A pelvic floor therapist specializes in assessing and treating issues related to the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. They help people with issues like bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort during sex by working directly with the muscles in the pelvic area.
A key differentiator for pelvic floor therapists is their specialized training in internal vaginal and rectal assessments and treatments. This allows them to:
A good pelvic floor specialist finds the root cause of these issues and gets you long-lasting relief from symptoms. They use gentle exercises, hands-on techniques (including internal vaginal and rectal work), education, and lifestyle tips to help you feel better, move better, and regain control of your body.
You might need pelvic therapy if you’re dealing with bladder leaks, frequent bathroom trips, constipation, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or a feeling of heaviness in your lower belly. It can also help if you’re pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or have had surgery in the pelvic area. If something feels “off” down there, a pelvic floor therapist can help figure out what’s going on and how to fix it!
Direct access is available for physical therapy evaluations and treatment. This eliminates the need for a physician referral in most cases. Pre-emptive consultation with a gynecologist is advised for female patients who have not undergone a gynecological examination prior to initiating pelvic therapy. Similarly, male patients seeking internal pelvic floor assessment may benefit from a urological or colorectal evaluation. Physician referrals, if obtained, are welcome and should be presented during the initial intake. Please be aware that insurance reimbursement policies may necessitate a referral, despite the availability of direct access. Contacting your insurance provider is recommended to confirm coverage.
We are in-network with a limited number of insurance providers. For the majority of our patients, however, we operate on an out-of-network basis. This allows us to provide longer treatment times, higher quality service, and the personalized care you deserve, leading to faster healing with fewer visits. We will provide a detailed "superbill" for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Please call us to discuss how we can help you achieve your wellness goals while minimizing your treatment cost.
Expect your initial evaluation to take 65-75 minutes, and follow-up sessions to be 45-60 minutes. For telehealth appointments, we shorten the session slightly to allow time for us to send you a comprehensive post-visit summary of your exercises and techniques.
The time it takes to see results from pelvic floor therapy can vary depending on the severity of your condition, how long you have had the issues, and how consistent you are with your treatment plan. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may take a few months. Your therapist will work with you to track progress and adjust your treatment as needed to help you reach your goals.
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your needs and creating a personalized plan. We'll begin with a thorough discussion of your medical history, including past treatments, surgeries, and specific concerns like toileting habits and pain. While these topics are personal, your comfort and confidentiality are paramount.
Next, we'll assess your posture, muscle function, and, with your consent, conduct an external and internal pelvic floor muscle exam. This helps us identify contributing factors to your condition. Please note, the internal exam is different from a gynecological exam and we can stop at any time.
Throughout the appointment, open communication is key. We'll explain our findings, answer your questions, demonstrate initial exercises, and outline a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a partner, friend, or family member to your sessions. It's your legal right to have a chaperone, and we find it often enhances the experience, whether for learning or simply for added comfort. Little ones are welcome too!
While yoga can be a starting point, pelvic floor physical therapy provides a comprehensive approach. Therapists assess individual needs and use specialized techniques like manual therapy, postural adjustments, and tailored exercises to address root causes of dysfunction.
Kegels, if done incorrectly and in conditions such as pelvic pain or increased pelvic floor muscle tone, can worsen the symptoms. Hence, expert personalized guidance from a specialist is the right approach. Experienced pelvic floor physical therapists utilize yoga as a tool to optimize results, particularly for postural correction and breathwork integration within the therapeutic plan.
We strongly encourage you not to cancel your pelvic floor treatment appointment due to menstruation. Consistency is crucial for your progress, and we have several options to ensure continuity. If you're experiencing a heavier flow, we can focus on external techniques during your in-person session, or we can convert your appointment to a virtual session. Importantly, if you experience pain during menstruation, that's something we can absolutely address with pelvic floor physical therapy. Let's work together to keep you on track.
Discover the ease of receiving top-tier pelvic health care from the familiarity of your home. Our reviews speak volumes about the success and convenience of our virtual and hybrid approaches. Whether you need full telehealth support, a blend of virtual and in-person visits, or a professional evaluation of your current regimen, we provide tailored care. These sessions are interactive, involving movement assessments and exercise guidance, culminating in a detailed post-visit summary with visual aids. A significant advantage of telehealth is the ability to observe your movement and function within your own environment, providing valuable insights that help us tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. Create a private space for open and honest communication, and know that you're welcome to have someone with you. While you won't be disrobed on screen, we may guide you through specific techniques using a mirror or self-examination, always respecting your comfort.
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