Digestive Diseases - Gastroenterology

Rehabilitation Program

Mount Sinai’s rehabilitation program provides treatment for patients with pelvic floor dysfunctions, pelvic pain syndromes, and prenatal/postpartum conditions. We specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation for the major conditions and disorders that affect women and men.

After a thorough review of each patient’s history, we conduct a comprehensive exam to determine the best course of treatment. Our experts work together to provide the best diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and aftercare for our patients. Our goal is to provide safe and effective treatments to ease pelvic pain. 

Pelvic Rehabilitation

Mount Sinai’s pelvic rehabilitation program uses proven technology to diagnose pelvic disorders and leading therapies to treat those conditions. We provide comprehensive care for men and women who are experiencing pelvic floor issues. We perform pelvic floor exams to assess the condition of the skin, reflexes, muscle tone, strength, endurance, and function of the pelvic floor. Most pelvic pain can be treated without surgery. Our program will help you strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles.

Conditions

Many varieties of pelvic disorders may affect your well-being. You may have a bladder or bowel dysfunction if you are experiencing the following issues:

  • Incontinence
    • Stress incontinence: involuntary loss of urine during coughing, laughing, or other normal bodily functions
    • Urge incontinence: a feeling of having to urinate often resulting in leakage of urine or leakage after voiding (dribbling for men)
    • Pelvic pain: during intercourse, ejaculation (men), or during, before, or after urination and/or bowel movements
    • Constipation/diarrhea

In women, pelvic floor dysfunction is very common. These dysfunctions can result in the following particular symptoms:

  • Dyspareunia: persistent or reoccurring vaginal pain that occurs before, during, or after intercourse
  • Prolapse: a heavy uncomfortable feeling in the pelvic area with an increased urge to urinate
  • Vaginismus: vaginal tightness causing discomfort, burning, difficulty with penetration, or incomplete penetration
  • Vulvadynia: chronic pain in the area around the opening of your vagina (vulva) with no identifiable cause

Treatments

Our therapists specialize in using a variety of techniques to diminish pain and increase the strength and functionality of the pelvic floor muscles.

Our treatments include:

  • Computerized biofeedback: a computer is used to help the pelvic floor with contraction and relaxation techniques
  • Classes: body mechanics, postural education, Pilates, and yoga techniques to re-educate the postural and core muscles
  • External/internal soft tissue and joint mobilization: myofascial release – an alternative therapy that treats muscle immobility and pain
  • Home exercises: postural, therapeutic, and Kegel exercises to build and maintain improvements made during treatment sessions
  • Muscle-specific training: manual and verbal techniques to help weak muscles contract properly
  • Relaxation training: exercises to diminish anxiety and muscle spasms during intercourse
  • Scar management: decreases pain from scar adhesions after surgery

Prenatal and Postpartum Rehabilitation

Women’s bodies face many physical changes during and after pregnancy. Our physical therapists are skilled in treating pre- and post-pregnancy conditions. During pregnancy, your pelvic muscles adjust themselves to make room for your growing baby. Pelvic floor therapy is useful during pregnancy to help prepare women for childbirth.

Our therapy program helps identify and treat the symptoms of pelvic floor conditions. Our specialists develop individual treatment plans to address and relieve pregnancy-related body changes.

We treat the following prenatal and postpartum-related conditions including:

After a thorough evaluation, our specialists will create an individualized treatment plan that may include one or a combination of the following: electrical stimulation and biofeedback, home exercises, physical therapy, postural training, Pilates, and yoga classes. 

With help from our physical therapists, you can get back to your normal life with restored pelvic floor function.

Find a Doctor Request an Appointment