What to Expect

What is Pelvic Health?

Pelvic health encompasses the overall well-being and proper functioning of the muscles, organs and structures located within the pelvic region. It plays a vital role in key bodily functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual function and maintaining the stability and support of the pelvis, hips and lower back. A central component of pelvic health is the pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments that stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone, forming three layers of hammock-shaped muscles. These muscles support the bladder and rectum. In men, the pelvic floor also supports the prostate, while in women it supports the uterus, cervix and vagina.

Damage or changes to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues – whether due to surgery, radiation or chemotherapy – can lead to pain, weakness and impaired function. These effects can influence organ performance, posture and overall physical stability. Our pelvic floor therapists specialize in helping cancer patients manage and improve pelvic function, offering targeted relief and support throughout recovery.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

At WakeMed, we understand the impact cancer treatment can have on your pelvic health and intimacy. That’s why we offer specialized, one-on-one care designed to address the pelvic health challenges that may arrive before, during and after treatment for breast, prostate or GI cancers. Rooted in evidence-based practices, our Intimacy & Sexual Health program is tailored to meet each patient’s needs, history and goals. Our team of expert pelvic health therapists coordinate care with your cancer care team, ensuring your rehabilitation is cohesive and comprehensive.

Your physical therapy session will begin with an assessment by a pelvic health physical therapist to address your symptoms of pelvic floor and sexual health dysfunction. This assessment will review your mobility, strength and symptom triggers of your musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular systems. By addressing both the physical and neurological components of healing, we empower survivors to regain function, reduce pain and reconnect with their bodies in a safe and supportive way.

Through different strategies, we help patients restore proper communication between the brain and pelvic floor muscles. Some treatments we provide include:

• Desensitization to improve flexibility, reduce pain with penetration and retrain the nervous system
• Sexual health education on safe use of vacuum erection devices, vaginal expanders, lubricants, vaginal moisturizers to combat dryness and sensate focus exercises
• Manual therapy techniques to improve pelvic floor tissue mobility, and reduce pain with pelvic exams and intercourse
• Scar mobilization to address tissue tightness post-surgery or radiation and reduce edema (swelling)
• Neuromuscular re-education to help restore muscle coordination and blood flow for improved function, sensations and connection to the body; may include Biofeedback
• Customized exercise program to increase strength, stability and endurance of the connective tissue chains impacting pelvic floor function
• Bladder and bowel retraining
• Education and assistance with lifestyle modifications