Top 10 Physical Therapy Myths

Dr. Hannah Lattanzio PT, DPT

October is physical therapy month and we wanted to bust 10 common myths you may have heard about pelvic floor physical therapy. 

Myth: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is only for women

Truth: Everyone has a pelvis! Pelvic floor physical therapy is for everyone, regardless of sex or gender identity.

Myth: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is only for those who are postpartum

Truth: Pelvic floor therapy is not just for new moms! Pelvic floor therapists treat patients throughout their pregnancy journey, before and during pregnancy! They also treat many other conditions completely unrelated to labor and delivery. These conditions can be related to pelvic pain, bladder dysfunction, bowel disorders, and even gastrointestinal conditions. 

Myth: Pelvic floor physical therapy is just kegels 

Truth: Believe it or not, pelvic floor physical therapists rarely prescribe kegels as a stand-alone exercise! Kegels are not for everyone and are not one size fits all. It is important to visit a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if your pelvic muscles are “weak” or “tight” to establish which exercises are right for you. Many times people are told to begin kegel exercises when in fact they should be focusing on lengthening and relaxing their pelvic floor muscles, potentially worsening their symptoms! 

Myth: I’m the only one with pelvic pain 

Truth: Pelvic pain is far more common than you may think! Recent studies have shown as many as 40% of women between 12 to 70 years old have had pelvic pain at some point in their lives. 

Myth: Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t treatable 

Truth: Pelvic floor muscles are just like any other skeletal muscle in your body! This means a pelvic floor therapist can stretch, lengthen, and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to treat muscular dysfunction and pain. 

Myth: If I had a cesarean section I don't need pelvic floor physical therapy. 

Truth: Pelvic floor physical therapy is beneficial for all who are pregnant and postpartum - no matter the method of delivery. People who deliver via c-section can still have pregnancy-related conditions such as urinary incontinence, diastasis recti, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Additionally, patients can benefit greatly from c-section scar mobilization to improve sensitivity and release scar tissue adhesions. 

Myth: Pelvic floor physical therapy is only for older adults. 

Truth: Individuals of any age can be affected by pelvic floor related conditions. Pelvic floor therapists can treat everyone from pediatric to geriatric ages. 

Myth: You should only go to pelvic floor physical therapy if you have pain. 

Truth: Pelvic floor physical therapists can help treat a variety of conditions that do not involve pelvic-related pain. Examples include urinary urgency and frequency, urinary or bowel incontinence, constipation, and many more! 

Myth: You can't go to pelvic floor physical therapy if you are on your period. 

Truth: You can absolutely go to your pelvic floor therapy appointment if you are on your period, and even encouraged to do so! Many patients experience pain related to their period and it is beneficial to see your therapist during this time. While internal work may be done when a patient is on their cycle, you can elect to have external interventions done based on your personal preference. 

Myth: If a person has a medical diagnosis causing their pelvic pain, physical therapy won't help. 

Truth: For example, a medical diagnosis like endometriosis may have one assume physical therapy will be ineffective due to the nature of the condition. However, many chronic pelvic pain diagnoses have musculoskeletal components such as muscle guarding and tightness. Your physical therapist can assist by applying techniques such as trigger point release and soft tissue mobilizations to assist with restrictions.