What is pelvic physical therapy?

Pelvic health specific physical therapy addresses dysfunction in the trunk and pelvis leading to symptoms such as pain in the pelvis, abdomen, lower back, groin, genitals, buttocks, tailbone, and thighs, fecal or urinary incontinence, difficulty with urination or defecation, constipation, and sexual dysfunctions such as pain with penetration, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

How can I book an appointment?

You can use this book online link to create a patient profile and book an appointment using Jane App, our electronic booking and medical record system. To speak with a provider about services you can use the contact page, send an email, or call or text the clinic today!

What causes conditions that require pelvic physical therapy?

There are many different ways people can develop pelvic dysfunctions. Traumatic injury to the pelvis, pregnancy, childbirth, pelvic or abdominal surgeries, chronic constipation, neurological injuries or conditions (stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease) , connective tissue disorders, core weakness, or even working in a job that requires holding urine in for long periods can all lead to pelvic dysfunction. You may be able to pinpoint a specific event that led to symptoms, or it may be a combination of things over time that cause a gradual development of symptoms.

What will my first visit be like?

Your provider will obtain a thorough health history with particular focus on reproductive, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary history. You will then participate in an evaluation to assess general mobility and strength as well as any specific impairments related to the primary concern. The evaluation process will be fully clothed and external only initially. Your provider will discuss with you the potential benefits and challenges of an internal pelvic assessment as deemed appropriate, and you will have the opportunity to opt out of any evaluation and/or treatment techniques with which you are not comfortable. The physical therapist will work with you to formulate a PT diagnosis and treatment plan to reach your goals. Due to the sensitive nature of treating pelvic health concerns, you are always allowed to request an explanation, decline to answer questions, or decline to participate in portions of the assessment and treatment processes, and you may revise any of your preferences at any time.

Who do you treat?

Adults of all genders and sexualities are welcome, including members of the LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary communities. Internal assessment and/or treatment may not be appropriate in all cases, such as during the first trimester of pregnancy, and can be discussed with the provider.

Do I need a physician’s referral?

Physical therapy is now a direct access service, meaning patients may seek physical therapy services without a physician referral. Some insurances may require a physician referral for reimbursement, and your therapist may require a physician referral in certain cases. Please feel free to contact us with any specific questions.

Do you accept my insurance?

I am currently an out of network provider, meaning that I can provide a detailed invoice called a “superbill” for each treatment session, which you can submit to your health insurance for reimbursement. Being a cash-based clinic allows us to provide the best and most appropriate evidence-based care available. Your plan of care will be created and administered by an experienced, licensed physical therapist without restrictions while still allowing you to have your services covered via reimbursement. Call or text today for more information.

Can’t I just do kegel exercises?

The short answer is probably not. It is common for people to have difficulty feeling movement in the pelvic floor muscles and be unable to tell if they are performing a kegel contraction correctly. Doing the exercises incorrectly can cause more harm than good. Furthermore, pelvic floor dysfunction is often more complex than simply having weak muscles, and there are many cases in which kegel exercises could worsen symptoms. Finally, in order for kegel exercises to be most effective, they need to be prescribed appropriately with the optimal number of sets and reps for the individual, and with variations that target specific needs including endurance, coordination, and functional movements. Our PT will determine which exercises are appropriate for you, ensure you are able to perform them with proper form, and provide hands-on therapy techniques as needed to help you gain control of your symptoms as efficiently as possible.

What does holistic mean and how will it be incorporated into my treatment?

Holistic in health care refers to the concept that all facets of our body and mind are interconnected, thus medical care should be directed at treating the whole person. Many people leave medical visits feeling that they were only able to express part of their story or only able to address one of several issues they believe are related. Holistic Physical Therapy & Wellness strives to understand how all aspects of a person's physical condition, mental state, lifestyle habits, and environment intersect and contribute to symptoms that affect quality of life. Because symptoms often result from some complex combination of these factors, it is often necessary to address all of them to achieve the best possible outcome.

How should I prepare for my first visit?

Please be sure to fill out the intake paperwork before your first visit- this will allow the therapist to be prepared to begin the session when you arrive. Wear comfortable clothes, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.