Client success story! How prolapse doesn’t mean you need to give up your active lifestyle.
Dr. Daisy Doherty, PT, DPT (Pelvic Health Specialist) working with a client at Root To Rise in Saco, Maine.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), you likely know that there is a lot of vague information out there and it can initially be scary and confusing to be diagnosed with POP, and it may even feel isolating to navigate.
At Root To Rise, our approach to POP management includes a 90 minute whole body and lifestyle evaluation, and 1:1 treatment sessions that include manual therapy, pelvic floor and deep core coordination, pressure management training, strengthening exercises, and quite often a vaginal pessary!
A vaginal pessary, is a silicone device that sits in the vaginal canal and supports the fascia and connective tissues that support our organs. In our clinical experience in the field of pelvic health, we have found that many, if not most, people envision only post-menopausal women in the later decades of life to experience POP, and that those are the only people who would benefit from a pessary. This is not true! If you are young, active, maybe even recently postpartum, you can also benefit and it can really help move the needle when it comes to returning to all the things you love to do! Many people find significant improvement if not complete relief when addressed with pelvic floor therapy in conjunction with a pessary.
Here is an encouraging success story of a Root To Rise client who is now 41 year old mom of four kids with POP! She delivered a four vaginally at ages 26, 29, 32, and 36 and began pelvic floor therapy after her last delivery. She was experiencing vaginal heaviness, feelings of “falling out”, and a bulging sensation which was worse with standing, walking, stationary biking, and worsens the week prior to and week of menstruating. She began using a ring pessary shortly after starting pelvic floor therapy. She would typically use the pessary just as needed while exercising, during the week before period, work conferences, or hiking on vacation.
Initially, this client had what we consider a stage two prolapse, where the vaginal wall was coming down to the level of the vaginal opening, which was observed in a lying down position while straining or bearing down. Over the last 3+ years, she was ready to re-size her pessary and see if there was a more optimal fit and one that fit her lifestyle better, so we resized and fit her for a new one!
As pelvic floor therapists we have the ability to assess and observe and note changes over time - and this is particularly important regarding POP.
Overtime, her vaginal opening had reduced significantly in width, and we noticed a significant improvement in the descent to her vaginal wall while straining! We fit her for a smaller pessary that was more comfortable to wear throughout her entire cycle. Even with her most recent period, had she had no complaints of heaviness where she typically would have. Her vaginal wall, pelvic floor muscles, and vaginal opening ALL improved in length, less descent, and less of an opening. The pessary was able to hold that tissue in the proper position, and after several years those muscles and ligaments learned a new position to be in.
It’s truly possible to see those changes! This client is as active as ever with her line of work, with her active kiddos, and has not had any of the POP complaints in several months!
It can feel daunting to think - I’m young, I’m active, and might even have young kids that you have to keep up with - and then to potentially be told - you can’t lift, run, hike etc without worsening a prolapse. This case is an example that goes against those statements. If you are reading this and have experienced POP symptoms and feel alone, please know you not alone, and that there is SO much support out there for you!
If you are interested in learning more or working with us! Click the link below to book your free consultation with one of our amazing Pelvic Floor Physical or Occupational Therapists!
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us today!
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team
