Pelvic floor issues are more common than many people realize. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder and other pelvic organs and help you stay in control. When these muscles are too weak, too tight or not working together properly, symptoms can happen. Our certified pelvic floor physical therapists use proven techniques to help you improve strength, coordination and control so you can feel stronger and more confident.
Supporting your floor: Pelvic floor health is for everyone
Your pelvic floor plays a key role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, posture and core strength. It is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue at the base of your pelvis that supports your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs and helps them work the right way.
When these muscles are too weak, too tight or not coordinating properly, you may notice leaking, pressure, pain, or trouble emptying your bladder or bowels. Pelvic floor problems can affect people of any age or gender.
Our pelvic floor physical therapists create personalized plans using proven techniques to improve muscle function, reduce symptoms and help you move and feel more confident in your body.
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Conditions
You may be surprised to learn that issues you think are “normal” or something you just have to live with can often be improved. Symptoms like leaking, pelvic pain or pressure are common, especially after childbirth, surgery or with aging, but they don’t have to be permanent.
We provide treatment for a wide range of pelvic floor concerns, including:
- Bladder or bowel leakage: Leaking urine or stool when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise
- Chronic constipation or difficulty emptying: Trouble passing stool or fully emptying your bowels
- Core weakness or instability: Difficulty with posture, support or movement due to weak pelvic floor muscles
- Fecal incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements
- Frequent or urgent urination: Feeling like you need to pee all the time or suddenly
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Bowel discomfort, cramping or irregular bowel habits
- Pain with intercourse or sexual dysfunction: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity
- Pelvic organ prolapse: When pelvic organs drop out of position, causing pressure or bulging
- Pelvic pain or pressure: Pain in the bladder, vagina, rectum or lower abdomen
- Pregnancy- and postpartum-related changes: Weakness, pain or other pelvic floor changes after childbirth
- Recovery after pelvic or abdominal surgery: Restoring strength and function after surgery
Testing
We understand the sensitivity around bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction. Our pelvic floor physical therapists create an approachable, friendly and safe environment where you can get the care you need.
Before your therapy plan begins, we conduct a thorough assessment to see how your pelvic floor and core muscles are working. This may include:
- Assessing how pelvic floor muscles contract and relax
- Internal and external pelvic muscle exam, if appropriate and with your consent
- Posture, breathing and movement evaluation
- Reviewing bladder, bowel or sexual function to understand your daily challenges
Everything is explained ahead of time and your comfort and consent are always prioritized. We ask questions about your symptoms and work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you move and feel more confident.
Treatments
Pelvic floor therapy shouldn’t be painful. Some treatment techniques may feel unfamiliar at first, but our therapists work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Communication is key — you can ask questions or stop at any time.
Every treatment plan is individualized. No two plans are the same and each one is designed to focus on your progress and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Breathing and coordination techniques
- Education on bladder, bowel and lifestyle habits
- Electrical stimulation
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Postural and movement training, including learning how to sit, stand and complete daily tasks more comfortably
- Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax muscles in the pelvic floor, abdomen, spine and hips
The goal isn’t just symptom relief, but long-term improvement and self-management so you can feel stronger and more confident in your daily life.
FAQs
When should you consider pelvic floor therapy?
Consider pelvic floor therapy if you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life, comfort or confidence. Therapy can also be preventive, such as during pregnancy or before certain surgeries.
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) may seek care during pregnancy, after childbirth or during menopause. People of any gender can benefit after surgery or whenever symptoms arise.
Is pelvic floor therapy only for women?
No. Pelvic floor therapy is for people of all genders. Everyone has a pelvic floor and issues can affect anyone. Our therapists provide gender-inclusive, trauma-informed care and create personalized plans based on your needs.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy can help people of all ages and activity levels, including:
- Women and people assigned female at birth individuals with pregnancy, postpartum or menopause-related changes
- Men and people assigned male at birth or other genders after surgery or with urinary, bowel or pelvic pain concerns
- Athletes, older adults and adolescents experiencing pelvic floor symptoms
- Anyone with IBS, incontinence, pelvic pain or core weakness
How long does it take to see results?
Some improvements can be noticed within a few visits, but timing varies by condition and individual factors. A typical course may range from a few sessions to several weeks or months. Your therapist will regularly reassess your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Can pelvic floor therapy help avoid medication or surgery?
Often, yes. Pelvic floor therapy is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment and can reduce or resolve symptoms. For some people, it may help delay or avoid more invasive treatments.
Will therapy be painful?
Pelvic floor therapy shouldn’t be painful. Some techniques may feel unfamiliar at first, but therapists work at a pace that’s comfortable for you. You are encouraged to ask questions or stop at any time.
What does treatment include?
Treatment is always individualized and may include:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax pelvic floor, core, spine and hip muscles
- Breathing and coordination techniques
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Postural and movement training for daily activities
- Education on bladder, bowel and lifestyle habits
The goal isn’t just symptom relief, but long-term improvement and self-management so you can feel stronger and more confident.
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