What is Pelvic Floor PT? What it is. Who it helps. What to expect.
Pelvic floor PT, also known as pelvic floor therapy or pelvic floor physical therapy, is a specialized and rapidly growing area within the physical therapy profession. Pelvic floor physical therapists receive advanced training to assess and treat conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor.
In addition to completing a doctoral physical therapy program, pelvic floor PTs pursue extensive post-graduate education, including specialized training in internal (intravaginal and intrarectal) examination and treatment techniques. This advanced training allows pelvic floor physical therapists to identify and treat the true root cause of pelvic floor dysfunction rather than simply managing symptoms.
Pelvic floor PT can benefit men, women, and children, although not every pelvic floor physical therapist is trained to treat all ages and genders. When choosing a pelvic floor PT, it’s important to work with someone who has experience treating your specific concerns.
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Treat?
Pelvic floor PT treats a wide range of symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction. These symptoms can affect bladder function, bowel function, sexual health, and pain in the pelvis and surrounding areas.
Urinary Symptoms Pelvic Floor PT Treats
Pelvic floor physical therapy is highly effective for addressing urinary symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency
Urinary leakage (stress or urge incontinence)
Urinary frequency
Painful urination
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Interstitial cystitis (IC)
Overactive bladder syndrome
Bowel Symptoms Pelvic Floor PT Treats
Pelvic floor PT can also help with bowel-related symptoms, including:
Constipation
Pain with bowel movements
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Bowel incontinence
Abdominal bloating
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Sexual Health Conditions Pelvic Floor PT Treats
Many sexual health concerns are directly related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with:
Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginismus
Difficulty or inability to orgasm
Urinary leakage during sex
Pelvic Pain Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor PT
Pelvic floor PT is also a cornerstone treatment for pelvic pain conditions such as:
Pudendal neuralgia
Endometriosis
Painful menstruation
Vulvodynia
In addition, pelvic floor physical therapy often helps resolve symptoms that are commonly labeled as “orthopedic,” including:
Hip pain
Low back pain
Tailbone (coccyx) pain
SI joint pain
Pubic symphysis dysfunction
Pelvic floor PT is also incredibly valuable during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause, helping patients stay active and symptom-free during major life transitions.
Why Choose Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Many patients are told that surgery or long-term medication is the only solution for pelvic health symptoms. Even worse, some patients are told that their symptoms are “normal” and something they must simply live with.
Pelvic floor PT offers a conservative, non-invasive, and evidence-based treatment option that addresses the root cause of symptoms and empowers patients with tools to maintain long-term results.
What Treatments Are Used in Pelvic Floor PT?
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves much more than just exercises. While targeted exercises can be helpful, they are only one piece of the puzzle.
Pelvic floor PT treatment may include:
Individualized strengthening or relaxation exercises
Manual therapy (internal and external)
Education on bladder and bowel habits
Posture and movement analysis
Lifestyle and behavioral modifications contributing to symptoms
A skilled pelvic floor physical therapist will spend one-on-one time with you and create a customized plan of care focused on why your symptoms are happening, not just how to temporarily reduce them.
Do I Need an Internal Exam for Pelvic Floor PT?
Pelvic floor PT typically includes an assessment of the pelvic floor muscles. To accurately evaluate these muscles, your pelvic floor physical therapist may recommend an internal pelvic exam, performed only with your informed consent.
In women, this may be done vaginally or rectally
In men, this is done rectally
While internal assessment is highly recommended and one of the key elements that makes pelvic floor PT different from traditional physical therapy, it is never mandatory.
Your pelvic floor PT will also assess how your hips, core, spine, ribs, and breathing patterns may be contributing to your symptoms.
How Long Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Take?
The length of pelvic floor PT varies depending on factors such as:
How long you’ve had symptoms
The severity and complexity of your condition
Your activity goals
Most patients attend pelvic floor physical therapy for several months. Long-standing symptoms typically require more than just a few sessions.
The goal of pelvic floor PT is significant symptom reduction — and often complete resolution — so you can return to your ideal level of activity without fear or limitation.
Is Pelvic Floor PT Covered by Insurance?
Pelvic floor PT can be covered by insurance, but coverage is often limited. At Vivid, we operate as an out-of-network pelvic floor physical therapy practice so we can provide the highest level of care possible.
Insurance-based models often restrict:
Session length
Number of visits
Types of treatments allowed
This frequently leads to incomplete care and lingering symptoms.
Our patients are active individuals experiencing symptoms with running, lifting, exercise, and intercourse — not just basic daily activities. We focus on getting you fully better, not just “good enough.”
Some patients receive partial reimbursement, but most choose Vivid because of our commitment to outcomes, time, and individualized care.
Pelvic Floor PT in Bucks County, PA
Because pelvic floor physical therapists play such a crucial role in how people pee, poop, have sex, and stay active, everyone should have a pelvic floor PT on their healthcare team.
If you’re located in Bucks County, PA, we’d love to see you in person at our Newtown, PA or Doylestown, PA locations. If you’re not local, we also offer virtual pelvic floor PT consultations to help you get started.
The sooner pelvic floor symptoms are addressed, the easier they are to treat.
Call to Schedule an in-person appointment in Newtown or Doylestown, PA today — or join us virtually — and take the first step toward a life free of pelvic floor symptoms.
