Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program

The UCSF Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program, offered by the UCSF Center for Urogynecology and Women's Pelvic Health, provides women with the tools and skills necessary to regain bladder control. Patients may be referred to the program by their doctors.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an approach to improving the strength and function of the muscles that support the bladder, urethra and other organs within the pelvis. These muscles, called the levator ani or the pelvic floor muscles, stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone, creating the "floor" of the pelvis. The urethra, vagina and anus pass through small openings in this muscle group. The levator ani may be damaged or lose strength and tone due to aging, childbirth, surgery, illness or other conditions.

The levator ani helps maintain pressure within the urethra, which in turn prevents urine leakage. Strong muscles may alleviate the contractions associated with overactive bladder, and help keep the bladder, uterus and rectum in their proper positions.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation uses the principles of physical therapy to provide a structured program for reconditioning these muscles. Our program is staffed by physical therapists who specialize in urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

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