Musculoskeletal Considerations in Pelvic Health

Patients seek rehabilitation services for various conditions related to pelvic muscle dysfunction. If not referred by their physician, patients often refer themselves. Healthcare providers treating patients with pelvic concerns must be sensitive and authentic when communicating with patients about their pelvic health and sexuality. Individualized care and respectful interaction are imperative in developing an effective therapeutic relationship. Pelvic health physical therapists evaluate and treat patients of all genders with musculoskeletal conditions related to weakness, overactivity, pain, menopause, following genital surgery, and gender‐affirming surgery. This presentation will highlight the role of pelvic health physical therapy and the bladder, bowel, sexual, and post‐surgical conditions treated. The terminology used when communicating with patients to enhance the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes will also be discussed.