Pelvic Floor Therapy for Ostomy Patients: My Journey + A Complete Guide to Relief
You Don’t Have to Live With Pelvic Pain After an Ostomy
If you’re living with an ostomy and struggling with pelvic pain, leakage, or the feeling that something just isn’t right in your body—you are not alone. Believe I know this well!
Most of us were never told that pelvic floor therapy could help after ostomy surgery. And yet, it can be one of the most powerful tools for reducing pain, improving continence, and reclaiming confidence in everyday life.
Yes, ostomy patients can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. It helps relieve pain, improve continence, reduce scar tissue tension, and restore quality of life.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experience with pelvic floor therapy after my ostomy, explain what it actually involves, and give you a step-by-step guide (plus a checklist and resources!) so you can find the help you deserve.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy (and Why It Matters After an Ostomy)?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and sexual organs. After an ostomy—whether colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy—these muscles can weaken or become tense, leading to:
Pelvic pain
Incontinence or leakage
Abdominal weakness
Pain during sitting, intimacy, or exercise
Here’s the secret most ostomy patients aren’t told:
👉 Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that restores strength, mobility, and function in these muscles—yes, even after an ostomy.
My Personal Journey With Pelvic Floor Therapy
I’ve lived with my ostomy since January 2016. For me, pain was never really the issue. What I struggled with was incontinence whenever I worked out. I got tired of having to stop mid-exercise and run to the bathroom. At first, I chalked it up to age—I’m 54, I’ve had children, and like many women I thought, “Well, this is just part of getting older.”
I started hearing other women talk about pelvic floor therapy and how it helped them with similar issues. Honestly, I never connected it to my ostomy. I didn’t stop to think about the fact that during surgery for my sarcoma tumor, doctors had removed my rectal muscles as part of the process. I just assumed I had to pee a lot and that was that.
Finally, my doctor sent me a referral, and I began pelvic floor therapy at Wellbridge in Bedford, NH. My therapist ended up being my friend Lauren—someone I consider like a sister. I laughed and asked her, “Is this going to be weird?” and she reassured me, “We won’t make it weird. And by the way, you’re the first ostomate I’ve ever worked with.”
That first session was eye-opening. Lauren showed me a pelvic floor model, and for the first time I truly understood what was happening inside my body. She explained: “You’re trying to control everything in your pelvic floor with a much smaller set of muscles compared to someone who still has their rectal muscles intact.”
Over the months we worked together, we discovered something important: the left side of my pelvic floor was like a wall of tight muscle that needed to relax. Lauren taught me specific breathing exercises and even how to use a lacrosse ball to help loosen the muscles. We also worked on abdominal adhesions from surgery that were pulling everything tight—sometimes even leading to blockages (that’s a story for another post).
Pelvic floor therapy gave me understanding, tools, and most importantly—relief. It wasn’t just about fixing incontinence. It was about feeling empowered in my body again, instead of frustrated by it.
👉 I even talked about this on my podcast! 🎧 Listen to the episode here for a deeper dive into my personal experience.
Common Symptoms Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Improve After an Ostomy
If you’re wondering whether pelvic floor therapy could help you, here’s a quick list of the most common issues it addresses:
✅ Pelvic pain (sharp, aching, or pressure)
✅ Incontinence or leakage
✅ Difficulty controlling gas
✅ Painful intimacy
✅ Abdominal weakness after surgery
✅ Scar tissue discomfort or restriction
✅ A general sense that “something isn’t right”
“If you have pelvic pain, leakage, or weakness after an ostomy, pelvic floor therapy can provide safe and effective relief.”
What to Expect in Pelvic Floor Therapy (Step-by-Step Guide)
Walking into your first pelvic floor PT appointment can feel intimidating, but here’s what usually happens:
Initial Assessment – Your therapist will talk through your medical history, symptoms, and goals.
Gentle Examination – They may assess your posture, breathing, core, and pelvic muscles. (Don’t worry, everything is explained and consent-based.)
Exercises & Relaxation Techniques – Think of these as “pelvic yoga”—gentle stretches and strengthening tailored to your needs.
Scar Tissue Work – Therapists can gently release scar tissue restrictions that cause pain or tightness.
Education – You’ll learn how to sit, move, and breathe in ways that reduce strain.
Home Program – Expect simple exercises you can do at home to build strength and confidence.
FAQ: Pelvic Floor Therapy & Ostomies
❓ Is pelvic floor therapy safe after ostomy surgery?
✅ Yes—when guided by a trained pelvic health PT, it’s safe and effective.
❓ Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In many places, you can self-refer to a pelvic floor PT. Check your local laws.
❓ How long does it take to see results?
Many patients notice improvement within a few sessions, though lasting relief may take weeks to months.
❓ Can it help even years after surgery?
Yes! Pelvic floor therapy is beneficial whether your ostomy was last year or 20 years ago.
Checklist: Signs You Should See a Pelvic Floor PT
Here’s a quick self-check: if you check any of these, it’s worth seeking help.
You have pelvic or abdominal pain after your ostomy
You experience leakage or incontinence
Sitting, sex, or exercise feels painful or “off”
Scar tissue feels tight or restrictive
You feel frustrated that doctors dismiss your symptoms
👉 If you checked one or more, pelvic floor therapy may help.
Resources to Help You Get Started
Finding the right PT is key. Here are some trusted resources:
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Practitioner Directory
Pelvic Guru Directory
United Ostomy Associations of America
Conclusion: Relief Is Possible
If you’ve been living with pelvic pain, incontinence, or frustration after your ostomy, I want you to hear this: you don’t have to accept it as your “new normal.”
Pelvic floor therapy gave me back confidence and control. It reminded me that my body isn’t broken—it just needed support to heal.
Your journey may look different, but healing is possible. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor—or even better, reach out directly to a pelvic floor PT.
And if you want to hear more of my story, make sure to listen to my podcast episode where I share all the details.
💌 Want more support? Join my email list for resources, encouragement, and guides to help you live confidently with your ostomy.
