The Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program at Cleveland Clinic includes treatment for people of all genders and sexes with urinary or fecal incontinence, urgency and frequency of urination and/or pain in the pelvic region. This includes: pain in the abdominals, buttocks, pelvic floor, tailbone, vagina, rectum, penis or testicles. The pelvic floor muscles may become weak, tight or spastic as a result of disuse, surgery or trauma. Our therapists are also part of the comprehensive care for transgender people undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Physical therapists at Cleveland Clinic are specially trained to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. The therapist evaluates each person and develops a plan of care.
Who is pelvic pain and incontinence rehabilitation for?
Many people, regardless of gender or sex, experience pain or urinary (pee) and fecal (poop) incontinence during their lifetime.
Some women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) develop:
- Increased tension in pelvic floor muscles, causing pain.
- Vaginal pain with intercourse, tampon use or annual Ob/Gyn checkups.
Many men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) have problems with:
- Chronic genital or groin pain.
- Frequent urination.
- Burning with urination (diagnosed as chronic prostatitis).
What does pelvic pain and incontinence rehabilitation involve?
Rehabilitation involves the following evaluations and nonsurgical treatments:
- Flexibility and strength assessment and treatment.
- Pelvic floor muscle surface EMG (or biofeedback).
- Pelvic area internal and external muscle assessment and treatment.
- Postural exercises.
- Myofascial release.
- Relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing.
- Development of an individualized home exercise program.
How long will pelvic pain and incontinence rehabilitation take?
Your therapist will work with you to assess your needs and goals, then develop a care plan to meet them. How long you’ll need rehabilitation will depend on these factors.
