FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is Pelvic Physical Therapy (Pelvic PT)?
Pelvic physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the function and coordination of the pelvic region and surrounding body systems. We assess the relationships between your muscles, nerves, joints, connective tissues, breathing mechanics, posture, movement patterns, and pressure management strategies to better understand the root contributors to your symptoms.
Based on what we find, we create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve real and lasting results.
Treatment may include:
Soft tissue and myofascial release
Scar mobilization
Trigger point release
Breathwork and pressure management training
Movement retraining and exercise prescription
Biofeedback techniques
Activity modifications
Extensive education and self-management tools
Learn more about our treatment approach here.
What Conditions Do You Treat?
We treat a wide variety of pelvic health concerns, including:
Pelvic pain
Pain with intercourse
Urinary urgency/frequency
Leakage/incontinence
Constipation and bowel dysfunction
Tailbone pain
Pregnancy and postpartum concerns
Diastasis recti
Pelvic organ prolapse
Core weakness
Men’s pelvic health concerns
Post-surgical recovery
Painful periods
Endometriosis-related symptoms
And more (see our more exhaustive list here)
Do I Need a Referral to Start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
In most cases, no referral is needed to begin physical therapy in California through direct access. However, some insurance reimbursement plans may require a referral for out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider if you plan to submit for reimbursement.
Do You Take Insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider, which allows us the freedom to provide highly individualized care without the limitations often dictated by insurance plans.
Many insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement benefits that may help offset the cost of care. Upon request, we can provide you with a superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Please note that reimbursement amounts vary depending on your specific plan.
Unfortunately, due to Medicare regulations, we are unable to provide physical therapy services to individuals with Medicare insurance coverage, even in an out-of-network capacity. However, if you are having difficulty finding a pelvic health provider who accepts Medicare, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help guide you toward possible resources or providers in your area.
How Can I Pay for My Appointments?
We currently accept:
Credit and debit cards
Cash
HSA/FSA accounts
What Should I Expect During My First Visit?
Your first visit begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, goals, and concerns. Your therapist will then perform a physical assessment to better understand how your body is contributing to your symptoms.
This assessment may include:
Posture and movement analysis
Breathing and core coordination assessment
Orthopedic testing
External pelvic assessment
Internal pelvic floor examination (if appropriate and with your consent)
An internal assessment is never required and will always be discussed thoroughly beforehand. At the end of your evaluation, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Learn more about our comforting treatment environment here.
Do I Have to Have an Internal Exam?
No. Internal examinations are never mandatory.
Many patients still make significant progress through external treatment approaches, movement retraining, breathing coordination, education, and lifestyle modifications alone.
Your treatment plan will always respect your comfort level, boundaries, and readiness.
Learn more about our comforting treatment environment here.
What Happens During an Internal Pelvic Floor Exam?
During an internal pelvic floor examination, your therapist uses a gloved and lubricated finger to assess the pelvic floor muscles through the vagina or rectum. This allows us to evaluate:
Muscle tension
Strength and coordination
Tissue sensitivity
Trigger points
Mobility restrictions
This exam often provides valuable information about the underlying contributors to your symptoms.
Participation is completely voluntary, and your comfort, consent, and safety are prioritized at all times.
Learn more about our treatment environment here.
Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Painful?
Treatment should never feel aggressive or unsafe. Some areas of the body may be sensitive, especially if muscles are tight or irritated, but therapy is always adapted to your comfort level.
We prioritize nervous system regulation, communication, and gradual progression to help your body feel safe throughout the healing process.
How Long Is Each Visit?
Each session includes 50–60 minutes of one-on-one care with your pelvic floor physical therapist.
How Long Will I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Healing takes consistency, time, and a whole-body approach.
Many patients begin noticing meaningful symptom improvements within the first several weeks, though timelines vary depending on symptom severity, chronicity, stress levels, lifestyle factors, and consistency with home recommendations.
Our signature 3-phase approach — Release, Retrain, and Return — is designed to help patients:
Reduce pain and tension
Restore coordination and strength
Build long-term resilience and confidence
After your initial evaluation, your therapist will provide a more personalized estimate regarding treatment frequency and expected duration of care.
Learn more about our treatment approach here.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Long-term results require long-term lifestyle integration.
Our goal is not just to help you feel better temporarily, but to help you understand your body, improve your movement strategies, and gain the tools needed to independently manage your pelvic health long-term.
Patients who consistently apply what they learn in therapy often experience lasting improvements and greater confidence managing future stressors or flare-ups.
Learn more about our treatment approach here.
Is It Common to Return for Additional Pelvic Health Services Later On?
Not usually for the exact same issue — especially when patients fully progress through our 3-phase treatment process and consistently apply what they’ve learned.
That said, the body changes throughout life, and new challenges may arise over time. Patients may choose to return during periods such as:
Pregnancy or postpartum recovery
Menopause
Surgery preparation or recovery
Increased life stress
Athletic training changes
New symptoms or injuries
Our goal is to equip you with enough education, awareness, and self-management tools so that you feel confident managing familiar symptoms independently whenever possible.
Learn more about our treatment approach here.
Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help During Pregnancy?
Absolutely. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help support your body during pregnancy by improving mobility, pressure management, core coordination, pelvic support, and preparation for labor and delivery.
It may also help reduce symptoms such as:
Pelvic pain
Low back pain
SI joint pain
Urinary leakage
Pelvic pressure
How Soon After Birth Can I Start Pelvic PT?
Many patients benefit from pelvic floor support within the first several weeks postpartum, depending on their symptoms, delivery history, and overall recovery. Early treatment can help improve healing, reduce pain, restore core and pelvic floor coordination, and support a smoother transition into postpartum recovery and daily activities.
For most individuals, the first postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy visit is scheduled around 6 weeks postpartum to allow appropriate time for initial tissue healing and recovery before more detailed assessments are performed.
Are My Symptoms “Normal” After Having Kids or Aging?
Common does not always mean normal.
While symptoms such as leakage, pelvic pressure, pain, constipation, or painful intercourse are common, they are often signs that the body would benefit from additional support rather than something you simply have to live with.
Do You Treat Men?
Yes! We treat men as well as women, though the majority of our patients happen to be female. Men can benefit greatly from pelvic floor physical therapy for concerns such as urinary urgency/frequency, pelvic pain, constipation, tailbone pain, pain with sitting, post-prostatectomy symptoms, abdominal/core dysfunction, and more.
Do You Only Treat Pelvic Floor Muscles?
No. The pelvic floor does not function in isolation.
We assess and treat the entire body because breathing mechanics, posture, hips, spine, rib cage mobility, abdominal coordination, stress, and movement habits all influence pelvic floor function.
Do You Offer Virtual Appointments?
Yes! Virtual pelvic health sessions are available for patients who prefer remote care or are located outside the area.
Virtual visits can still be highly effective for:
Education
Movement assessment
Exercise progression
Breathwork and pressure management
Lifestyle modifications
Symptom management strategies
What Should I Wear to My Appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Athletic or stretchy clothing is usually best.
Can I Still Come to My Appointment While on My Period?
Absolutely. You can still participate in pelvic health evaluations and treatment sessions while on your period.
Depending on your comfort level, internal assessments or treatments may be modified or deferred for that session while we continue focusing on external treatment strategies, movement retraining, education, and symptom management.
Still Not Sure if Pelvic PT Is Right for You?
If you’ve been dealing with symptoms quietly, wondering if they are “normal,” or feeling unsure where to start, you are not alone. A discovery call can help you better understand your options and whether pelvic floor physical therapy may be a good fit for you.