
08/03/2025
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Why It Matters More Than You Think
When most people hear the word “physical therapy,” they imagine rehabbing a sprained ankle or recovering from back surgery. But did you know that physical therapy can also help with issues like bladder leaks, pelvic pain, and even painful s*x? Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized and powerful tool that many women don’t know about—but should.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that supports your bladder, uterus, and re**um. These muscles help control your p*e and p**p, keep your pelvic organs in place, and play a big role in s*xual function. Just like any other muscle group, your pelvic floor can become weak, tight, or uncoordinated—and that’s when problems can start.
Pelvic floor physical therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat the muscles, nerves, and tissues of the pelvic region. They don’t just hand you a sheet of Kegel exercises and send you on your way. Instead, they take the time to understand your symptoms, assess how your pelvic floor is functioning, and create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
So, what kinds of issues can pelvic floor PT help with?
One of the most common is urinary incontinence—those frustrating leaks when you laugh, cough, or exercise. For many women, especially after childbirth or during menopause, the pelvic floor muscles weaken or lose coordination. A therapist can help you retrain those muscles so they support your bladder better and reduce or even eliminate leaks.
Pelvic floor PT is also incredibly helpful for pelvic organ prolapse, which happens when the bladder, uterus, or re**um starts to drop or press into the va**nal wall. This can create a sensation of heaviness or bulging, especially after standing for long periods. Strengthening and supporting the pelvic muscles can make a big difference in how these symptoms feel—and in some cases, help you avoid or delay surgery.
If you’ve ever experienced pelvic pain—whether it’s pain with s*x, tampon use, or just sitting for long periods—pelvic floor therapy might be the missing piece. Tight, overactive pelvic muscles can be just as problematic as weak ones. A therapist can help gently release tension, teach you how to relax those muscles, and improve blood flow and flexibility in the area.
Even bowel issues like constipation or accidental stool leakage can be related to how well (or not well) your pelvic floor is working. Physical therapy can help you learn better coordination between your abdominal and pelvic muscles, improve your ability to empty your bowels, and reduce embarrassing accidents.
Pelvic floor therapy is also helpful before and after childbirth. Pregnancy and delivery—whether va**nal or C-section—can stretch, strain, or injure the pelvic muscles. Many new moms experience bladder leakage, pelvic pain, or a feeling that things just don’t feel “normal” anymore. Pelvic PT can help your body heal and get you back to feeling strong and confident again.
What’s a visit like?
A pelvic floor PT session typically includes a conversation about your symptoms and goals, a movement and posture assessment, and often (but not always) an internal exam to check the pelvic muscles. Everything is done with your full consent and comfort in mind, and you’re always in control of what happens during the visit. Therapy may involve exercises, stretches, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, or hands-on manual therapy—all tailored to your body and your needs.
The length of pelvic floor physical therapy varies from person to person, depending on the symptoms, underlying cause, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need several months of therapy for lasting results. Typically, visits are once a week or every other week, with personalized exercises to do at home in between. Your therapist will regularly reassess your progress and adjust the plan as needed, with the goal of helping you build strength, coordination, and confidence over time—not keeping you in therapy forever.
Is it hard to get an appointment?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a valuable part of the healthcare system, but access to it can sometimes feel confusing or limited. In many cases, you’ll need a referral from your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or specialist like a urogynecologist to get started, though some states allow direct access without a referral. Insurance coverage varies—some plans cover it fully or partially, while others may limit the number of visits or require pre-authorization. It's a good idea to call your insurance company and ask specifically about coverage for pelvic floor physical therapy. Unfortunately, access can also be a challenge depending on where you live. In some areas, especially rural or underserved communities, there may be a shortage of pelvic floor therapists, or you may need to travel to find a specialist. That said, awareness is growing, and more clinics are offering this service, including virtual visits for certain conditions.
The bottom line?
Pelvic floor issues are common, but they’re not “just part of being a woman” and they’re certainly not something you have to live with. If you’re dealing with bladder leaks, pelvic pressure, pain during s*x, constipation, or any kind of discomfort in your pelvic region, there is help—and pelvic floor physical therapy might be the missing piece you’ve been looking for. You deserve to feel good in your body, to move through your day without worry, and to enjoy intimacy without pain. If something feels off, talk to your doctor or urogynecologist. Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about muscles—it’s about restoring function, confidence, and quality of life.
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Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya