you deserve to enjoy sex
Don't Let Pelvic Pain Get In Your Way!
Pelvic pain can be debilitating and limiting, leading to strained relationships and restricting your ability to grow your family. Our physical therapy sessions are tailored not only to improve pelvic pain but also emphasizing progression toward pain-free penetration.
Physical therapy can greatly improve your symptoms.
Keep reading so you can see how our approach at Vida is unique and focused on helping you achieve long-lasting results.
OUR APPROACH
partner shared journey
In life, very few accomplishments are achieved alone. This holds true for pelvic health related care when the goal is to return to, or begin, penetrative sex.
At Vida, our approach is simple: involve your partner EARLY.
Too many programs and treatments focus on the patient alone, usually on a treatment table, week after week. It can make a person feel like this process is solely their responsibility and can lead to a lack of connection. Now, we are not saying that involving your partner in every aspect of your pelvic health rehab is meant for everyone - some people need the time alone. To think. To plan. To feel. We cater to those needs and process accordingly in one-on-one sessions.
However, there are other times when you KNOW you are ready for your partner to join. This is where our approach differs from others. Our goal is to engage both of you early and fully.
Your partner will be present and participating in most aspects of this program. You will both learn about the underlying drivers of your pelvic pain and what triggers may exist in your environment, your past or within your body.
As a couple, you will discover all the ways you can help prepare your body for your desired intimacy. Read below about the systems that are explored in our partner centered program.
get your bodies moving together!
It's all about the flow. . . . blood flow! Believe it or not, the amount and type of activity you perform throughout the day will impact your desire and/or ability to have sex. Getting a good amount of circulation through intentional exercise will improve the flow of oxygen to your brain, muscles and tissues. These enriched structures become more welcoming to touch and attention.
Studies show that exercise, earlier in the day and out in nature gives us the most bang-for-our-buck, so to speak. A healthy dose of sunlight at safer hours (usually before 10 AM) improves thinking, concentration, reduces stress and energizes you for the day.
There are also many other exercises that can improve blood flow as well as condition your body to be more comfortable. Stretching is a big part of what physical therapists teach - it's good for prep work for activity as well as a way to recover from activity. Specific couple or partner assisted stretches can be quite helpful as "prep work". In PT, you will learn what are the parts of your body that need the most attention and we will develop stretches that, along with your partner, will help calm your body.
If you would like a sample of these stretches and how they can be performed with your partner, click below to receive a complimentary copy.
the power of touch
Whose touch? Yours. Mine. And ours.
This is where we teach you how to get comfortable with feeling your own body, your partner's and both of you together. You and your partner will be taught about each others' bodies to better understand why certain things don't feel good at all and what you can do together to change that.
We will use a graded approach with you that will emphasize getting the affected partner comfortable with touch in more intimate areas. We may need to focus on starting this process alone but will eventually progress to inclusion of your partner.
the space within
Let's get to the good stuff. What are the internal things you can do as a couple that will help achieve penetration? The answer is: it varies. For some, it will require a layered approach where the utilization of supports may be needed. But, this is an important part of the journey where the presence and participation of your partner is key.
The use of pelvic trainers also known as vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers is commonly used as a graded approach to penetrative sex. If you've never heard of a pelvic trainer, you're in the majority, which is a shame given how instrumental they are in helping couples return to or begin to have sex. Pelvic trainers are cylindrical shaped, silicone devices that are inserted into the vagina to ease you into becoming comfortable with penetration. These trainers come in different sizes, meaning there are different girths and lengths. Your PT will help you determine which trainer is the best one to start with and how to safely use it at home. Traditionally, many sites and providers may be accustomed to having their clients and patients do their pelvic training alone, on their backs, while meditating or breathing. This is highly effective and a very proficient strategy. However, if you want another person in the bedroom with you for sex, you will want to get your partner involved in this process early. At Vida, we will teach you and your partner specific ways to use the trainers to best address your needs.
At your therapy sessions, your pelvic floor will be assessed for tone, sensitivity, mobility and coordination. Manual techniques are used to help desensitize, move or coordinate your pelvic floor structures. It will take some time, education and a good amount of "walk-throughs" to train your partner in these manual techniques, but, it can be done! This will help you rely less on your PT and lean more on your helpful partner.
pathways
Did you know that sometimes our body begins to tense up or guard itself without being in the presence of any true danger?
So many things in our lives could be contributing or may have already contributed to this feeling within your body. These could include:
Past physical, emotional or psychological trauma.
Chronic pain.
Fear of becoming pregnant.
Body dysmorphia.
Though some deep rooted concerns or conditions will need to be addressed by other professionals, physical therapy can help you uncover "the why" to your symptoms. We will help reduce the "fight or flight" response in your body so you can begin to fully enjoy it.
a team approach
At Vida Physical Therapy, we believe that no person should have to go through their journey alone. And just like we don't expect that from you, we also don't believe that we have the magic solution to these issues.
Therefore, we refer to trusted practitioners that can become a part of your team. These include not just MDs, but also doulas and midwives, acupuncturists, psychologists, massage therapists and many more.
Please feel free to message us if you would like more information about local pelvic health practitioners and allies.