Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Nicole Harris
Abstract
Background: There are a variety of reasons that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur in women throughout their life, however, pelvic floor therapy is a minimally invasive and a holistic treatment option that can make significant differences (Cozean & Cozean, 2016; Moody & Fashokun, 2021; Wallace et al., 2019). Pelvic floor therapists can treat and provide interventions to help women manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Currently, there is limited research on the correlation between pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections. However, research suggests that recurrent infections can lead to inflammation, high muscle tone, increased tissue sensitivity, and pelvic floor dysfunction (Pelvic Health NJ, 2025).
Project Description: To address the gap in research linking pelvic floor dysfunction and recurrent vaginal and urinary infections, the product Occupational Therapy’s Role in Enhancing Awareness and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women’s Health: A Holistic Guide for Women and Their Health Care Providers was created. This guide provides pelvic floor therapists, women’s healthcare providers, and women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction with education and lifestyle modification recommendations to reduce the risk of vaginal and urinary infections from reoccurring.
Discussion: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Enhancing Awareness and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women’s Health: A Holistic Guide for Women and Their Health Care Providers was created through the perspective of occupational therapy, in hopes of helping viii women achieve optimal occupational performance, promote physical and emotional well-being, and reduce the risk of recurrent infections that cause pain, stress on relationships, anxiety, depression, and occupational deprivation.
Recommended Citation
Gentry, Nicole, "OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY’S ROLE IN ENHANCING AWARENESS AND TREATMENT OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN’S HEALTH" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 680.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/680