How to know if your patient might benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction is prevalent across many patient populations. Medical providers take extensive and diligent notes regarding their patient’s medical history, surgical history and general health and wellbeing leaving them perfectly positioned to screen for risk factors and symptoms that may suggest pelvic floor dysfunction. However, even with all of that information, it can be difficult for providers to know which of their patients may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. 

Thankfully, Dr. Nicole Cozean PT, DPT, WCS developed an easy screening protocol for physicians and other healthcare providers to identify patients with probable pelvic floor dysfunction. You can find the screening tool at her clinic, Pelvic Sanity’s website: https://www.pelvicsanity.com/post/screening. For those curious about the statistics, you can find more information about how it was developed and the statistics involved by clicking that link as well.

This screening tool is so easy to use and perfect for patient-facing clinicians either in primary care or specialty practices (especially OB/GYNs, Gynecologists, Urologists, nurse midwives, and Gastroenterologists). Physical therapists who do not specialize in pelvic health can utilize this tool to identify patients who may benefit from a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

Patients can also use this tool to advocate for themselves and as a conversation starter with their healthcare providers!

Happy screening!