Washington Regional Pelvic Therapy

Board-certified physical therapists Megan Dykema, PT, DPT and Ashley Striegler, PT, DPT offer pelvic therapy at Washington Regional Total Spine Physical Therapy, part of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute.

Men and women of all ages can suffer from bladder and pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs – the bladder, vagina, uterus, prostate and rectum. The pelvic floor can be weakened or become painful due to many factors such a pregnancy/childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, chronic straining, the effects of aging, obesity, stress or abuse, and chronic medical and neurological conditions. Pelvic floor disorders significantly compromise quality of life, which can result in depression, social isolation, and avoidance of physical and sexual activity. 

We offer effective non-surgical solutions to urinary incontinence with or without use of medication prescribed by the physician. The goal is to strengthen the pelvic floor musculature, and through re-education, regain the ability to inhibit inappropriate bladder contractions and promote coordinated contractions of the pelvic flor. The program includes the use of specialized exercise, electrical stimulation and biofeedback. Most patients find significant improvement with as little as one treatment per week for six weeks. 

We meet with patients prior to surgery to help them understand how to correctly strengthen their pelvic floor, improve their bladder habits and create a personalized plan. After surgery, therapy consists of pelvic floor and core strengthening, bladder re-training and pain management techniques if needed. 

Washington Regional Pelvic Therapy provides specialized care for patients who are pregnant or post-partum. The initial evaluation is designed to reveal soft-tissue laxity, weakness and tone, pelvic girdle mal-alignment, neurological involvement, postural problems and activities that are exacerbating the condition. Treatment addresses the specific deficiencies through specialized exercise, manual therapy to correct spinal and pelvic alignment as well as soft-tissue pain, activity modifications and self-treatment strategies at home. 

Many painful pelvic conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, post-surgical abdominal adhesions and pelvic floor tension myalgia can be effectively addressed with the use of pelvic floor exercise, intra-vaginal biofeedback and electrical stimulation. Most important, however, are the manual therapies affecting the soft-tissue including relaxation, facilitation flexibility and reducing adhesions.