Rehabilitation

Pelvic floor Physical Therapy is a specialization within traditional physical therapy that focuses on management of the pelvis. Treatment typically involves examining the urinary, reproductive, and gastro-intestinal systems, bones, muscles, and joints of the pelvis, and assessing for dysfunction. Therapists evaluate pelvic dysfunction by utilizing a holistic approach to assess the entire person and using our knowledge of all body systems to create treatment plans that include exercise, modalities, manual therapy, coordination training, education, behavior/lifestyle management, and working with other healthcare providers to create an individualized plan, tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside's therapists evaluate pelvic dysfunction by utilizing a holistic approach to assess the entire person and using our knowledge of all body systems to create treatment plans that include exercise, modalities, manual therapy, coordination training, education, behavior/lifestyle management, and working with other healthcare providers to create an individualized plan, tailored to your needs. Pelvic floor therapy can help address:

  • Bowel or bladder leakage
  • Bowel or bladder frequency
  • Bowel or bladder urgency
  • Urinary retention/incomplete emptying
  • Constipation
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Hemorrhoids 
  • Symptoms of Menopause
  • Interstitial Cystitis 
  • Pelvic Pain or Trauma (including, but not limited to)
    • PCOS
    • Endometriosis
    • Adenomyosis
    • Pregnancy 
    • Post-partum
    • Prostatitis
    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
    • Lichens sclerosis and/or planus
  • Sexual dysfunction (including, but not limited to)
    • Erectile Dysfunction 
    • Decreased Sexual Desire and/or Sensation
    • Difficulty with Orgasm
    • Pain with Sexual Activity
  • Hip or back pain that has not responded to “traditional” PT
    • See Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening
  • Pelvic Prolapse 
    • Cystocele
    • Enterocele
    • Rectocele
    • Uterine prolapse
    • Vaginal prolapse
  • Postoperative care (prostatectomy, endometrial excision, hysterectomy, prolapse repair, post-colostomy, gender affirming care)
Anybody of any age. Our goal at Riverside is not only to assist you with pelvic dysfunction, but to prevent it. Whether you are preparing to become sexually active, having trouble with orgasm, struggling with tampon use, wetting the bed, leaking with workouts, scheduled for a prostatectomy, or wondering how to stay healthy during and following a pregnancy — we know this can be an intimidating process and are here to meet you where you are with the professionalism, respect, and quality of care you deserve.

 

The first visit (evaluation) will consist of an in-depth review of your health history in a private treatment room to allow you time to get comfortable with your therapist, decide if follow up visits are appropriate, and develop a treatment plan together. The evaluation usually includes an evaluation of the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the pelvis. Pelvic floor physical therapists have advanced training in examination techniques that involve touching the muscles of the pelvic floor from within the vagina or rectum. The therapist will discuss these evaluation techniques with you and together you can decide if these tests are necessary and relevant for your condition. Ensuring your privacy and comfort are our priority. 

Follow-up visits may include education, exercise, and/or manual therapy. Our patients generally follow up for a total of 2-10 visits over the span of weeks to months. But, no two patients are alike, and no two plans are the same. Care plans are a collaboration between providers and patients to meet goals that are relevant to you. 

Come dressed comfortably for your first visit, exercise clothes are great! If your doctor has prescribed you medication for pain, continue to take it as directed. It is ok to come in for visits if you are menstruating, or if you do not wish to do internal physical examinations or treatment. Depending on what you are coming in for, we may recommend bringing specific clothing for follow up visits. If you are having difficulty scheduling due to concerns related to child or other caretaker duties, please speak with your therapist.

 

Our Team

We are proud to have an array of highly trained pelvic PT providers who bring unique treatment styles and professional passions to the table to better serve the diverse patient population. The following is a list of providers who warmly invite you to learn more about them whether you are thinking about scheduling or have already booked your first appointment.


Madi Armstrong, PT, DPT, LSVT

Madi Armstrong, PT, DPT, LSVT

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)

Britney Bostick PT, DPT, OCS, AIB-VR

Britney Bostick PT, DPT, OCS, AIB-VR

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy - Hampton


Heather Ferry, PT

Heather Ferry, PT

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy Smithfield


I Matthews photoIwona Matthews, PT

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy Shore Memorial Hospital Onancock

Cynthia Figueroa photo

Cynthia McIlrath PT, DPT, CAPP-Pelvic Certified

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy - Shoreview (Newport News)


Cheryl Monroe, PT

Cheryl Monroe PT, MSPT

Physical Therapist, Clinic Coordinator

Riverside Physical Therapy - Hampton


Amanda Scott PT, DPT, CLT-UE

Amanda Scott PT, DPT, CLT-UE

Physical Therapist

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)

Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith PT, CLT, Cert ASTY

Physical Therapist, Clinic Coordinator

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)


Katie Tahamtan PT, DPT, OCS

Katie Tahamtan PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist, Pelvic Floor Team Lead

Riverside Physical Therapy - Williamsburg


Pettetier_Chelsea

Chelsea Pelletier, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)

Reed_Brittany

Brittany Reed, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)

Williams_Caylee

Caylee Williams, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Riverside Physical Therapy - Regional Medical Center (Newport News)

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