Do I Need Pelvic PT After a Pelvic or Abdominal Surgery?

Finding Pelvic Sanity

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.
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!

About Us
Dr. Nicole and Jesse Cozean are the founders of PelvicSanity Physical Therapy (www.pelvicsanity.com) in Southern California. The clinic has helped thousands of patients in the Orange County, CA area and hundreds from around the world with a remote consultation and Out of Town Program.
They co-authored The IC Solution and Nicole created The IC Roadmap online course to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information for those with interstitial cystitis. They run the Finding Pelvic Sanity Facebook group for a supportive online community for anyone dealing with pelvic health issues.
Nicole has also created courses and trained thousands of pelvic PTs to provide better care through her work with Pelvic PT Rising (www.pelvicptrising.com).

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And as always, we hope this has helped you find just a bit of pelvic sanity!