Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than many people realize, yet it is often misunderstood or left untreated. Symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, pressure, pain with intimacy, and post-partum weakness can significantly affect daily life.
If you are experiencing these concerns in the Newton KS area, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a safe, effective, and evidence based solution.
At our Newton location, Dr. Connor Racette, DPT and Dr. Kailey Duerksen, DPT are highly specialized and experienced in pelvic floor physical therapy as well as post partum care. They provide compassionate, individualized treatment to help patients restore strength, reduce pain, and regain confidence in their bodies.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel, uterus, or prostate. These muscles form a supportive sling at the base of the pelvis.
When they are weak, tight, uncoordinated, or painful, a variety of symptoms can develop.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that evaluates and treats dysfunction in this region. Treatment is always personalized and based on a thorough assessment of muscle strength, coordination, breathing patterns, posture, and overall movement.
Many people assume pelvic floor therapy is only about strengthening exercises. In reality, some patients need relaxation and coordination training rather than strengthening. That is why working with highly trained specialists like Dr. Connor Racette and Dr. Kailey Duerksen in Newton is essential.
Common Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect both women and men at different stages of life. At our Newton clinic, we commonly treat:
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intimacy
- Pregnancy related pelvic pain
- Post-partum weakness
- Diastasis recti
- Low back and hip pain related to pelvic instability
- Constipation and bowel dysfunction
These conditions can feel isolating, but they are treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the root cause rather than masking symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Post Partum Recovery
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant stress on the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. Even individuals who had uncomplicated deliveries may experience weakness, heaviness, leakage, or discomfort after giving birth.
Dr. Connor Racette, DPT and Dr. Kailey Duerksen, DPT are both highly experienced in post partum care. They understand the physical demands of pregnancy, labor, and recovery. Post partum pelvic floor therapy in Newton focuses on restoring muscle function, improving core strength, and supporting safe return to exercise and daily activities.
Treatment may include:
- Gentle core retraining
- Pelvic floor coordination exercises
- Breathing pattern correction
- Scar tissue management
- Guidance for safe lifting and childcare tasks
- Return to running or fitness progression
Addressing pelvic floor concerns early can prevent long term complications and help new parents feel strong and supported.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment in Newton
We understand that discussing pelvic health can feel uncomfortable. Our Newton team prioritizes creating a safe, respectful, and private environment.
Your first visit includes a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Dr. Racette or Dr. Duerksen will evaluate posture, breathing mechanics, hip and core strength, and movement patterns. With your consent, a pelvic floor muscle assessment may be performed to evaluate strength, coordination, and tension.
Every step of the process is explained clearly, and you remain in control of your care. Education is a key part of treatment so that you understand what is happening and why.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Works
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is highly individualized. Depending on your specific condition, treatment may focus on strengthening weak muscles, relaxing overactive muscles, or improving coordination between the pelvic floor and core.
Common components of therapy include:
- Targeted exercise programs to improve muscle strength and endurance
- Manual therapy to address soft tissue restrictions
- Biofeedback to enhance muscle awareness
- Core and breathing retraining
- Postural correction
- Functional movement training
For some patients, pelvic floor muscles are tight and unable to relax properly. In these cases, strengthening alone can worsen symptoms. Our specialists carefully assess what your body truly needs.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men in Newton KS
Pelvic floor dysfunction is not limited to women. Men may experience pelvic pain, urinary leakage after prostate surgery, or difficulty with bowel control.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help men improve bladder control, reduce pain, and restore confidence. Dr. Racette and Dr. Duerksen provide discreet and professional care tailored to each individual.
The Connection Between Core Strength and Pelvic Health
The pelvic floor does not function in isolation. It works closely with the abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and deep spinal stabilizers. When these systems are not coordinated, pressure management in the abdomen can become dysfunctional.
For example, holding your breath during lifting or exercise increases pressure downward onto the pelvic floor. Over time, this can contribute to leakage or prolapse symptoms.
At our Newton location, treatment emphasizes whole body integration. You will learn how to properly engage your core, breathe efficiently, and move in ways that protect and support pelvic structures.
Why Choose Our Newton Pelvic Floor Specialists?
Pelvic floor therapy requires advanced training beyond standard physical therapy education. Dr. Connor Racette, DPT and Dr. Kailey Duerksen, DPT have specialized training and extensive experience in pelvic floor physical therapy and post partum care.
Patients in Newton appreciate their thorough evaluations, individualized treatment plans, and compassionate approach. They understand that pelvic health concerns are personal and deserve careful attention.
Our clinic is committed to evidence based care and patient education. You will leave each session with clear guidance and practical strategies to support your progress at home.
How Long Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of symptoms and how long they have been present. Some individuals notice improvement within a few weeks, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment.
Consistency is important. Performing prescribed exercises and attending regular appointments helps ensure steady progress. Our team will monitor your improvement and adjust your program as needed.
The majority of patients experience meaningful improvements in strength, control, and comfort with guided therapy.
When Should You Seek Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
- Leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
- Pain during intimacy
- Difficulty returning to exercise after childbirth
- Ongoing low back or hip pain that does not improve
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but it is not something you have to accept as normal.
Supporting the Newton Community
We are proud to provide specialized pelvic floor physical therapy services to the Newton community. Our goal is to help individuals feel strong, confident, and comfortable in their bodies at every stage of life.
Whether you are recovering from childbirth, managing pelvic pain, or addressing bladder concerns, our team is here to guide you with expertise and compassion.
If you are ready to take the next step toward improved pelvic health, we invite you to contact our Newton location.
Newton Location
📍715 Medical Center Dr. STE 300
Newton, KS 67114
📞 316-283-7187
Call today or click here to schedule your pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation with Dr. Connor Racette, DPT or Dr. Kailey Duerksen, DPT and begin your path toward lasting relief and restored confidence.
