FAQ: Frequently asked questions by our patients

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is composed of muscles that span from the pubic bone in the front of your body to your tailbone. These muscles have many responsibilities including providing support to organs in your pelvis and abdominal region, bladder and bowel control, overall postural stability and sexual functions. Organs contained in the region include your bladder and rectum, and the uterus in females. In order to provide proper bladder and bowel control, the muscles must function properly and coordinate together to prevent leakage or retention of urine or stool. In addition, these muscles aid in overall postural control and can prevent straining your low back muscles when they work properly.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can involve the muscles becoming weak or too tight leading to poor musculature function. When they are weak, they are unable to support your organs, or they are unable to prevent urinary or stool leakage (incontinence). When they are too tight, pain may be a result preventing people from walking, sitting or having comfortable sexual relations.

Can people of all ages have pelvic floor dysfunction?

Yes, we treat all ages across the lifespan for pelvic floor dysfunction. At any age the musculoskeletal system may become impaired affecting the pelvic floor, causing various symptoms. If you have any further questions about symptoms or conditions we treat, please feel refer to our services page or call our office at 732-508-9926.

Can men have pelvic floor dysfunction as well?

Yes, we treat men and women of all ages, including children. We have a vast diversity of patients at Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy that all benefit from our services. A few examples of commonly seen cases among men include prostatitis, testicular/penile pain, nerve dysfunction, sciatica, abdominal pain, post surgical, and various bladder dysfunctions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our office at 732-508-9926.

How does the pelvic floor cause bladder and bowel problems?

When your pelvic floor is too tight or too weak, this may result in the inability to store urine or in some cases cause retention. Problems with the pelvic floor can also cause an over-active bladder. Pelvic muscles that are too weak may cause fecal or stool incontinence. In some cases, constipation may be a result of muscles being too tight.

Is it normal to have pain with sex?

It is not normal to have pain with sexual intercourse. When muscles in the pelvic floor are too tight and have tender areas, sex may be painful or impossible to engage in. At times these muscles may also become too frail and very dry, which also contributes to pain. At Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy, we will assess your pelvic floor muscles and tissue and address any impairments that can be eliciting your pain.

What is a pelvic floor physical therapist?

A pelvic floor physical therapist is a state licensed physical therapist that has a doctorate in physical therapy, but also has specialized training specific to working with the pelvic floor muscles. These therapists are able to examine the pelvic floor externally and internally as well as the abdominal region. Their skills enable them to work with clients with pelvic pain, bladder and bowel issues as well as sexual dysfunction.

Isn’t it normal at my age to pee a little when I cough or sneeze? I’ve been doing it forever?

The answer is no. There is likely a reason that you are experiencing leakage throughout the day that we can address at Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy. Your pelvic floor muscles are responsible for multiple functions, including bowel and bladder control. We will perform a thorough examination and create an individualized plan of care for your symptoms.

I have had these pelvic problems for so long. Do you think you could still help me?

Many patients have come to Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy after trying various medical interventions with limited success. At Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy, we work to correct the root cause of your problem by addressing the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular symptoms instead of trying to mask them. We have had success with patients who reported issues that began over 30+ years ago, yet they never knew where to find the help they needed. We always say it’s never too late to get the care and treatment you deserve to improve your quality of life.

My medical doctor told me to do kegels but I do not know if I am performing them correctly. How can I tell?

Kegels, or more specifically, pelvic floor muscle contractions, can be an effective method to reduce pelvic floor symptoms, however, they are not appropriate for everyone and many individuals perform them incorrectly. At Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy, we have a fully trained staff of pelvic physical therapists that will complete a full body screen and pelvic floor examination to determine the best treatment plan for you, including how to perform the appropriate exercises and activities to address your symptoms.

How do I see a pelvic floor physical therapist?

Most often a physician or health care professional will refer a patient to a pelvic floor PT. Obstetrician, gynecologist, urogynecologist, gastroenterologist, urologists, and colorectal surgeons are the primary referrals, but also internists and orthopedics will as well. However, now that you are familiar with what a pelvic floor therapist is, you can inform your physician and request for a referral to our clinic. You can also call our office and make an appointment without a referral.

Can I see a physical therapist without a referral from a medical doctor?

New Jersey is a Direct Access state for physical therapy. This means anyone can refer themselves directly to our office. However, some insurance policies may require a referral or a prescription in order for services to be covered.

How long is a PT session and how long do attend physical therapy?

The initial evaluation session usually lasts for an hour and subsequent sessions for 45 minutes of one-on-one care. Depending on the diagnosis, sessions can last anywhere between 6 sessions to 12 sessions. Usually with pelvic pain, clients’ PT duration is longer.

Who will I see and be treated by during my sessions?

At each visit, a Doctor of Physical Therapy will be providing you with one on one care. We do not utilize any assistants because we constantly reexamine and reassess your status to provide you with the best possible care. Throughout your treatment session, you will always be with one of our therapists.

Is an internal examination necessary to improve my symptoms?

An internal examination does not have to be performed. We are able to treat you externally. However, by having an internal examine we are able to directly palpate the muscles that may be affected in order to have a more thorough understanding of what’s causing your symptoms. We understand that the reason you may be visiting our office is because you have difficulty with gynecological exams. We will focus on making you as comfortable as possible throughout the session and will only perform components of the internal examination with your consent.

Should I cancel my appointment if I am on my menstrual cycle?

We ask that you still come to your appointment even if you are on your menstrual cycle. We can still perform internal work, or we can work externally, if you prefer.

Do you accept insurance?

The physical therapists at Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy are out-of-network providers, except for Medicare we are considered in-network. Many insurance companies offer out-of-network benefits in order for you to receive care from an out-of-network provider. When you call our office, we will ask for your current plan so we can call the insurance company directly to determine your benefits. We will call you back within one to two business days to discuss coverage. If you do not have out-of-network benefits, there are cash-pay options available. We accept cash, personal checks and most credit cards.

What is your appointment policy?

We understand how situations may arise preventing you from attending your scheduled appointment. We kindly ask for at least 24 hour notice so that we can schedule the time slot for another patient who is waiting for an appointment with one of our therapists. All of our appointments are scheduled as one on one care so we thank you for your understanding that we try to provide care throughout the day to as many patients as possible. If you do miss an appointment or cancel within 24 hours, you will be charged a $45 fee which is expected to be paid at the following visit.

Any other questions?

We’re here to help. Give us a call at 732-508-9926 or email us at info@innerdynamicspt.com. Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you might have.