This physical therapy speciality addresses common issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, endometriosis, low back pain and hip pain. In order to properly resolve these issues, treatment targets the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, the pelvic bones and spine, and incorporating the core, hip and breathing muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy requires advanced coursework and training and often involves internal and external treatment of the pelvis.

Since the pelvic floor muscles lie inside of the pelvis, the best way to assess and treat them is internally by inserting one gloved finger into the vagina. If you aren't comfortable with this, treatment can remain external but may be limited depending on your issues. In addition to focusing on the pelvic floor muscles, treatment will also involve hands-on techniques on the muscles of the core, back, hip and abdomen and exercises to strengthen these muscles. At Revitalize Physical Therapy, treatment will vary session to session and depending on the issues you're experiencing and activities you want to get back to. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach and your care is personalized to what will help you the most.

How often you come to PT depends on the issue you are dealing with. Most frequently we start treatment at one time per week. If you experience severe pain, we may recommend starting at two times per week. In any scenario, when symptoms start improving and we see fit, we will lessen the frequency to give more time for exercise progression between sessions.

Realistically you can come to physical therapy at any point after having a baby. If you are having pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks, you can come right away! If you would like an internal pelvic floor assessment you can wait until after your 6 week postpartum visit, however we can do all other assessments (externally) prior to the 6 week mark.

We truly believe every woman would benefit from a pelvic floor assessment during pregnancy! Over the years, we have developed an evidence-backed method to help women prepare during pregnancy to have less perineal tearing, shorter pushing times and less C-sections. It is common to develop "tight" pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and this treatment addresses that prior to delivery. If you are having any pain or issues affecting your ability to function fully, then definitely seek out treatment and don't wait. Pain during pregnancy is not normal and we can often get you relief quickly!

YES! Having a proper recovery between pregnancies/deliveries is key. If an issue, such as an abdominal separation or diastasis, occurs during pregnancy it is important to recover the abdominals and prevent this issue from getting worse. Addressing pain and pelvic floor issues early can improve results long term. If you have pain in one pregnancy you are more likely to develop the same pain in subsequent pregnancies (and often sooner in the pregnancy and more intense!).

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible! It can be helpful to wear loose athletic clothing that we can easily access the area of your body that we are treating and perform simple exercises, but we can make do with any outfit.

If you have your period, it is completely up to you and how you’re feeling. If you feel really crampy or uncomfortable we can always wait until a follow up appointment to assess the pelvic floor, but your period does not limit anything that we do!

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you would benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy:

Do you leak urine (even just a little) or feces or accidentally passing gas while exercising, playing a sport, jumping, laughing, coughing, or sneezing?

Do you need to hurry to the bathroom and/or do you worrying you may not get there in time?

Do you take frequent trips to the bathroom (more than 8 times per day) that disrupt your activities throughout the day or your ability to sleep?

Do you experience feelings of heaviness or pressure on the pelvic floor or in the vaginal area? Or do you have a history of pelvic organ prolapse?

Do you experience pelvic, vaginal, or tailbone pain with sitting, walking, exercise, or with intercourse?

Do you have feelings of constipation more than 2 times per month?

Do you know you have an abdominal separation or a diastasis recti?

Yes! We offer 4-month and 8-month plan options.

Sometimes you may experience some discomfort during treatment, similar to any discomfort during a massage, but it should not be painful. Our physical therapists make sure to communicate with you so you can let them know if something is painful and they can modify treatment. We always work within your comfort zone!

We're not going to sugar coat this, but yes, it can often feel awkward to have pelvic floor physical therapy, especially at first. This is a very personal and sensitive process and can be uncomfortable, especially as you are getting to know your therapist and build trust with them. We have all been in your shoes and understand what you are feeling because we've all had to play "patient" in order to learn and be trained as pelvic floor physical therapists. Because of this, we truly empathize with you and do everything possible to make you more comfortable and the whole experience less awkward!

Due to the high limitations that insurance places on us with what we can and cannot do for treatment, we have made the conscious decision to not take insurance. The great news is that this allows us to provide the personalized experience and treatment that our clients need in order to get better, faster with long lasting results. We do offer various payment options such as payment plans, a pay in full discount, and acceptance of HSA and FSA accounts. If you would like an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, please ask and we are happy to provide it.