Often given many names, for a similar meaning. Women’s Health PT, Pelvic Floor PT, Pregnancy & Postpartum PT. Most physical therapists in this realm have an orthopedic background and then go on to take additional courses to specialize in this type of physical therapy to allow for additional education needed to treat the specific conditions and the ability to perform internal assessments.

What does it treat/who is it for?

*Pregnant/postpartum people

*Those with leaking (incontinence) anytime but oftentimes during pregnancy, postpartum with activities that put stress on the pelvic floor such as coughing, jumping, sneezing, running.

*Those with an inability to control the urge (when you have to go, you have to go), or feel like you are always going to the bathroom the “I have a tiny bladder” excuse.

*Post gynecological cancers

*Athletes putting a lot of stress on the pelvic floor

*Low back/SI joint/groin/hip pain

*Pain with sex

*Endometriosis/PCOS

*Post C-Section

Ultimately, your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that is highly integrated into your core/low back/pelvis/hips which connect all the way down the chain into your legs and up into your diaphragm, thoracic spine, even the jaw affects the pelvic floor! These muscles support your bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs- thus they help control the function of those organs: peeing, pooping, sex, childbirth. Therefore you can imagine the changes pregnancy, postpartum, and the miraculous act of birth itself (vaginal or C-section) can have on your pelvic floor and the surrounding musculature, nerves, and bones (more on this in the pregnancy changes post). Some of these symptoms can be painful, embarrassing, frustrating, or all of the above- but pelvic floor PT can help!