Pelvic floor physical therapy is specialized because it includes assessing and treating muscles internal to the pelvis which requires further training and education. General physical therapists do not have the training to accurately assess and treat pelvic floor disorders and internal assessments are not covered in PT school. It is important to see a physical therapist with pelvic floor specialization and training to accurately treat your condition. Please note that internal examinations are never a necessary part of pelvic floor therapy if you are not comfortable, but make sure your therapist is still trained to do one - this means they are a true pelvic floor therapist. For a full guide to pelvic floor therapy, download here.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEE A PELVIC HEALTH SPECIALIST OVER A REGULAR PT?

All of our appointments are one hour in length and one-on-one in a private treatment room. All treatments consist of manual, hands-on care (no passive treatments with ice/heat/ultrasound/e-stim, etc) and guided exercises (no doing exercises in a room by yourself). We also do not only focus on the pelvic floor - we explain to our patients that the pelvic floor is just one piece of the puzzle. The pelvic floor is a very important group of muscles that respond to other muscles and movements, they do not work alone! Many people do not realize pelvic floor dysfunction is complex and typically involves a long history of symptoms and other contributing factors. We take all of this into account to treat you for lasting results and not just your symptoms. Read more about us and our team.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

You can expect to come into a calm, inviting environment with a private room where we can talk freely about your concerns, your story, your medical history and your goals for pelvic floor therapy. Part of pelvic floor therapy with specialists is our ability to assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles internally, which can be assessed through the vaginal or rectal canal. We assess the pelvic floor muscles for reproduction of symptoms of pain, for tension or tenderness and for strength and coordination. Depending on your symptoms will determine what we will be looking for with a pelvic floor exam. Please note that the internal exam is completely optional and we have other options to assess or treat externally if you wish. Your comfort is of utmost importance! Internal exams are not performed for pediatric patients - pelvic floor coordination and strength for pediatrics is determined by external techniques and observation via play. Part of a thorough pelvic floor therapy examination includes addressing any issues head to toe - we also assess for any dysfunction with movement of the spine, hips, lumbopelvic complex, abdominals, ribs/diaphragm, ankles/feet, head/neck/jaw and upper extremity as it relates to movement of the pelvis and impact on symptoms. Depending on symptoms and what triggers them, we also may examine movement of the pelvic floor muscles in standing and analyze movement through squatting, lifting, walking, running or other functional movements. Expect after your first visit to leave with a treatment plan in hand with actionable items to start with on day one. Each follow up visit will focus on treatment of impairments identified as causing symptoms of dysfunction with continuous reassessment of response as we work together to achieve your goals of pelvic floor therapy. 

What can I expect during my visits?

No, you do not need a referral to start seeing us.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY DOCTOR?

Any treatment received by us is physical or occupational therapy; coverage by insurance depends on benefits for PT/OT. When it comes to pelvic floor rehab, your specific diagnosis plays a role in how insurance deems medical necessity for our services. We are not in network with insurance due to this and the nuances of coverage specifically for pelvic floor rehabilitation. We have created a guide for you when it comes to navigating insurance and pelvic floor rehab. Download the Guide Here. We do provide superbills (claim forms with diagnosis and treatment codes) that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible coverage. We require payment at time of service via credit/debit card, cash, check, FSA or HSA cards. 

Is pelvic floor therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. We have worked hard to make pelvic floor rehab more accessible for our moms. We have a designated mother and child’s room with age appropriate toys, books and activities to keep the little ones entertained while you can be treated. We also have private space for any necessary diaper changes and feedings. We highly encourage bringing your little one to appointments especially if your pain or symptoms are triggered by holding, lifting or if you have questions about babywearing and feeding positions. 

CAN I BRING MY CHILD?

We expect our patients to note a positive change in their symptoms within 3-5 treatment visits. We find that this is a great time frame for us to determine that pelvic floor therapy is the right option for you based on how your symptoms are responding to care. We usually see patients once a week and can modify our clinical recommendations based on any personal factors that may be a barrier of care for you to ensure best results. We have a specific process that we work through to identify the root cause of your symptoms, how to treat them effectively and ensure that they do not return.  Learn more about our process here.

HOW OFTEN AND HOW LONG DO I NEED TO BE SEEN?