We ask you to watch this educational video prior to your appointment.

Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle retraining is a treatment to help patients learn to strengthen or relax their pelvic floor muscles in order to improve bowel or bladder function and decrease some types of pelvic floor pain. It is a painless process that uses special sensors and a computer monitor to display information about muscle activity. This information or “feedback” is used to gain sensitivity, and with practice, control over pelvic floor muscle function. An important part of pelvic floor biofeedback therapy is consistent practice of the pelvic floor muscle exercises at home. With biofeedback, an individual can learn to stop using the incorrect muscles and start using the correct ones.

Conditions that can be improved with pelvic muscle retraining include: accidental bowel leakage, urinary incontinence, constipation that involves difficult or painful evacuation and some types of pelvic floor pain.

Biofeedback is done in an office setting with a registered nurse who is specially trained in this type of therapy.  During the session you will be sitting in a comfortable chair in your regular clothes.  Two sensors are used.  One is placed on the abdomen and another small sensor is placed in the anal canal.  These sensors are designed to measure the electrical activity of the muscles that control bowel and bladder function. As you tighten or relax the muscles, changes are seen on the computer monitor.  Visualizing this information with the aid of the nurse, helps you to identify the correct muscles and learn to make changes that are needed.

A session usually lasts one hour. Initially a series of four weekly sessions are scheduled. More sessions are scheduled if needed. During the initial session the intake questionnaire and bowel diary are reviewed. An assessment of lifestyle factors is completed. At the end of the session you will be given instructions for your home exercise program. Other recommendations regarding diet, fluid and exercise may be made in order for you to achieve the best results. Your active participation is very important to your success.

The Biofeedback Program Director is Amy J. Thorsen, MD.  Our biofeedback therapists are specially trained to provide biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle retraining.  They are supervised by an on site Colon and Rectal Surgeon.

Biofeedback is offered at the Edina, Minneapolis, and St. Paul clinic locations.

It is important to consult a qualified physician when considering treatment options. A thorough assessment of the muscles and nerves in the pelvic floor needs to be done. One or more of a variety of diagnostic tests may be necessary. Biofeedback may be a treatment recommended as a result of the evaluation.

Once a physician referral for biofeedback is made you may call to schedule an appointment. Please call 651-312-1644 to arrange an appointment.

Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle retraining is reimbursed by Medicare and most other insurance plans. Once an appointment is scheduled you will be given specific pricing and coding information to assist you in understanding the costs associated with biofeedback treatment. We highly recommend you then contact your insurance plan to see if this is a covered service. Please feel free to call our business office at 651-312-1505 if you have any questions or need assistance.