By: Dr. Sally Machin

Issues such as urinary incontinence, mild uterine or bladder prolapse and pain with sexual intercourse can be the results of an imbalanced pelvic floor. There is a solution to dealing with this imbalance. It’s called Holistic Pelvic CareTM, and was developed by Tami Kent, a physical therapist specialized in women’s pelvic care and also the author of several books. It is a gentle internal bodywork that is used to balance the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. This is a group of muscles located in your pelvis that, along with your core, help support your internal organs. That’s a lot of work for some small muscles, so sometimes they can become tense or start to weaken. Just like any other muscle group, having muscles that are too tight or not strong enough can cause pain and can impact the job of these muscles. Even emotional issues can also influence how these muscles respond. Pregnancy and childbirth put additional stress on the pelvic floor and it is not uncommon for women to start experiencing urinary symptoms or discomfort during intercourse following the birth of their child. Many women will accept that these issues are normal and won’t seek out additional care. The bladder, uterus, ovaries, and rectum can be particularly effected as these come into closest contact with the muscles of the pelvic floor. Holistic Pelvic Care addresses both the physical and energetic contributors to the health of your pelvic floor. In addition to the health concerns already discussed, certain women who are having difficulty conceiving, or having difficulty with menstrual pains may benefit.

How do you know if Holistic Pelvic Care is right for you?
While it may not be the only treatment necessary to address your concerns, many women can benefit from this type of physical therapeutic care. There are some contraindications to Holistic Pelvic Care, but most are temporary, such as pregnancy.

What happens when I come in for a first appointment for Holistic Pelvic Care?
We will discuss your concerns thoroughly and make sure there are no current contraindications for you to undergo this treatment. Then we can move forward with your first treatment.

How many treatments are needed to see improvement?
The number of treatments will vary based on severity of symptoms and level of response. Women may see improvement after the first treatment and most require between 1-6 treatments.