Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a condition where the structures of the pelvis shift in position. This shift can occur in the uterus (uterine prolapse), bladder (cystocele), urethra (urethrocele), small intestine (enterocele), or rectum (rectocele). According to a study published in 2022 by the National Institute of Health worldwide approximately 40% of women experience some type of pelvic organ prolapse. The severity of the prolapse can vary as well as the symptoms that are associated with it that may include but are not limited to pain, pressure, sexual dysfunction, bladder or bowel dysfunction, incomplete emptying.

How physical therapy can help:

Physical therapy plays an integral role in the conservative and postoperative management of pelvic organ prolapse. Both evaluation and intervention focus on maximizing the function of your deep core system and how your body manages pressure in the abdomen and pelvis. Your deep core system is not only made up of your pelvic floor but also your back muscles, abdominal muscles, and respiratory diaphragm. By maximizing how your body manages pressure in the abdomen and pelvis we are ensuring that you can move and stay active without putting additional stress and force through those structures. It is absolutely a top down and bottom up approach and tailored differently depending upon the structure involved, grade of prolapse, and goals of the patient.