Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: Supporting the Workforce That Keeps Us Moving

Industrial workers show up daily to do the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively. From long hours on your feet to hauling, lifting, and operating machinery, the demands on your body are significant. But what happens when those demands impact one of the most private yet crucial parts of your health?

That’s the story I hear when workers walk into my office. They start off hesitant, unsure if they should even mention bladder leaks, pain, or discomfort. They’ll say, “I thought this was just something I had to deal with.” Let me tell you—it’s not.

What many don’t realize is that pelvic health problems aren’t just about pregnancy or childbirth. Industrial workers face unique risks, too. Constant heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and long hours can strain the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, or even hernias.

For these workers, pelvic health physical therapy isn’t just about comfort—it’s about getting them back to doing their job safely and effectively. It’s about reducing lost workdays and avoiding surgeries or prolonged recovery periods.

Meet Mary: A Story That Might Sound Familiar

Mary works in a warehouse, moving 25-pound boxes all day. She loves her job, but she noticed something wasn’t right over the years. Every time she lifted a heavy load or sneezed, she felt a small leak. She initially ignored it, but eventually, the discomfort and embarrassment started affecting her focus and confidence at work.

When she finally came to see me, she admitted she’d been putting off the appointment for months. “I didn’t even know pelvic floor therapy was an option,” she said. We talked about her symptoms, her job demands, and her goals. With a tailored treatment plan, Mary learned exercises to strengthen her core and pelvic floor, improve her lifting mechanics, and build resilience in her body.

A few weeks later, Mary returned and said, “I don’t even think about it anymore. I can just work.”

*This is a common experience for many industrial workers, not just Mary! Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is for EVERYONE!

What Is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for Industrial Workers?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that provide support, stability, and control for your body. These muscles are under constant strain in industrial jobs, especially those involving:

• Repetitive heavy lifting.

• Prolonged standing or sitting.

• Operating machinery in awkward positions.

• Straining during physical tasks.

When the pelvic floor is overworked or weakened, it can cause symptoms like:

• Leaking urine when lifting, coughing, or sneezing.

• A constant urge to use the bathroom, even when you just went.

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure, especially after a long shift.

  Employers: Why Pelvic Health Matters to Your Workforce

  For employers, the health of your workers is the foundation of your business. When employees are dealing with pelvic health issues, it can lead to:

  • Decreased productivity due to discomfort or frequent bathroom breaks.

  • Missed workdays for medical appointments or recovery.

  • Higher injury risks from improper lifting or body mechanics.

  • Long-term healthcare costs if conditions go untreated.

  Pelvic health physical therapy offers a proactive, cost-effective solution to keep your team strong, healthy, and on the job. Please know that we are not asking you to have difficult, uncomfortable conversations that would compromise boundaries between leaders and employees or go against workplace policy. We are merely asking you to be aware that these things happen and there are trusted resources for your team to explore.

  Supporting Workers at Every Stage

  Pelvic health physical therapy isn’t just about treating existing issues—it’s about prevention, too. Here’s how it can help:

  • Preventing Injuries: Learn proper lifting techniques and strengthening exercises to reduce strain on your core and pelvic floor.

  • Recovering After Injury: Address lingering symptoms from work-related injuries or surgeries.

  • Long-Term Health: Build resilience to handle the physical demands of your job for years to come.

  Why Choose Advanced Physical Industrial Medicine?

  At Advanced Industrial Medicine, we understand the unique challenges industrial workers face. Our specialized pelvic health therapists serve Neenah, Appleton, and Ripon, WI, in person or online and everyone in Wisconsin online by offering tailored care that fits the needs of hardworking people like you.

  Taking the First Step

  We know it’s not easy to talk about these issues, especially when you’re used to toughing it out. But taking care of your pelvic health isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about doing your job better, staying safe, and protecting your future.

  Whether you’re an industrial worker or an employer looking to support your team, pelvic health physical therapy is a smart investment. Let us help you stay strong, stay confident, and stay on the job.

Call us at 920.991.2561 for Appleton locations, 920-251-6552 for Neenah and 920-896-0430 for Ripon to schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Madeline Kehler, PT, DPT, specializes in Pelvic Health at our Neenah clinic. Her passion is helping women of all ages navigate these challenges with expertise, compassion, and encouragement.