Pelvic Health Therapy Helps Women Reclaim Comfort After Cancer

During a visit to Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Alison Ankiewicz spoke with CURE about her work helping women address cancer-related pelvic issues. A childhood leukemia survivor herself, Ankiewicz founded Inner Dynamics Physical Therapy on the Jersey Shore, where she has specialized in pelvic health for more than 20 years. Through her practice and her work with Mary’s Place, she helps women manage pain, sexual dysfunction and bladder or bowel problems that often arise after cancer treatment.

Ankiewicz explained that pelvic health therapy focuses on restoring tissue mobility, strength and comfort through hands-on techniques, strengthening exercises and emotional support. She works closely with oncologists, gynecologists and counselors to help women regain confidence, intimacy and overall quality of life. Her message to women: don’t be afraid to seek help — pelvic health is essential, and recovery is possible at any stage of survivorship.

CURE: What are some common conditions or symptoms you see in women with cancer who come to Mary’s Place for your help?

Ankiewicz: Cancer, as we know, is all too common these days. Among women with pelvic health concerns — especially those with breast, gynecologic or colorectal cancers — many experience sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain.

At Inner Dynamics, we often see women dealing with pain, difficulty with sexual activity, bladder or bowel problems, and other pelvic issues. Many don’t realize pelvic health therapy can help. Being connected with Mary’s Place allows these women to learn about what we offer. Our goal is to help them improve their quality of life and regain comfort, confidence, and a sense of sexual identity and intimacy.

Can you describe the types of rehabilitation or exercises you use and how you also support patients emotionally during treatment?

When we work with women, we start by assessing the whole body — especially the pelvic area — to identify tissue restrictions in the vaginal or rectal regions. We perform manual techniques to restore tissue health and mobility.

Many women experience dryness, thinning or narrowing of the vaginal tissue — often due to hormonal changes, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. These changes can make intercourse or even gynecologic exams painful. This often affects confidence and intimacy, leading to fear and avoidance.

Through hands-on therapy, we help restore tissue health. We may recommend lubricants, gels and vaginal dilators — which come in different sizes — to improve comfort and elasticity. We work closely with gynecologists and oncologists to help women regain sexual function and quality of life.

We also collaborate with counselors, because the emotional side is significant. While we focus on the physical aspects, addressing the emotional piece is just as important.

You’ve also done research on anorectal balloon sensory training for patients with bowel issues. Can you explain what that involves?

The pelvic region involves not just vaginal but also bladder and bowel health. With anorectal balloon sensory training, we gently insert a small balloon into the rectal area and inflate it to measure sensation. It’s very comfortable.

This helps patients who struggle with constipation, urgency or bowel frequency by retraining their sensation and improving bowel control. Essentially, it teaches the body how to better sense fullness and respond appropriately, which can make a big difference in daily comfort.

We often hear about the importance of pelvic floor strength, especially after childbirth or with aging. Why is this particularly important for women undergoing cancer treatment or recovering intimacy after cancer?

Strengthening is incredibly important. Once we restore tissue health, we move into strengthening — especially the pelvic floor, which is part of our core system along with the abdomen, back and diaphragm.

These muscles help with bladder and bowel control, support organs like the bladder and uterus, and contribute to stability and sexual function. Strengthening, often through Kegel exercises, helps prevent leakage, supports posture, and restores confidence.

We assess muscle strength and endurance using biofeedback in the clinic, which helps guide personalized exercise programs for each patient.

Do some women feel embarrassed or unsure about seeking help for these issues? What advice do you have for those who may be struggling emotionally or with communication about intimacy?

Yes, many women feel self-conscious or assume these issues are just part of life. Others are eager to get help. I always remind them that the pelvic region is made up of muscles — just like the neck, shoulder or back.

When we have a rotator cuff problem, we go to physical therapy. The pelvic floor is no different. It’s an intimate area, but also a vital one — the center of our body that supports everything we do. It deserves care and attention just like any other muscle group.

Is there anything else you’d like women to know?

Yes — it’s important to embrace your pelvic health. It’s never too late to seek help, even if you’ve been living with symptoms for years. Pelvic health therapy can improve bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Ideally, we address these issues early — during pregnancy, postpartum or after a cancer diagnosis. Pelvic therapy looks at the whole body: the abdomen, hips, back and pelvic floor. These areas work together, so weakness in one can affect another.

And most importantly — don’t be ashamed to talk about it. We need to talk about pee, poop and sex. These are real parts of life, and there’s help available.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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