Home About Us Medical Staff Curtis D. Struyk, M.D. Douglas M. Van Drie, M.D. Judith A. Hiemenga, M.D. Roger W. Edvenson, M.D. Michael L. Bennett, M.D. Elizabeth J. Luce, M.D. Jason B. Bennett, M.D. Kate Haehnel, MS, CUPN, FNP Kathleen Hascher, MSN, FNP Obstetrics Pregnancy FAQs Your First Visit Fetal Well-Being Kick Counts The Non-Stress Test Biophysical Profile Should I Call The Doctor? Active Labor Post Partum Visit Welcome To The World Gynecology Incontinence Pelvic Floor Rehab Overactive Bladder Heavy Periods Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Interstitial Cystitis Vulvodynia Infertility Fibroids Permanent Contraception Abnormal Pap Smear Pap Test HPV Testing Other Menopause Osteoporosis PMS Yeast Infections Procedures Colposcopy Endometrial Biopsy Hysteroscopy LEEP Essure Endometrial Ablation Thermachoice Renessa Novasure Tegress TVTs Surgery GVG Imaging Ultrasound Facts 3D Ultrasound Gynecologic Ultrasound Obstetrical Ultrasound Biophysical / Amniotic Ultrasound Pelvic Ultrasound Nuchal Translucency Amniocentesis Lung Maturity Notification Of Scan Results Memory Photos & Videos AIUM Official Statements What's New Glossary Links Common Problems

What is Pelvic Floor Rehab?

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation (PFR) is exactly what it says - the strengthening of your pelvic floor muscles, which form a hammock-like structure. Our internal organs - such as the bladder - rest upon these muscles. When those muscles are weakened, we experience urinary and fecal incontinence, and interrupted sexual lives. Unfortunately, by the time we realize these things, the pelvic floor muscles have already been considerably weakened. Causes of weakness include:

Menopause
Pregnancy
Vaginal childbirth
Lots of lifting or carrying
Prolonged standing
Aging

The principles of physical therapy are used in PFR. Physical therapy involves many visits - an individually structured program - to achieve desired results. PFR is a series of visits, usually once a week, with one of our nurse practitioners. Each week, little by little, more progress is made. PFR also requires you to 'work' after your appointments. You'll have homework! You will be asked to perform exercises at home. This is an essential part of benefiting from PFR. The office visits alone will not turn out permanent results. You've got to work to make it better, but there is no surgery, no hospital stay, no side effects.

PFR improves your awareness of your level of control over these muscles. Electrical nerve stimulation is sometimes used to stimulate and exercise the muscles around the bladder. Most women feel tingling or numbness rather than pain.

1900 Wealthy SE, Suite 330
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

4600 Breton SE, Suite 202
Kentwood, MI 49508

Fax 616-774-0651
Phone 616-774-0700