Occupational Therapy Professor Researches Pelvic Floor Therapies

Professor Devoted to Pelvic Floor Research

Women do not have to suffer from pelvic pain, back pain, incontinence and other pelvic issues after pregnancy, and Sacred Heart University Professor Jaimee Hegge ’10, MSOT ’12, is determined to get that message out.

Hegge is dedicating her time and research to helping women, especially new mothers, live life free of pelvic floor dysfunction. The occupational therapist and professor in SHU’S College of Health Professions is researching occupational therapy (OT) practitioners who specialize in pelvic floor conditions. She found that there is little research on pelvic floor therapy among occupational therapists, and few are trained to provide such specialized services. This is unfortunate because there are many women who would benefit from pelvic floor OT during pregnancy and postpartum, Hegge said. She knows from professional and personal experience that pelvic floor therapy can improve a woman’s quality of life dramatically after giving birth.

“I think a lot of people assume when they’re pregnant they’re going to have back pain, and they’re going to lose their ability to hold their urine. Everyone believes that’s what’s going to happen, but it’s not lifelong,” Hegge said. “It’s not something they have to live with. It’s so important for us to talk about this. We need to disprove the myths.”

Hegge took courses in pelvic health through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She also completed a biofeedback training course for muscle dysfunction with Tiffany Lee, a well-respected occupational therapist, and is enrolled in other related courses. With such training and experience, Hegge recently started her own private practice for pregnant and postpartum women.

The research

Last year, Hegge and her graduate OT student capstone group worked on a scoping review project, assessing the available research on occupational therapists’ approaches to pelvic issues. They wanted to develop a base for OT interventions that could address pregnancy-related developments, specifically urinary incontinence in pre- and postpartum women. The aim, according to the study, was to “identify the gap between an emerging practice area in OT (pelvic floor therapy) and a significant lack of evidence that supports treatment for the intended population (women experiencing incontinence pre- and post-pregnancy).”

After the students completed their review, they realized there was “shockingly little” research or articles on the subject, Hegge said. This was eye-opening for Hegge and her students, who will publish their findings to raise awareness of those circumstances.

Next, Hegge will study OT practitioners who specialize in pelvic floor therapy. She wants to hear about their experiences working in an emerging field and the barriers to women accessing their services.  

“This work is important, because we want to educate the public; we want them to know about the conditions women face pre- and postpregnancy,” Hegge said. “We want women to know that there is help, and they can advocate for themselves. They should be able to say, ‘I have this problem and I think I should get some therapy.’”

It comes down to education and empowerment, she said. Once women know their pain isn’t normal and it’s treatable, they should discuss options with their doctors.

What is pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy evaluations include a thorough interview, hands-on assessment and creation of client-centered goals. Hegge said women who need therapy may have experienced birth trauma, had an unexpected cesarean section or experienced tissue trauma during birth. The practitioner will ask about the woman’s anatomy, any discomfort during intercourse or going to the bathroom, what daily activities are limited by their pelvic condition, where the pain is and discuss their emotional status. After a confidential intake and assessment, the practitioner may conduct an internal exam to gather more information about the functioning of the pelvic floor.

Once the practitioner understands what is going on with the patient, a client-centered plan of care is developed. This may include behavioral interventions, changes to daily routines and exercises. It varies from patient to patient but can include breathing exercises and more that address the pelvic floor conditions.

Personal experience

During Hegge’s first pregnancy, she experienced extreme back pain. She sought pelvic therapy and her pain resolved. It returned when she was pregnant with her second child, but she discussed it with her ObGyn and received treatment even before her baby was born.

Hegge wants ObGyns to talk to their pregnant patients about pelvic floor issues before they give birth, so patients know what to expect and understand there are ways to treat such conditions. She said studies show that women who receive prenatal education about pelvic floor pain prior to delivery have less birth trauma.

“Just knowing what’s actually going to happen to their muscles reduces anxieties,” she said. “When you put everything into context, it helps.”

Hegge said education is a significant aspect of the research she and her students are conducting.

“Therapy is going to improve women’s quality of life … they can run in the park with their kids without leakage … They can perform daily activities without back pain. Pregnancy is temporary, and the issues around it don’t have to last. Women don’t have to limit their activity because of pain. We want to fix these issues and let them live life to the fullest.”

As Hegge continues her research, she aims to help bring this life-changing therapy to light. She said she’s passionate about supporting new mothers and hopes she makes a difference in their lives. 

Pictured, from left: Professor Jaimee Hegge with MSOT students Emma Lavin and Olivia Moore