Our team of physiatrists and physical therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating abdominal and pelvic pain for men and women of all ages.
Pelvic and abdominal rehabilitation focuses on rehabilitating the muscles, ligaments and joints of the pelvic region and surrounding areas with these common symptoms:
- Chronic or recurring pelvic and abdominal pain (dysfunctions)
- Musculoskeletal pain (hip, low back, sacroiliac joint, tailbone)
- Bladder and bowel incontinence
- Constipation
- Painful intercourse
These symptoms may stem from:
- Perinatal pelvic changes
- Surgery (C-section, hysterectomy, bladder suspension or other abdominal surgeries)
- Trauma
- Effects of radiation to the pelvis for cancerous conditions (or pelvic radiation)
- Neurological disorders
- Pregnancy (prenatal and postpartum)
- Diastasis recti (also known as abdominal separation)
We use noninvasive techniques to help manage symptoms, relieve pain and improve strength, mobility and function.
What to expect
In the Mary Free Bed Pelvic and Abdominal Rehabilitation Program, physicians and physical therapists who specialize in pelvic and abdominal rehabilitation collaborate to help you get better. It’s the only program of its kind in West Michigan.
Our team-based model includes:
- Initial appointment with both a physician and a physical therapist to ensure effective communication and eliminate the need for multiple physical examinations
- Treatment appointments with a physical therapist
- Ongoing communication between your physical therapist and physician
- Follow-up visit with physician to evaluate your progress
- Treatment based mainly on physical therapy techniques, but involving conservative medication management or injection therapy if appropriate.
Treatment
Treatment varies based on individuals and conditions, but often includes exercise for pelvic floor retraining and core stabilization, education and manual therapy. Some patients benefit from treatments such as biofeedback.
You’ll be taught how to manage your symptoms to relieve pain and improve function, mobility and strength.
Pelvic and abdominal rehabilitation focuses on treating the muscles, ligaments and joints of the pelvis and surrounding regions. Physical therapy helps relieve pain and improve function through promoting good posture and appropriate body mechanics, reducing soft tissue adhesions with manual therapy, and exercise to help provide long term relief.
Comfort and success in treatment is our highest priority.
Physical therapy services include:
- Instruction on behavioral techniques and dietary modifications for bladder and bowel retraining
- Biofeedback to train/re-educate pelvic floor muscles
- Electrical stimulation
- Fitting for braces or supports
- Prescription of an individualized exercise program
- Integration of manual therapy techniques: Joint mobilization, stretching, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization
- Education on pain management strategies
- Postural and biomechanical education and training
- Therapeutic exercise for strengthening and conditioning
Contact Us
616.840.8000
800.668.6001