Pelvic Organ Prolapse Physical Therapy in Long Beach, CA
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bladder, uterus, or rectum shifts lower in the pelvis than usual, often creating a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or a bulge vaginally, or rectally. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help many people manage symptoms and so that you can get back to the activities that you love. At Sunshine Physical Therapy and Wellness in Long Beach, every visit is one-on-one with Dr. Stacie Groat, PT, DPT, OCS.
If you’ve been told to just do Kegels, or that you have to live with it, you should know that you don’t have to. Many people find their symptoms improve with the right physical therapist.
Common Symptoms
Prolapse feels different for everyone. You may notice:
- Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, often worse at the end of the day
- A feeling of a bulge or “something falling out”
- Leaking urine, or trouble emptying your bladder or bowels
- Pain or discomfort with sex
- Symptoms that flare with lifting, running, or standing for long periods
- Low back and/or pelvic pain
Who Can Develop Prolapse?
Prolapse can show up after pregnancy and childbirth, during or after menopause, after chronic chronic constipation, a long-standing cough, or occupational or recreational heavy lifting. Many people notice it years after having a baby. It’s very common, and you don’t need to be embarrassed to ask about it.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
A thorough assessment. We look at your entire body and how your pelvic floor, core, breathing, and posture work together to contribute to the prolapse symptoms.
Pelvic floor training that fits you. Some people need to strengthen, and others need to learn to relax or coordinate these muscles. We figure out which applies to you before prescribing anything.
Pressure management. We teach you how to breathe, lift, brace, and move in ways that put less strain on your pelvic floor. No exercise is off limits!
Getting back to what you love. We build a gradual plan for exercise, lifting, running, or playing with your kids, based on your goals and how your symptoms respond.
Working with your medical team. When it makes sense, we’ll coordinate with your doctor, including questions about supportive devices such as pessaries.
Results vary from person to person, and physical therapy may not change the position of the prolapse itself. Many people find their symptoms improve and their confidence in their body returns.
What to Expect
We start by listening to your story: your symptoms, what you’ve tried, and what you want to get back to doing. If it’s helpful and you’re comfortable with it, we may include an internal pelvic exam, which is always optional and your choice. We’ll explain every step and you can pause or stop at any time. Then we build a plan together and teach you what to do at home. Visits are one-on-one with Dr. Stacie, and you will never be rushed out the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physical therapy help with prolapse?
For many people, yes. Physical therapy can reduce symptoms like heaviness and pressure and help you return to exercise. It doesn’t always change the prolapse itself, and we’ll tell you honestly what we think is realistic for you.
Will I need surgery?
Not everyone does. Some people manage well with physical therapy and other non-surgical options, and others benefit from surgery. We work with you and your doctors to decide what makes sense.
Is it safe to exercise or lift with prolapse?
Absolute, yes! Especially with the right adjustments. We’ll help you work out which movements feel good and how to modify the ones that don’t. Exercise and physical activity are so important for reducing symptoms of prolapse.
Do you work with postpartum patients?
Yes. Prolapse symptoms can appear at any point after having a baby, including years later.
When should I see a doctor?
Please see a physician if you can’t urinate, empty your bladder, have severe pelvic pain, notice bleeding you can’t explain, or if your symptoms are new and sudden.
Physical therapy is not a substitute for medical care. If you have new, severe, or unexplained symptoms, please see a physician.