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The UCSF Women's Continence Center's Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program provides women with the tools and skills necessary to regain control of their bladders. Women may refer themselves or be recommended for the program by their primary physicians.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a term that describes a systematic approach to improving the strength and function of the muscles that support your bladder, urethra and other organs within the bony pelvis.

A group of muscles, called the levator ani, stretch from the pubic bone to the tail bone creating the "floor" of the pelvis. The urethra, vagina, and anus pass through small openings in this muscle group. The levator ani, which also is called pelvic floor muscles or PFM, helps maintain pressure within the urethra, which in turn prevents urine leakage. Strong muscles also may alleviate the contractions associated with overactive bladder, and help keep the bladder, uterus and rectum in their proper positions. These muscles may be damaged or lose strength and tone due to aging, childbirth, surgery, illness or other conditions.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation uses the principles of physical therapy to provide a structured program for muscle reconditioning. Our Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program is staffed by a nurse practitioner and physical therapist who specialize in urinary incontinence and prolapse.

We work with each woman to develop an individualized program for building strength and improving pelvic floor function. The components of a program may include pelvic muscle exercises (Kegels), biofeedback or electrical stimulation muscles.