Sexual Dysfunction Physical Therapy in Chicago
Using gentle pressure and skillful massage techniques, we help release tension and restrictions in the internal organs and connective tissues, improving sexual function.
Physical Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction
- Professional
- Personalized
- Precise
Sexual health and pelvic floor therapy are closely related, as the pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sexual function. The pelvic floor muscles support the organs of the pelvis, help control bladder and bowel function, and are also involved in sexual arousal and orgasm.
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction, such as:
- pain during intercourse
- difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- difficulty reaching orgasm
Pelvic floor therapy involves exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, as well as education on positioning and techniques that can help reduce pain or improve sexual function.
Pelvic Floor Therapy also helps improve overall sexual health and well-being, which includes improving body awareness and mindfulness, and addressing anxiety or stress related to sexual function.
Sexual dysfunction is a complex and multifaceted issue, and may involve physical and psychological factors. A holistic approach that addresses all of these factors is the most effective in improving sexual health and function.
Our team of Chicago physical therapists are trained professionals who understand the sensitivity and seriousness of their work to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to meet your needs and goals.
Skillful & proven procedures for your Sexual Health
We use a variety of modern tools and procedures to provide you with the best options to heal and revitalize your body.
INDIBA* Revitalize
Advance Core Physical Therapy & Wellness is the only licensed provider of INDIBA in Chicago. INDIBA® is the market leader in radio frequency treatments for reducing pain and accelerating the natural recovery of the body. The INDIBA device generates a safe, pain free, electromagnetic wave that introduces energy into the body. This causes bio-stimulation and a thermal effect, which complements your recovery and can improve results from your first treatment.
It involves using a handheld device that emits a high-frequency electrical current, which is applied to the skin and underlying tissues on the affected area/ pelvic floor region.
Treatment with INDIBA helps:
- Reduce incontinence, allowing for you to return to everyday life without the worry and inconvenience of leaking
- Improve the pelvic muscles ability to contract and relax, reducing pain
- Improve ejaculation control by ensuring the pelvic area is toned
- Manage chronic pelvic pain
During an Indiba therapy session, your PT will apply the device to the skin in the pelvic floor area, and may use a variety of techniques to target specific areas of tension or dysfunction. The therapy is typically painless and may be combined with other forms of pelvic floor rehabilitation, such as exercise or manual therapy.
Dilator Therapy
Vaginal dilators are medical devices used to help women with a variety of conditions that affect the vagina, such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and vaginal stenosis.
Good dilators are made of smooth, non-toxic materials such as medical-grade silicone, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to help you work your way up.
Vaginal dilators work by gently stretching and relaxing the vaginal muscles and tissues over time. They can be used to gradually increase the size and depth of the vagina, reduce pain during intercourse, and improve sexual function.
Dilator therapy is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include pelvic floor physical therapy and counseling.
It is important to use vaginal dilators as directed by your physical therapist, and to practice good hygiene and cleaning techniques to prevent infection. We will walk you though everything important there is to know about vaginal dilators and make you feel comfortable and ready to improve your condition.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is based on the premise that movement is essential for life and any restriction within the body will affect our health. Visceral Manipulation (often called Organ Mobilization) is a hands-on gentle release of tension to the structures within the body, organ, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, as well as emotional tension.
During the procedure, your therapist will use gentle manual pressure and specific movements to improve organ mobility, enhance the body’s natural healing process, and relieve discomfort.
AlterG Treadmill Therapy
AlterG innovative Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ technology empowers people to move in new ways and without pain – to recover mobility, improve wellness, and enhance physical performance.
The AlterG is a specialized treadmill used in rehabilitation settings that allows individuals to exercise with a reduced amount of weight-bearing on their lower extremities. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are recovering from lower limb injuries or surgeries, or who have conditions that make weight-bearing exercise difficult or painful.
How does it work?
The AlterG works by enclosing the lower body in an airtight chamber that creates a lift force, which reduces the amount of weight-bearing on the legs. The amount of lift force can be adjusted to match the individual's needs and goals, allowing for a gradual increase in weight-bearing over time.
Real-Time Ultrasound
Pelvic real-time ultrasound (RTUS) is a diagnostic and treatment tool often used in pelvic floor rehabilitation. The technique involves the use of a specialized ultrasound machine and a small probe that is inserted into the vagina or rectum, allowing for real-time visualization of the pelvic organs and musculature.
We use pelvic RTUS to evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles, including their ability to contract and relax, as well as the position and function of the bladder, uterus, and other pelvic organs. Our PTs also use it to guide treatment, such as biofeedback or pelvic floor muscle exercises, by allowing us to see the muscles contracting in real-time on a screen.
Low-Pressure Fitness
Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) is a therapeutic exercise approach that combines breathing techniques, postural re-education, and core muscle training to improve the function and health of the pelvic floor muscles, core muscles, and respiratory system. We use a specialized breathing device called an AirBelt to facilitate proper breathing mechanics and support the core muscles during exercise.
LPF improves the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor and core muscles, improves breathing function, and reduces symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and lower back pain.
The PTs at Advance Core are certified in LPF, and can ensure a safe and effective treatment. The specific treatment plan will depend on your needs and condition, and may involve ongoing maintenance exercises to maintain the benefits of therapy.
Dr. Moise is a certified LPF physical therapist, trained by Dr. Tamara Rial (the developer of the treatment program.)
Frequently Asked Sexual Dysfunction Questions
Physical therapy can definitely help with erectile dysfunction as addressing pelvic floor muscle weakness, tension or dysfunction can lead to improvements in erectile function.
During physical therapy sessions, we work with you to identify and address any pelvic floor issues through targeted exercises, biofeedback, and other modern techniques. By strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, we can help improve blood flow to the penis, leading to stronger and longer-lasting erections.
If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, don’t hesitate to reach out. By addressing the root cause of the problem, we can help you regain your confidence and enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.
Yes, physical therapy can absolutely help with painful sex. Our team of caring physical therapists understand how debilitating and frustrating it can be to experience pain during sex, and how it can impact your overall quality of life and relationships.
During physical therapy sessions, we work together to identify the root cause of your pain, which may include conditions like pelvic floor muscle tension, nerve irritation, or scar tissue. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan to address these issues through a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and stretches.
By working to release tension, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce pain, we will help you enjoy a more comfortable and satisfying sex life. Don’t suffer in silence – if you’re experiencing pain during sex, reach out to us, so we can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Get Started Today
Meet your PT provider
Schedule an appointment and meet your Chicago Physical Therapist who will help you put together a PT plan.
Follow the customized plan
The physical therapy plan we create for you will ensure you get better and start feeling results, fast.
Reach your goals
Forget about embarrassment, pain, or holding back. Get back to living your life — stronger than ever.
