What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy focused on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. It involves the evaluation and treatment of various pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and postpartum issues. After evaluating your specific condition, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, functional activities, education, and lifestyle modifications. These interventions aim to improve pelvic floor muscle function, relieve pain, restore continence, enhance sexual function, and provide support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

During a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation where your therapist will gather information about your medical history, symptoms, and goals. We perform a whole-body assessment, looking at strength, flexibility, muscle tone, and joint motion. An internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles may be performed to fully understand the cause of your symptoms. This is not a requirement for therapy, and your physical therapist will discuss this in detail before any assessment. Following our evaluation, we will discuss any relevant findings, goals of treatment, exercise prescription, and lifestyle modifications. We then will work together to find a plan that best suits your needs and goals.

What will my treatment involve?

Your treatment plan will be specifically tailored to address the cause of your symptoms. It can involve manual therapy, soft tissue massage, trigger point release, therapeutic exercise, functional activities, dry needling, cupping, taping, and joint mobilization. During future treatment sessions, we will progress functional activities and provide ongoing support throughout your treatment.

How long does pelvic floor physical therapy take?

The duration of pelvic floor physical therapy varies depending on the individual's condition, severity of symptoms, and personal goals. Treatment plans are tailored to meet your specific needs, and the number of sessions required can range from a few weeks to several months. Your therapist will discuss the expected timeline with you and make adjustments as needed throughout your treatment.

Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?

We are an out-of-network healthcare provider. This ensures that we can provide high-quality, one-on-one care at every visit. Cost information is provided before your first appointment, so you won’t be met with any surprise bills. We accept HSA and FSA cards and also provide super bills that you can submit to insurance for reimbursement at the end of your plan of care.

Do I need a referral from a doctor for pelvic floor physical therapy?

In most cases, you do not need a referral from a doctor to start pelvic floor physical therapy. However, if you are being treated for more than 30 days, you will need to get a referral from your doctor. We always discuss the need for a referral before your first appointment, so there are no surprises!

What can I do to prepare for my pelvic floor physical therapy appointment?

To prepare for your initial evaluation, it is helpful to gather any relevant medical records, including results from previous tests or treatments. You will also be sent paperwork to fill out prior to your first appointment. Feel free to write down any questions you may have, and we can discuss these further when you come into the clinic.