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You Ask — We Answer

COMMON PELVIC PT QUESTIONS

Have a particular question you want to ask? At Anti-Fragile Physical Therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. There’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health. Check out the answers to some our patients’ frequently asked questions below. If there’s something on your mind that isn’t mentioned here, please get in touch for more information.

WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY ANYWAY?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a treatment to help address dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. The type of therapy prescribed will depend upon the symptoms you’re experiencing: some will require relaxing and lengthening of the muscles, while others may require strengthening the muscles. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a thorough interview and assessment before determining any diagnosis for you. 

WHY WOULD I SEE A PELVIC FLOOR PT?

Common reasons to see a pelvic therapist include but are not limited to: 

  • Urinary problems

    • Urinary leakage, stress or urge

    • Urinary frequency

    • Urinary urgency

    • Painful urination

    • Interstitial cystitis (IC) 

    • Difficulty stopping or starting urinating

    • Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Pressure in your pelvis

    • Feeling like your organs are falling out

  • Bowel problems

    • Fecal leakage  

    • Fecal urgency

    • Straining, constipation or painful bowel movements

  • Pelvic pain  

    • Pain in the genitals and/or rectum

    • Lower abdominal pain

    • Pain during pregnancy or postpartum

    • coccyx(tailbone) pain

  • Postoperative care

    • Post-hysterectomy 

    • Endometrial excision surgery

    • Hernia repair

    • C-section

  • Diastasis Recti

  • Postpartum recovery

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION? 

A pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation is individualized and specific to each patient’s condition and concerns. We provide private, one-on-one sessions to maximize comfort for each patient. During your appointment, your pelvic floor physical therapist will get a thorough history before deciding how to proceed with any physical examination. She will explain the assessment and treatment options to get your input and consent before spending time educating you on the anatomy, the condition, how the assessment will proceed, the treatment intervention and answering all of your questions. Most treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction is hands on, which may include internal and/or external therapy. 

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WHY TYPE OF TREATMENTS CAN I EXPECT? 

Physical therapy techniques may include but are not limited to:

  • Manual therapy to the abdomen, lumbar spine and hips

  • Vaginal or rectal trigger point releases* 

  • Strengthening exercises for your pelvic floor, hips and core

  • Breathing and relaxation techniques for your core and pelvic floor

  • Self-care and management strategies

*Therapists are sensitive to the needs of every individual and will not perform vaginal/rectal physical therapy unless given consent

WHY DON’T YOU WORK WITH INSURANCE?

Because you don’t want us to. 

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In many settings, care is limited to shorter or overlapping sessions, or the therapist is forced to choose treatments based on what allows him to finish his previous documentation, prepare for the next patient, contact an insurer, return messages from the billing administrator, and try to leave the office in a reasonable period of time. 

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Traditional physical therapy focuses heavily on passive modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, unsupervised exercises) which take little time or actual effort by the physical therapist (or lesser trained or even unlicensed staff) to administer.  While they may have a place, what we provide is one-on-one, client directed education, exercise, and manual therapy.  Nothing less than the most optimal treatment we can offer to reach your physical therapy goals.  We don’t make up in volume for excess staff, and or for lower-quality care with limited direct time with each client.

WILL MY INSURANCE COMPANY REIMBURSE FOR CASH-BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES?

This depends on your insurance - there are thousands of plans within North Carolina alone.

AntiFragile PT will provide you with the itemized receipts and diagnostic code information at your request to self-file.  If you are interested in exploring your out-of-network benefits, contact you insurance company and ask about coverage for "out-of-network physical therapy in a private outpatient office." Some insurers have other internal requirements, so if you plan to seek reimbursement get your information first.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A REFERRAL TO RECEIVE TREATMENT?

Nope. The North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act allows for any individual to receive evaluation and treatment by a licensed physical therapist without limitation. This is called Direct Access, and it can not only save you money, but get you on the path to recovery faster!

WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET ME BACK TO 100%?

Honestly, we're not sure what 100% means – it may mean eliminating the complaint that brings you to my office. Or it may mean simply understanding the nature and source of your complaints so you can work on self-management without the worry.  

 

Many clients come to us after months, years, or decades of having limited results with other health care practitioners, or having results that only occur with high frequency visits.  This is contrary to our philosophy – We want to see you just the right amount.  Great health care philosophy, terrible business plan.  But in a field where the norm is 2-3 visits per week for months on end, our typical client is seen 1 time per week or less for the same period, we would say you might be getting a deal…

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