In short, yes! There's a reason every other surgery - foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, back, elbow, hand, and many more - automatically results in you going to physical therapy to recover.
Physical therapists are the experts in guiding recovery. Making sure you continue to move well. Guiding your body's healing response. Ensuring scar tissue doesn't stick or 'adhere' and create problems.
Finding Pelvic Sanity Group - Have you joined Finding Pelvic Sanity yet? It's a totally free, supportive online group of 5,000+ members dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction. It's moderated by the team at PelvicSanity, so you'll know you're getting great information a positive environment. Make sure to join here!
And with the exception of pelvic and abdominal surgeries, you'll automatically be referred to physical therapy to get post-surgical help.
Except in the areas where your most essential bodily functions happen!
These surgeries are huge risk factors for later instances of pelvic pain, urinary issues, bowel and constipation problems, painful intercourse, and more.
The good news - no matter how long it's been, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you get back your proper motion, clear up scar tissue and relieve symptoms.
Here is a partial list of the surgeries pelvic PT can (and should!) help with. Also, if you're considering a surgery, make sure you 'pre-hab' with a pelvic PT. Often we can help you avoid the surgery entirely, but if not we can set you up for success and ensure you get the best possible outcome!
Abdominal Surgeries:
Gall bladder
Hernia repair
Appendectomy
Bowel resection
Tummy tuck
Breast augmentation
Abdominal wall repair
Any surgery that leaves a scar on the abdomen or goes in through the belly button (even if it's just a small incision)
Delivery Surgeries and Wounds:
C-Section
Episiotomy
Tearing with delivery (any grade)
Pelvic/Gynecologic Surgeries:
Hysterectomy
Endo surgeries
Prolapse repair
Bladder slings
Urethral surgeries
Any pelvic cancer surgeries
Prostatectomy
Fibroids and cysts
Gender affirming surgery
And anything else done 'down there!'
While it's frustrating you likely weren't told about pelvic PT to help prevent or recover from these surgeries, it's never too late!
As Nicole said in the full 'sode of the podcast on this topic...
"Pelvic PTs are screaming from the rooftops that doctors need to be sending their patients to pelvic PT after surgery." -Nicole Cozean, Pelvic Sanity
If you’re dealing with pelvic health issues, make sure you join our free FB support group (Finding Pelvic Sanity), follow us for more information on Instagram (@pelvicsanity) and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for wherever you get your podcasts!
Who are we at PelvicSanity?
At PelvicSanity, it's our mission to support patients with pelvic pain and pelvic floor symptoms, regardless of where you live. We can help with:
- In-person treatment for those in Southern California at the PelvicSanity clinic
- Immersive Out-of-Town program for those able to travel
- Remote Consultations to get you expert 1:1 help, advice and an action plan
- Online patient courses on Interstitial Cystitis and Movement for Pelvic Health
- A Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.
