. Sorry if my post gave the impression that PT soreness was intolerable, its not.

Hopefully you see improvement with your PT!
Takc care, dear
diana

[ICB]

A great resource for information on what to expect from Pelvic Floor Dysfunction physical therapy and other related bladder therapies is www.roadtoslainte.blogspot.com. The blogspot is written by an excellent physical therapist that specializes in women's health (PFD, Trigger Points, Pelvic Pain, etc.). Don't forget to check out some of the archived articles.
Some of my favorite articles are:

1. Pelvic Floor Therapy
2. Dear Diary
3. Trigger Trauma
4. To Kegel or Not to Kegel
5. The Elephant in the Refrigerator
6. Sex, Lies, and Dyspar . . . Who?
7. That's so . . . . . Stimulating
8. Let's Go! Really Go!
9. Language Barrier
10. PNE Paradox
11. nICE & HOT
12. Bladder Boot Camp

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

Only your healthcare provider can determine if the above suggestions are appropriate treatment options for you; these are just some suggestions that you can discuss with him/her.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB

[curlycue]

Pt

Good Luck. I would like to know were you are doing this. I live in Riverside County.

[froelica]

I have also had great success with physical therapy. I've only had 3 sessions so far and my resting muscle tone is down from 6.4 to 3.7! I was skeptical at first, but you can't argue with those kind of results
I'm also feeling better, having less spasms, and less pressure on my bladder.

[curlycue]

Pt

That is great that it worked for you. I am glad. Let us know how it goes.

[Sarojini]

I tried PT and in some ways it helped, but it seems my muscles just snap back into the tight position after the session. That, in addition to the disruption in my work schedule required for twice-weekly sessions, made me stop. However, I have learned some exercises to do at home to help my pelvic floor, including stretches. These can help if I do them gently during a flare.

[sunspot127]

I started this 6 weeks ago and have had immense luck with it. There are a variety of things the therapist might have you do depending upon your symptoms, so she will probably start by evaluating your pelvic floor with a vaginal exam in order to determine where to start. You may also have to fill out a large packet of info explaining your problems and symptoms (anything from frequency, leakage, painful sex, etc...). My biggest problem was extremely painful intercourse.

Once she has determined your trouble areas, she will begin to devise a plan for your treatment. My treatment began with homework, as in doing kegels daily. Certain kinds in certains ways...even doing combo kegel squats and ab work! If you are assigned this task, always do your homework! It helps if you pick a fixed time (like the morning/afternoon drive, shower, during your t.v. hour) so you don't forget your little workouts.

There may also be, again, depending on your symptoms, combinations of bio feedback, electrode stimulation, massage, or use of dilators. I have all of that done once a week. The massage is very uncomfortable, as it is done internally and massages muscles that don't care to be touched due pain. I'm usually sore for a day or two afterwards. The electrode stimulation is not at all bad, and having one done with a dilator (an object inserted into the vagina to help your muscles stretch and relax) in is unpleasant but helpful. There are different sizes to help you work your way up to accommodating more. Biofeedback is pain-free, and will measure your resting muscle tone and your tone when you do kegels or flex certain muscles. It will also help teach you how to do a kegel properly, which is harder than it seems.

Personally, I have responded very well to the therapy, and my husband and I have gone from not having sex at all to doing it twice a week. I still have pain during initial penetration and some pain afterwards, but it is not nearly as bad as it was, and I am very thankful. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you and while it may be uncomfortable at times, should not give you more to do than you can handle.

[Cookiegirl]

Doctor's referral

Do you need a doctor's referral in order to make an appointment
for physical therapy? Will insurance cover any of the cost of
therapy?

[topcop229]

Typically you do need to be referred, and especially for PFD therapy, you need to make sure that you are working with a therapist that is familiar with PFD and the therapies associated with it. So, you want to work with your doc anyway to find the right person.

As for insurance, I guess it depends on your plan. I have BCBS and they cover 50 visits a year with a $20 copay. There should be a number on your card that you can call to find out about benefits.

[curlycue]

Pt

wow it sounds great. I am glad that you have found something that has worked for you.