Individuals experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction will have a new option for pain treatment in the Houston area.
A clinic dedicated solely to patients with this condition will open Dec. 9 under the direction of Maryam Sultan, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UT Physicians. The clinic is located at 5420 West Loop South, Suite 1100, in Bellaire. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 713-486-5590.
A common condition
“Pelvic floor pain is quite common and involves muscle dysfunction in the area of the body commonly referred to as the core, and can include muscles anywhere between the belly button and the hips,” said Sultan, who is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Being able to provide this service and create a clinic specifically for these patients is truly a dream to me.”
First of its kind in Houston
The new clinic, the first of its kind in the Houston area, will see both male and female patients, work closely with physical therapists, and offer more interventional treatment, including injections and nerve blocks, to control pain and improve function.
New mothers are one segment of the patient population that Sultan believes will benefit significantly from this new service.
“Having a baby is a joyous and wonderful life event but can result in muscle trauma and joint laxity,” said Sultan.
Treatment and therapies for women needing relief after giving birth will also be used for recovery from gynecological surgery and conditions such as endometriosis.
Men and women will both benefit
Women and men suffering from intractable chronic constipation or incontinence will also benefit from the new clinic.
“The pelvic floor muscles serve as a critical foundation and provide support for several organs,” said Sultan. “When these muscles are out of whack, it can cause a host of uncomfortable and painful issues.”
Proper function of the muscles of the pelvic floor is necessary for:
- Storage and release of urine and feces
- Support of pelvic organs
- Hip and trunk movement
- Sexual function
Life events and lifestyle factors can cause pelvic floor instability, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Traumatic injuries (e.g., a car accident)
- Neurological disorders
- Being overweight
- Advancing age
For more information about the UT Physicians Pelvic Floor Clinic, call 713-486-5590 or email sports.spine@uth.tmc.edu.
