Why Physical Therapists Need to Talk About Sex With Patients

Private practice physical therapy clinics often miss a critical patient problem: painful sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, and intimacy issues. In this episode, pelvic health PTs break down how clinicians can identify, treat, and talk about sexual dysfunction in physical therapy.

Sexual function is a real outcome measure for patients. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect postpartum recovery, chronic pelvic pain, urinary issues, and relationships. If PTs avoid the conversation, patients often suffer for years before finding help.

This discussion covers how pelvic floor PTs approach painful intercourse, postpartum recovery, male pelvic health, and the communication skills needed to treat these sensitive issues professionally.

If you're a physical therapist or clinic owner, understanding this area of care can improve outcomes, expand services, and help patients reclaim quality of life.

00:00 Show Intro
03:05 Pelvic Pain Conditions
07:00 Male Vs Female Differences
12:40 Internal Treatment Consent
17:00 Treatment Techniques
22:10 Stress And Pelvic Pain
27:00 Returning To Sex
34:20 Unique Patient Scenarios
41:00 Pleasure And Function
46:10 Societal Sex Stigma
52:00 Male Pelvic Health
57:00 Transgender Care
01:01:30 Final Takeaways

Guests:
Ariana Jones, DPT, WCS
Pam Case, PT, DPT
Tammy Rowland, PT, DPT
Anya Ibarra, PT, DPT