The Down Low on Pelvic Floor Therapy

Your pelvic floor plays a crucial role in your overall health, but many people don’t realize when it’s not functioning optimally—or that help is available. Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized approach designed to address issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and core weakness, helping individuals regain control and confidence in their bodies. Whether you're experiencing symptoms after childbirth, dealing with chronic discomfort, or simply looking to improve your pelvic health, pelvic floor therapy offers solutions tailored to your needs. In this post, we’ll break down what pelvic floor therapy is, how it works, and who can benefit from it.

What is pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation sciences designed to improve pelvic health and function. It is provided by occupational and physical therapists who have undergone advanced training beyond their standard degrees. While general therapists address a broad spectrum of conditions, pelvic floor therapists focus specifically on assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction, muscle coordination, posture, and breathing patterns.

This therapy takes a comprehensive and personalized approach. Techniques such as internal and external muscle work, manual therapy, nervous system regulation, and education on posture, breathing, and body mechanics are used to restore function, reduce pain, and enhance confidence in daily activities. By addressing the root causes of discomfort and dysfunction, pelvic floor therapy empowers individuals to regain control of their pelvic health and overall well-being.

What Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Treat?

Many people seek pelvic floor therapy for a variety of concerns, including:

• Incontinence (Urinary or Fecal)

• Urinary Urgency

• Urinary Frequency

• Constipation

• Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)

• Pelvic Pain

• Vaginismus

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Endometriosis

• Interstitial Cystitis

• Diastasis Recti

• Perineal Tearing

• Neurogenic Bladder or Bowel

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

However, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Do any of these sound familiar?

• Do you leak urine when you sneeze, cough, or laugh?

• Do you experience pain or discomfort during intimacy?

• Do you struggle with constipation or feel like you can’t fully empty your bowels or bladder?

• Do you feel pressure or bulging in your pelvic region?

• Do you pee more often than every two hours or go longer than four hours without urinating?

• Do you strain to empty your bladder or bowels?

• Are you unable to hold in gas?

• Do you experience discomfort when inserting a tampon, menstrual disc, or cup?

Many people assume these symptoms are just part of life—after childbirth, with aging, or for no clear reason. While they’re common, they are not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor therapy can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

What Does A Session Look Like?

Pelvic floor therapy can be offered in a variety of settings including hospital, clinic based, in-home, and virtually. At Restorative Foundations Pelvic Health & Wellness, we offer in-person as well as virtual evaluations to best suit the needs of our clients. Follow up visits can be done in-person, virtually, or a hybrid combination of both. Our care model fits seamlessly into your life—no need to worry about traffic or childcare. We make pelvic health accessible, so you can feel strong, supported, and empowered.

Before your comprehensive evaluation, we offer a free discovery call to briefly discuss your symptoms and ensure that our practice is the right fit for your needs. Intake forms will be provided before your evaluation to help us better understand your history and concerns and ensure your session is as productive as possible. 

Your initial evaluation takes place in the comfort of your home. This includes a thorough discussion of your history and concerns as well as an assessment of posture, breathing, and muscle coordination. One of four options for an assessment of your pelvic floor are available (you can learn about those here) - the decision about which type of assessment you would like to do is completely up to you. An effective and thorough assessment can be completed without an internal exam. 

Treatment may include manual therapy techniques, nervous system regulation, targeted exercises, and education on movement and lifestyle modifications tailored to your specific pelvic health needs.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy?

If you have a pelvis, pelvic floor therapy can benefit you! From pregnancy and postpartum recovery to pelvic pain, incontinence, or core weakness, pelvic health therapy supports people across all stages of life.

There are pelvic health practices that focus on pediatrics, neurological conditions, men’s pelvic health, perimenopause and post-menopause, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, athletes, and more.

At Restorative Foundations, we specialize in providing in-home and virtual pelvic health care for:

• Busy women and moms with pelvic health concerns

• Pregnant and postpartum individuals

• Individuals with neurogenic bowel and bladder

Curious if pelvic floor therapy with Restorative Foundations is right for you? Let’s chat! Schedule a free discovery call today to explore how we can support your pelvic health and wellness goals.

Text 770-376-5455 or visit restorativefoundations.com to learn more.