How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help you heal from cancer treatment

Hearing the words 'you have cancer,' beginning treatment, and working toward remission can be an emotional and deeply personal journey.

While survivorship brings hope, it can also come with its own set of challenges—especially when treatments that save lives may also leave behind unexpected or lasting side effects. 

Life-saving cancer treatments, while essential, can result in significant side effects, especially with cancers that affect the abdominopelvic region. Radiation therapy may cause a condition called radiation fibrosis

which causes an abnormal over development of thick scar tissue. Radiation fibrosis can occur anywhere that is exposed to radiation including the vaginal tissue which can lead to pelvic pain, including discomfort during speculum exams and intercourse.

Surgical interventions like hysterectomy can result in pelvic organ prolapse, affecting the bladder and/or bowel and potentially causing urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, surgeries performed anywhere in the abdominoplevic region can often lead to scar tissue formation, which can restrict the movement of organs, tissues, and muscles, contributing to a range of persistent abdominopelvic symptoms. 

As a pelvic health therapist, my mission is to provide patients with reassurance and support throughout the complex and often challenging journey of recovery from cancer treatment. Many individuals experience abdominopelvic side effects as a result of life-saving therapies, and it is important to know that these symptoms are both common and treatable.

Using a holistic and individualized approach, I incorporate evidence-based interventions aimed at improving soft tissue mobility and flexibility, enhancing coordination and control of the core and pelvic floor muscles, and building strength and endurance. These targeted therapies are designed to reduce pain, restore function, and support long-term healing—ultimately helping patients regain confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

~ Dr. Kelsey Crosby