“Pelvic floor physical therapy is very exciting and rewarding,” says Amanda Falkena, specialist at Jacksonville Physical Therapy. I met with Amanda to learn about the emerging field of pelvic floor health and the fresh hope that physical therapy offers.
Amanda is dedicated to using her training to tackle common issues that plague both men and women—challenges like urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, constipation, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and postpartum recovery. She’s offering hope, improving lifestyles and brightening future outlooks for her patients.
“Many people dislike discussing private issues,” she explained. “Or they don’t know that there are solutions and treatments available, but there are. I specialize in the pelvis, specifically the pelvic floor. Because JPT is an orthopedic practice, their therapists often treat the body surrounding the pelvis. They also believe in treating the entire person with dignity and honor. I think that what I do is a wonderful addition to their program. The pelvic floor is connected to the low back in a special way. It’s a posture stabilizer; it’s the bottom of your core. If the pelvic floor does not contract or relax appropriately, dysfunction could occur just as one would experience in any other muscle group.”
Amanda uses a pelvic model to illustrate the vital role of muscles located within the surrounding protective bones.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is often used alongside or in place of surgery. “After childbirth and surgery, it’s important to learn to coordinate your muscles, similar to rehab following a joint replacement.”
I asked Amanda how she chose this particular health field. “I saw the need. I’m a mom. I have three children. I was really active before I had my kids. Afterwards, things were not quite the same. I realized I needed rehab, and I am not alone. One in four women and one in eight men experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Fifty percent of women will curtail or modify their physical activity because of incontinence. You can get treated for this and learn to stabilize your core and pelvic floor for your activities. If it’s a muscular issue, we can treat it.”
Amanda lives with her husband Quentin, their two girls, one boy and one miniature Golden Doodle named Titus.
If pelvic floor therapy sounds like something to consider, give Jacksonville Physical Therapy a call at 541-899-8179 and set up a one-hour block to talk with Amanda.
“I teach my patients about their bodies. It’s less distressing when you know the cause of your symptoms,” Amanda said. “We want you to feel safe and comfortable coming to our office.”
Contact Amanda and Jacksonville Physical Therapy at 541-899-8179.