Patient Education

For Physical Therapy Professionals: Have you created public awareness materials or educational handouts for your patients? Consider donating your material to the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy's repository of patient education resources. All submissions are reviewed and revised by the Health & Wellness Committee. Click here to submit your materials.

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The Vital Role of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
The Vital Role of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants

What do Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants do? What types of conditions do pelvic health physical therapists treat? Where do pelvic health physical therapists practice? Continue Reading

Date posted08/25/2023


Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is a common symptom typically resulting from reduced estrogen levels. It can occur during postpartum with breastfeeding, during perimenopause, and after menopause - whether natural or induced from surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.  Continue Reading

Date posted05/23/2023


The Pelvic Brace
The Pelvic Brace

The pelvic brace is an isolated tightening of the abdominal muscle called the Transverse Abdominus (TrA). The TrA is a deep muscle in the lower belly. It is important because it stabilizes and supports your body’s trunk, or “core”.  Continue Reading

Date posted05/2/2023


Proper Toileting Posture
Proper Toileting Posture

When having a bowel movement, it is helpful to position yourself on the toilet so that poop can leave easily. Typically, sitting using a footstool (a supported or seated squat position) is best, but it varies for different people. Continue Reading

Date posted05/1/2023


Rectal Pain
Rectal Pain

Pain in the anus or rectum is often called rectal pain. There are different types of rectal pain. Functional rectal pain syndromes are caused by spasms of the muscle around the rectum. This muscle is called the levator ani muscle. Continue Reading

Date posted04/1/2023


The Missing Link in the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
The Missing Link in the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease where the immune system causes demyelination of the central nervous system. MS is x 3 more common in women and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20-50 years old. Continue Reading

Postedby Raquelle Genevieve Hafen
Date posted03/6/2023


General Bowel Health
General Bowel Health

The goal is to have a bowel movement in a regular pattern. This will vary for everyone. It is normal to have a bowel movement anywhere from 3 per week to 3 per day. The stool (poop) should be soft yet well-formed. It should pass easily without pain. The tips below can help you have regular and easy Continue Reading

Date posted03/1/2023


Tips for Improving Urge Urinary Incontinence
Tips for Improving Urge Urinary Incontinence

Urinary urgency happens when the bladder squeezes when it is not supposed to. This can cause urine leakage or urge urinary incontinence. Urgency can occur for many reasons... Continue Reading

Date posted03/1/2023


How to Put on Your Pelvic Girdle Support Belt
How to Put on Your Pelvic Girdle Support Belt

An article for your patients on how to put on a pelvic girdle support belt. Continue Reading

Date posted01/1/2023


Physical Therapy Guide to Urinary Incontinence
Physical Therapy Guide to Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (bladder control problems) is any leakage of urine that can occur during the day or night. More than 13 million people in the United States have urinary incontinence. Physical therapists design treatment programs to improve help people gain control over the condition... Continue Reading

Date posted01/17/2022


Part 2: What Happens When I Have Prostate Surgery?
Part 2: What Happens When I Have Prostate Surgery?

As with other pelvic surgeries such as hernia repairs or hysterectomies, radical prostatectomies can be performed with a laparoscopic technique or with an open incision. Continue Reading

Postedby Brandie Freeman
Date posted11/12/2021


Mastitis & Physical Therapy
Mastitis & Physical Therapy

Planning to nurse? Health experts agree that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby.  Most healthcare experts recommend nursing for the first 6 months of the baby’s life, and then continuing to have breast milk in the baby’s diet for one year.  Continue Reading

Date posted09/14/2021