The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles slung from the front of the pelvic bone just above the genitals, to the coccyx/tailbone at the back of the pelvis, creating a hammock to support your internal organs and help you keep your insides where they belong, inside. They also create two or three openings depending on our sex, to give us control of our bladder, rectum, and vagina.

I provide rehabilitation services in the comfort of your own home. This approach is particularly beneficial for those seeking a more convenient alternative to traditional clinic-based therapy. For pelvic health clients, I provide specialized care within familiar surroundings of your own home, reducing the potential embarrassment or discomfort associated with discussing intimate health matters. By seeing you in your home, we also avoid “Parking Lot Syndrome.” This is a phenomenon experienced by people suffering from pelvic pain where they feel better after their session and get into their car to go home. Traffic, sitting for an extended amount of time, and general stress/anxiety creep back in, undoing the benefits of their therapy session. We completely avoid this when you are seen in the comfort of your own home. The additional benefit is I can tailor your home exercises to align more with your lifestyle and daily routines. No one likes doing exercises! If I can help you incorporate them into your existing daily routine, they cease to be a burden and you are more likely to do them.

The assessment process begins when we first meet, whether by phone, zoom, or in person, establishing a rapport and gathering preliminary information about your symptoms, how they have been treated in the past and other medical history. During the first in-person meeting, a thorough interview is conducted to discuss the nature, duration, and severity of your pelvic health concerns, as well as relevant lifestyle factors.

The hands-on functional assessment is a crucial aspect, evaluating the mobility, strength, and flexibility of your pelvic floor muscles through palpation to identify areas of tenderness or tension, no different than if we were working on your back, neck, knee, etc. Posture and movement analysis play a role in understanding any abnormalities or compensations that may contribute to pelvic issues, considering the entire musculoskeletal system. Specific attention is given to the evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles, involving both internal and external assessments based on your comfort and what is clinically indicated.

Electromyography (E.M.G.) is also used to assess what your muscles are electrically doing as well as how well you are able to control them. This is a crucial tool in the biofeedback training, a technique to give you better awareness and control of your body.

Yes! Pelvic physical therapy can address a variety of erectile dysfunctions by targeting pelvic floor muscles to improve control of blood flow to the penis, while simultaneously improving the quality of your ejaculations and even orgasms.

As part of your overall treatment, I may incorporate exercises to enhance pelvic floor function and coordination, contributing to improved erectile function over time. The bonus is that we may also fix your back pain and hip pain at the same time! We can provide education on lifestyle factors that may contribute to erectile dysfunction. This may include advice on posture exercises, and other habits that can impact pelvic health.

Florida is a direct access state, which means you can book directly with me at Davenport Pelvic Therapy. We would then have 30 days from the first visit to obtain a referral from your physician.

This direct access allows you to seek timely evaluation and treatment for your pelvic health concerns, recognizing our expertise in independently assessing and addressing certain conditions.

A session typically begins with a detailed assessment, including a discussion of your medical history and symptoms, much like any traditional physical therapy session. I use hands-on techniques to release tension in pelvic muscles, describe specific exercises to improve strength and coordination and employ E.M.G. (ElectroMyoGraphy) driven biofeedback to enhance awareness and control of your pelvic floor muscles.

Strengthening exercises can enhance the endurance and coordination of these muscles, promoting better support for the pelvic organs and improving overall pelvic health which impacts bladder, bowels, and sexual function. I will provide detailed instructions on how to perform these exercises correctly and customize the program based on your individual progress and response to the treatment.

Communication is crucial and you are encouraged to share your experiences, ask questions and provide feedback about your progress. This collaborative approach helps you refine the treatment plan and ensures you feel actively involved in your public health journey.

The duration of treatment varies based on the complexity of your condition and your individual response. Short term issues may see improvement in a few sessions, while chronic conditions might require a more extended treatment plan.

I will regularly assess progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Pelvic physical therapy is designed to be as comfortable as possible, but some aspects of assessment and treatment may cause mild discomfort. The goal of pelvic physical therapy is to alleviate pain, not induce it. While some discomfort may be experienced during certain interventions, I will prioritize your comfort, and work collaboratively to ensure that your treatments are within your tolerance level, progressively improving over time.

The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the nature of the condition. Some people experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may need more ongoing care. Charles will discuss a tailored treatment plan with you, considering your progress and goals throughout the process.

No! Pelvic floor exercises are beneficial for both men and women if you have a pelvis then you have a pelvic floor, and you can benefit from pelvic physical therapy. In men's pelvic physical therapy, exercises are tailored to address specific men's pelvic health concerns, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunctions by improving the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions can affect individuals of any gender and age. Conditions such as urinary incontinence fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse can impact both men and women. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are a set of exercises that aim to strengthen and improve the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

You'll be prescribed a home exercise program tailored to your needs. This could include pelvic floor muscle exercises, strengthening routines, and lifestyle modifications. Consistent adherence to these recommendations, along with open communication about the progress and challenges, can optimize the effectiveness of the overall treatment plan.