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Pelvic Floor Therapy Follow-Up Care: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Summary
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized treatment designed to help strengthen and relax the muscles in your pelvic area. After your therapy sessions, it's important to follow certain care instructions to ensure optimal recovery. This handout will guide you through what to expect and how to take care of yourself at home.
What Is This & Why It Matters
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles, which support organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles can become weak or tight due to various reasons, including childbirth, surgery, or stress. Therapy aims to relieve pain, improve control over bladder and bowel functions, and enhance quality of life. Understanding your therapy process can help you manage your symptoms effectively.
What You Should Do
- Take ibuprofen (400-600 mg) every 6-8 hours with food to manage pain.
- Apply ice packs on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. Continue this routine for the first 48 hours.
- Keep a record of your symptoms and progress to share with your therapist during follow-up visits.
- Engage in gentle stretching exercises as recommended by your therapist to maintain flexibility.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider within 2-7 days.
What You Should NOT Do
- Avoid lifting heavy objects that may strain your pelvic area.
- Do not skip medications prescribed for managing pain or inflammation.
- Refrain from engaging in high-impact activities like running or jumping.
- Do not ignore any new or worsening symptoms that arise during recovery.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods without taking breaks to move around.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild swelling or discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Temporary limitations in normal physical activities.
- Minor bruising around the treated area.
- Slight fatigue as your body adjusts to treatment.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Fever exceeding 101°F that persists despite medication.
- Severe pain rated above 8 out of 10 on the pain scale.
- Unusual bleeding or spotting unrelated to menstrual cycles.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Signs of infection such as increased redness or pus at treatment site.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting not linked to other conditions.
FAQ
What is pelvic floor therapy?
It is a treatment aimed at strengthening and relaxing the muscles in your pelvic region.
How long will it take to see results?
Results vary; some may notice improvements within weeks, while others may take months.
Can I exercise during my recovery?
Yes, but stick to low-impact activities like walking unless advised otherwise by your therapist.
Is it normal to feel sore after therapy sessions?
Yes, mild soreness is normal as your muscles adjust to new movements and exercises.
Should I continue my regular medications?
Continue any medications unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
What should I do if my symptoms worsen?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms worsen unexpectedly.
Will I need ongoing therapy sessions?
Your therapist will assess progress and decide if further sessions are necessary based on your recovery.