Pelvic Physical Therapy After Cancer Restores Intimacy, Wellness

Alison Ankiewicz, a pelvic health specialist with 27 years of experience and a childhood leukemia survivor, explains how pelvic physical therapy helps patients recover after cancer in an interview with CURE.

Therapy focuses on restoring tissue health in the vaginal and pelvic regions, using manual techniques, lubricants and vaginal dilators to address dryness, thinning or narrowing caused by treatments and help patients regain comfort and sexual intimacy.

Emotional support is just as important. Working with counselors, gynecologists and oncologists, pelvic physical therapy helps patients rebuild confidence, manage fear or avoidance and improve overall quality of life.

Ankiewicz is the founder of Inner Dynamics in Ocean, New Jersey and is the vice chair of the board of Mary’s Place by the Sea, a retreat for women with cancer in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. She sat down with CURE for an interview during a visit to Mary’s Place by the Sea.

Transcript

Could you describe the types of rehabilitation exercises you work on with patients, including the mental or emotional aspects that may be involved?

When we work with women from the start in pelvic health physical therapy, we examine the whole body, especially the pelvic area, to identify restrictions within the tissue. This can include the vaginal region and even the rectal region. We use manual techniques to help restore the health and wellness of those tissues.

What we often see, because of hormonal changes due to cancer treatments and surgeries, is dryness in the vaginal tissue — what we call dehydration — thinning of the tissue, or vaginal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the vaginal canal. Specifically related to sexual dysfunction, these changes can be caused by hormones, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other medications often make it difficult for patients to tolerate intercourse, penetration or even gynecological exams. This understandably impacts their self-confidence, sense of identity and often leads to fear and avoidance.

At Inner Dynamics, we use techniques to restore tissue health, and we often recommend lubricants, gels or other products to improve comfort. We may also use vaginal dilators, which are sized for each patient, to help restore elasticity and the length of the vaginal canal. We work closely with gynecologists, oncologists and other specialists to improve patients’ quality of life and help them regain sexual intimacy.

We also collaborate with counselors, because the emotional aspects of these challenges can create additional physical limitations. While we focus on the physical side, counseling support is often essential for the emotional side as well.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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