Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs protrude through the vaginal wall. The number one risk factor for prolapse is childbirth; therefore, the majority of women develop this particular pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their life.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help women improve their pelvic floor muscle and girdle strength and motor control which is effective for preventing prolapse and is also used to treat it once it occurs. Early intervention is key, as the prolapse worsens a surgical correction may be warranted. It is best for postpartum women to see a physical therapist after birth for correction and prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic Organ prolapse can occur in the postpartum period but it also can develop slowly over time as our muscles weaken and hormones change. It is never too late to see a pelvic floor physical therapist to prevent or treat pelvic organ prolapse!
By Cambria Oetken, PT, DPT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT Background Diane is a 66-year-old woman with a history of three vaginal deliveries. She came to PHRC with a significant history of pelvic floor pain, muscle spasms, urinary incontinence, pain with intercourse, and muscle weakness. Diane had undergone multiple pelvic reconstruction surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), […]
By Melissa Patrick, PT, DPT, RYT Denise is an active 61 year old woman who enjoys spending time outside walking her dog, going to Zumba class and practicing yoga. When I met Denise, I could tell that she was energetic and lively but that her primary complaints of vaginal pressure were putting a damper on […]
By Jillian Giannini, DPT, PHRC Los Angeles Did you know that Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)is more common than you think and that the severity or stage of the prolapse does not always correlate with symptoms? One review found that 41 – 50% of women had POP on examination, though only 3 – 5% of women […]
By Sigourney Cross, DPT, PHRC Walnut Creek A rectocele, also known as a posterior wall prolapse, is one of the main types of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). As explained in some of our prior posts, a POP occurs when tissue and muscles can no longer support the pelvic organs and they drop down. For a […]
