Each patient/parent provides the medical history, prior studies, and bladder or bowel symptoms. An intake questionnaire based on the symptoms is completed ahead of the initial evaluation to give the therapist information to be useful during the evaluation. The perineal region will be evaluated with a signed informed consent to determine the function of the pelvic floor muscles. A plan of care is then created based on the patient clinical presentation.

Each patient is unique and an individualized plan of care based on the diagnosis is followed to promote healing based on the clinical findings. During the physical therapy sessions we use a combination of tools, including exercises, manual therapy techniques and modalities. Our primary goal is to create a relaxing environment where you feel comfortable during all treatments and confident to carry out the prescribed therapy at home.

It is your choice as an adult to consent to an internal pelvic floor muscle evaluation. The therapist has taken advanced training in trauma informed care. For children, therapists DO NOT perform internal vaginal or rectal exams. An external visual inspection of the perineum will be conducted in children or adults with a signed consent to observe the following: • Skin irritation or redness from soiled underclothing • Pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation • Bear down effort • To assess normal sensation and reflexes of the anus with a light touch (cotton swab used).

You are welcome to bring a close friend or family member to accompany you to therapy.

We require a parent or parent authorized caregiver to be present with the child and therapist during all evaluation and subsequent treatment sessions.

Surface electromyography (SEMG) biofeedback is a learning technique that utilizes specialized equipment to allow the patient to see how their pelvic floor muscles are working on a computer screen or using sound. It involves the monitoring of a life process (bio) and the return of that information to the patient and therapist in a meaningful form (feedback). The pelvic floor musculature is often difficult to feel or know if it is contracting, and if it is contracting correctly or relaxing.

Biofeedback has been demonstrated to be effective in the evaluation and treatment of the muscles of the pelvic floor to improve their function.

The biofeedback equipment includes the use of a specialized computer screen displaying the graph of the muscle activity of the pelvic floor muscles. In the pediatric population, we use external stick-on sensors (electrodes) placed near the anal opening, and abdomen. These sensors are used to monitor the muscle activity of the pelvic floor. This enables the patient and the therapist to see and evaluate resting muscle activity as well as evaluate the muscle contraction and ability to relax. The results of the evaluation will help the therapist design a specific treatment plan for your needs. In the adult population, internal vaginal or rectal sensors (electrodes) can be used to assess and train the pelvic floor muscles to improve function for bowel and bladder control.