Be in the know
Physical therapist Amy Legerski chose physical therapy because it offers a unique opportunity to help people improve their quality of life and to participate in the things that matter most to them. She is especially passionate about empowering women, by addressing myths about pelvic floor issues.
This passion for pelvic floor therapy came from seeing its benefits firsthand. While she was completing a clinical rotation for her doctorate, Legerski was completely hooked after witnessing the profound impact it had on patients’ lives. Since then, she has sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge of the pelvic floor and its role in everyday function and well-being.
“Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an area of care that is often overlooked, but one that can make a life-changing difference,” said Legerski, who works at the Sheridan VA Medical Center. “So many pelvic floor dysfunctions have been normalized. While common, they are not normal and are often dismissed as just part of life, especially for women.”
She also noted that this normalization, stigma and misinformation can prevent people from seeking help, even when their symptoms are treatable. However, one in three women struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction. Some symptoms include constipation or straining, feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area. Other examples include pain with intercourse or pelvic exams, pain in the low back, hips, or tailbone that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
“Living with these issues can have a huge impact on quality of life,” said Legerski. “Physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and help people get back to doing the things they love.”
Myths vs. facts about the pelvic floor
Legerski shared some common myths she hears from her patients:
MYTH: “I just leak a little when I laugh, sneeze or exercise—that’s normal after kids, right?”
FACT: Common, yes. But not normal. And treatable.
MYTH: “I always have to know where the bathroom is—I just have a small bladder.”
FACT: That could be urgency or frequency related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
MYTH: “Sex has been painful for years—I thought that was just part of aging.”
FACT: Pain with intercourse is not something you have to live with.
MYTH: “I feel pressure down there, but I thought that was just what happens after childbirth.”
FACT: That could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, which can be managed with therapy.
Pelvic floor therapy is always tailored to the patient. It may include a physical examination and possible internal examination, education, exercises, posture and breathing work, manual therapy, behavioral changes and strategies for daily life. It’s all done in a private, respectful setting, and you’re always in control of your care.
Although currently just seeing women for pelvic floor therapy, Legerski plans to complete continuing education this winter to be able to assist men as well.
If you’re looking to begin or continue your own path to wellness, know that you’re not alone. From nutrition counseling, fitness programs and community wellness events, VA offers a variety of support tools. Reach out, get connected and take that next step toward a healthier, happier you
This article was originally published on the VA Sheridan Health care System site and has been edited for style and clarity.
Topics in this story
More Stories
A Marine Veteran pushes himself each day to use his prosthesis, working closely with VA’s Prosthetics services.
Breaking down the key elements needed to end Veteran homelessness using real-time data to provide ongoing support.
Navy Veteran Raleigh Durden, Jr., celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a century of life filled with service, faith and family.
This story is amazing and I’ve just recently been scheduled for this therapy. I’ve never heard of it before. Thank you.
I think this is fantastic that this is being taken seriously. I just began treatment with my massage therapist (therapeutic) BETTER THAN PHYSICAL THERAPY! I just wanted too let veterans know about this. My treatment is working. Look for a massage therapist that specializes in the pelvic floor and does therapeutic massage as well. The therapeutic therapy is the ONLY thing that I think has helped me. Make sure they specialize in certain treatments. Not all massage therapists seem to care. Some LMT’s just barely touch you. That’s not therapeutic. That’s LAZY! I hope this helps someone. It took me a while too find the right person. They treat any area that is causing pain and deep tissue and so on. I just wanted too share my experience and help anyone I can. It works!!
I’m not writing this to scare anyone, but I would urge everyone to keep searching for answers if you are having problems. In 2021 I had slight leaking, frequent urination and pain during intercourse. I went to a pelvic floor therapist over a span of 6 months – I learned some helpful techniques, but the problems didn’t go away. I was facing foot surgery in January 2022 and told my doc I couldn’t be getting up all night. I finally was referred to a urologist, who scoped me and found a cancerous growth in my bladder (just like a sea anemone). A week after foot surgery, I went in for surgery and had it removed. I’ve had annual check-ups since and so far, so good.
I wish my fellow vets the best – and I hope you find your solution.
I have not been able to go one day without a diaper, it started once I turned 69 I’m now 74. I am always leaking urine so much I have to change diapers three times a day not counting my use of toilet. I wake throughout the night to urine and it’s none stop. My bladder is not just leaking it empty out fully. Sometimes I have pain and am embarrassed to go outside because of my diaper use and they show through my clothes. I don’t want to go around smelling and running to the bathroom so much. I am also a MVP MEMBER since program started. Please help me get some relief and a normal life back.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in men after radiation, often for prostate cancer, involves weakened or damaged muscles causing urinary leakage (incontinence), bowel issues, pain, and erectile dysfunction (ED) due to nerve/muscle damage and scarring from treatment. Since prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. Veterans, affecting them at twice the rate of the general population, while this article seems aimed at women, it is to be understood that men too are affected.
Hi, Just wondering if there is any way to fix the problem. I’m 77 wake up several times a night to use bath room. If I sneeze or cough hard yup bingo. I’ve been pregant 8 times 4 survived. This all started a lot later.