Who needs pelvic floor therapy?
When people think about pelvic floor therapy, they often assume it’s only for postpartum individuals or those experiencing incontinence. However, pelvic floor therapy is for anyone—of any age or gender—who wants to improve their pelvic health, manage discomfort, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with pain, weakness, or functional limitations, working with a specialized pelvic health clinician can be life-changing.
Signs You May Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about Kegels or bladder control—it’s about restoring function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. You may benefit from therapy if you experience:
1. Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
Pelvic pain can be caused by muscle tightness, nerve irritation, or dysfunction in the pelvic floor. This may present as:
✔️ Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
✔️ Tailbone pain (coccydynia)
✔️ Chronic pelvic pain
✔️ Pain during gynecological exams or tampon use
2. Urinary or Bowel Issues
Pelvic floor dysfunction can impact bladder and bowel function, leading to:
✔️ Urinary urgency or frequency
✔️ Leaking urine (incontinence) when sneezing, coughing, or exercising
✔️ Difficulty emptying the bladder
✔️ Constipation or straining with bowel movements
✔️ Fecal incontinence
3. Pregnancy & Postpartum Recovery
The pelvic floor undergoes significant stress during pregnancy and childbirth. Therapy can help with:
✔️ Reducing pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
✔️ Supporting a more comfortable pregnancy
✔️ Healing from a C-section or vaginal delivery
✔️ Addressing diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
✔️ Managing prolapse symptoms
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Feeling pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region? This could be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), where the bladder, uterus, or rectum shifts out of place due to weakened support structures. Therapy can help manage symptoms and improve function.
5. Sexual Health Concerns
Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to:
✔️ Pain during or after sex
✔️ Erectile dysfunction
✔️ Decreased sensation or discomfort
✔️ Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
6. Post-Surgical or Injury Recovery
Surgery (such as a hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or abdominal procedure) can impact pelvic floor function. Therapy helps with:
✔️ Scar tissue mobility
✔️ Restoring pelvic and core strength
✔️ Managing post-surgical pain and dysfunction
7. Athletes & Active Individuals
Even highly active individuals can experience pelvic floor dysfunction due to excessive strain, poor movement mechanics, or core instability. Common issues include:
✔️ Leaking urine during high-impact activities (like running or jumping)
✔️ Core weakness affecting performance
✔️ Pelvic pain related to exercise
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps
Pelvic floor therapy goes beyond symptom management—it focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function so you can feel your best. Treatment may include:
✔️ Manual therapy to release tight muscles and improve mobility
✔️ Customized exercises for strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor
✔️ Postural and movement retraining for better body mechanics
✔️ Bladder and bowel strategies to improve control
✔️ Holistic approaches addressing the mind-body connection
You Deserve to Feel Your Best
If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, pelvic floor therapy can help you regain confidence, comfort, and control. At The Pelvic OT, we provide expert, trauma-informed, and client-centered care to help you achieve lasting results.
Curious if pelvic floor therapy is right for you? Reach out today to start your journey to better pelvic health!
