Locations
Main Campus Rehabilitation Services
70 Francis Street, 1st Floor
Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center
Boston, MA 02115
Chestnut Hill Rehabilitation Services
850 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Suite 200
Chestnut Hill, MA
Foxborough Rehabilitation Services
20 Patriot Place
Suite 220
Foxborough, MA
Our Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Services
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services has a program specifically devoted to treating pelvic floor dysfunction and related conditions.
Pelvic floor physical therapy includes the evaluation and treatment of individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations with the following diagnoses:
- Bladder Dysfunction
- Bowel Dysfunction
- Constipation (Dyssynergic Defecation)
- Dyspareunia (pain with sex and/or penetration)
- Endometriosis/adenomyosis
- Fecal Incontinence
- Incomplete Emptying of Bladder or Bowel
- Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
- Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome
- Neurogenic Bladder
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pelvic Pain including Chronic Genital Pain
- Pre and Post Pelvic Surgery
- Pregnancy and Post-Partum Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Prostatitis
- Transgender Health
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Urgency/Frequency
- Vaginismus
- Vestibulodynia
- Vulvodynia
- This is not an exhaustive list of diagnoses
FAQs
What can I expect the first day?
A thorough history and physical examination will be conducted the first day specifically related to the problem you are coming to physical therapy for. All visits will be in a private treatment room. For pelvic floor related conditions (ie: incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain), it is likely an external and internal (rectal or vaginal) pelvic floor muscle examination will be performed when indicated and with patient consent. A speculum will not be used. No other preparation is required. Based on the results of the examination, your therapist will devise with you a specific plan of care to treat your condition.
How long are the appointments?
The first visit is a 60-minute evaluation. The follow-up visits are 30 minutes.
Will I be working with one therapist or will there be multiple providers?
Usually one therapist will see a patient for the entirety of the treatment plan.
What if I have my period, can I still come to my appointment?
Having your period is not a contraindication to treatment. As long as you are comfortable, it is perfectly fine to attend your appointment during your menstrual cycle.
How long will it take to get better?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for that question. Every person/body and diagnosis is different. Your physical therapist will work with you to attain your goals as safely and efficiently as possible. Your therapist can talk to you specifically about your goals, plan of care, and anticipated prognosis.
What should I wear to the appointment?
Comfortable clothes are always encouraged. However, if you are attending physical therapy for pelvic floor related conditions it is likely you will have an internal exam that you will be draped for, so the type of clothing you wear is not relevant. If you need specific exercise clothes, your therapist will let you know.
