Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy dedicated to addressing dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, a sling of muscles extending from your tailbone to your pubic bone. These muscles play crucial roles in bladder and bowel function, stability, sexual function, acting as a 'sump pump' for your veins and lymph system, and providing support to your pelvic organs. A healthy pelvic floor should possess the same qualities as any other muscle in the body such as good range of motion, strength, and coordination without pain. When these muscles aren’t functioning optimally, it can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor are too tight, too weak, or not coordinating properly. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, and when they don’t function as they should, it can lead to symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, pain during sex, or a sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of all genders and ages, and may be caused by childbirth, surgery, trauma, chronic straining, or habits like poor posture or breathing patterns.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for improving pelvic floor function and relieving symptoms.

Fun fact: kegels are NOT appropriate for everyone and can actually make symptoms worse. If  you're experiencing signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, it's crucial to consult with a pelvic floor PT first before attempting kegels to ensure they are appropriate for you.

There are techniques we can do together to improve your pelvic floor’s ability to relax! Some treatments can include manual therapy, using dilators and wands, breath work, addressing posture, improving strength and coordination, managing stress, addressing gut health, and more!

The pelvic floor assessment usually typically involves an internal rectal and/or vaginal exam, allowing us to better understand your symptoms and the function of the pelvic floor. However, it's essential to understand that this aspect of the exam is entirely optional. There are many other things we can address that don’t involve an internal exam that can be effective in improving your symptoms. Your comfort is my priority, what you would like to do in your sessions is entirely up to you!

Even though I specialize as a "Pelvic Floor" Physical Therapist, I continue to treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Since treating the pelvic floor involves addressing the whole body, I frequently work on other body parts as well. In fact, many patients who seek pelvic floor PT find that other aches and pains in their body improve as well. Consider me like any other physical therapist, but with an additional toolbox of  “pelvic health" knowledge. If you're curious about whether we’d be a good fit to address other non-pelvic specific conditions, pain, or injuries, feel free to contact me.

Yes all are welcome here!

Absolutely. You’re welcome to come to your appointment while on your period. We can skip internal treatment and focus on other areas of your body, or continue with treatment as usual. It’s completely up to you, your comfort and preferences always come first.

Washington State allows patients to access physical therapy services without a physician's referral, a practice known as "Direct Access." This means you can schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without needing prior approval from a doctor. However, please check with your insurance company to verify if you will need to provide one for reimbursement.

This can vary based on type of symptoms, severity of symptoms, past medical history, genetic factors, lifestyle, chronicity of symptoms, etc. Some people start feeling better after just a couple of visits, while others might need 10-15 visits or more. Most patients notice improvements within 6-8 visits. If thing’s aren’t improving, we can re-evaluate and update your plan of care.

Some patients will continue with PT for maintenance care on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis to check in. Just like how you would go to your doctor for you annual physical or your dentist for a cleaning.

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely! T-shirts, tank tops, sports bras, gym shorts, or leggings all work great. The more you can move and the more I can see the easier it is for us to complete your assessment.