Pelvic Floor Therapy at Gunnison Valley Health

Gunnison Valley Health is proud to be expanding its rehab services by introducing pelvic floor therapy within the physical therapy department. This program aims to support patients facing a wide variety of pelvic health challenges in a comfortable, approachable setting with a highly trained expert. 

Janelle Brown PT, DPT, who is leading the program, said pelvic floor therapy is about far more than just exercise. “It’s about education, awareness and empowering individuals to know how to restore their own quality of life,” she explained. “So many people assume pelvic discomfort or dysfunction is just part of aging, pregnancy, or recovery from surgery, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You don’t have to accept living like that.” 

Breaking the stigma  

For many people, the hardest step is starting the conversation “There’s a lot of stigma around pelvic health,” Janelle said. “But these are medical issues, not things people should feel ashamed about. Our goal is to create a safe space where patients feel heard and supported. These are very common issues, and we can help.” 

Who benefits from pelvic floor therapy?  

According to Janelle, patients of all ages and genders can benefit. “Women often come to us during pregnancy, postpartum or with concerns related to normal aging like incontinence, questions about peri- /post- menopause, or pelvic pain,” she said. “But men can also experience pelvic floor issues, especially after surgery or with urinary and rectal disorders. These are treatable conditions, and therapy can make a significant difference in reducing anxiety around these kinds of symptoms.” 

What does treatment look like?  

Janelle explained that each therapy plan is collaborative and will be based on individual goals and comfort levels. “We start with a conversation about your health history and your goals. From there, we use a combination of education and targeted exercises to help retrain the pelvic floor. We will also maximize strength and function in the surrounding areas since our hips, core, and entire body all work together and impact the pelvic floor. And, of course, we have to translate this into daily function. Whenre are you having symptoms? Let’s see how we can help minimize those while maximizing your day-to-day. Patients are often surprised by how approachable and empowering the process can be.”  

At Gunnison Valley Health we recognize it can be intimidating to start pelvic floor physical therapy. Our aim is to honor those feelings, collaborate with you on treatment and goals while cultivating a safe comfortable space for you to heal. That is why our rehab space in Crested Butte has both private treatment rooms, and a gym to work through functional movement. All treatment is done at your pace and designed to fit your needs. 

Pelvic floor therapy can address a wide range of conditions, including: 

• Pelvic floor dysfunction 
• Menstrual cycle health education 
• Pregnancy-related aches and pains 
• Incontinence 
• Pelvic girdle pain 
• Birth preparation and postpartum care 
• Return to sport or daily activities post-delivery 
• Rectal and urinary disorders 
• PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids 
• Post-surgical rehabilitation 
• Pelvic pain syndromes 
• Pain during sex (dyspareunia) 

Pelvic floor therapy and rehabilitation services are now available at Gunnison Valley Health’s physical therapy department. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Janelle at the Rehab and Athletic Medicine office in Crested Butte, call 970-349-5684 or visit gunnisonvalleyhealth.org