Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Portland
Conservative Management and Pelvic Floor Therapy for Prolapse
If you've been told you have pelvic organ prolapse—whether bladder (cystocele), uterine, rectal (rectocele), or vaginal vault prolapse—and you're wondering if there's anything you can do besides surgery, the answer is yes.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you manage prolapse symptoms, improve pelvic floor function, and in many cases avoid or delay surgery.
At Portland Pelvic Therapy, we take a whole-body approach to prolapse—looking not just at your pelvic floor muscles, but at the fascial support system, organ positioning, breathing patterns, and postural habits that contribute to prolapse.
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Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) descend from their normal position due to weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. This can happen after childbirth, with aging, from chronic straining, heavy lifting, or chronic cough.
Symptoms include:
Sensation of heaviness or bulging in the vagina
Feeling like something is "falling out"
Lower back pain
Difficulty emptying bladder or bowels
Urinary leakage or frequency
Pain or discomfort with sex
Visible bulge at the vaginal opening
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Pelvic Floor Retraining: Not just Kegels—we assess whether your pelvic floor is too tight, too weak, or uncoordinated, and create a targeted plan.
Visceral Manipulation: Gentle organ repositioning and fascial release to improve support.
Postural and Breathing Work: How you hold your body and breathe affects intra-abdominal pressure and prolapse symptoms.
Whole-Body Strengthening: Core, hips, and alignment work to support your pelvic floor.
Pessary Fitting and Management: (If appropriate and desired)
Lifestyle Modifications: Constipation management, lifting mechanics, exercise modifications.
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Many women see significant improvement in prolapse symptoms with conservative management. Surgery isn't always necessary, and when it is, pelvic PT before and after surgery improves outcomes.
Treatment typically involves 6-12 sessions initially, with periodic check-ins.
Serving Portland & Beaverton
Our clinic is in Beaverton, Oregon, serving patients throughout the Portland metro area.