Pelvic Health Therapy for Men and Women
Pelvic health physical therapy helps women and men address symptoms related to bladder leakage, bowel concerns, pelvic pain, pain or difficulty with intimacy, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, prostate pain, and regaining function post hysterectomy or prostatectomy. At LHM Physical Therapy Institute, our therapists help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and build a plan to improve strength, coordination, movement, and confidence in daily life.
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What is pelvic health physical therapy?
Pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions related to the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor includes muscles and tissues that help support bladder function, bowel function, pelvic stability, sexual health, and daily movement. When these muscles are weak, tense, painful, overactive, or poorly coordinated, symptoms may show up in ways that affect comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Pelvic health is part of how you move. Pelvic health physical therapy is not only about the pelvic floor. Your therapist may also look at how your hips, core, back, breathing, posture, strength, and movement patterns are contributing to your symptoms. For many people, pelvic health physical therapy includes education, hands-on treatment when appropriate, and an active plan that helps you build strength, coordination, mobility, and confidence. The goal is not only to address symptoms, but to help you return to the activities that matter to you.
Is pelvic health physical therapy for me?
Pelvic health physical therapy is for women and men who are experiencing symptoms related to pelvic pain, bladder function, bowel function, sexual health, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic organ support, prostatectomy, hysterectomy, or prolapse repairs.
Women may benefit from pelvic health physical therapy if experiencing:
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary leakage
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Difficulty with bladder control
- Constipation or straining
- Fecal leakage
- Pain with intimacy or sexual health concerns
- Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, such as pressure or heaviness
- Pregnancy-related low back, hip, SI joint pain, pubic symphysis/pelvic girdle pain
- Postpartum recovery support, including c-section, diastasis recti, feeding posture, lifting/carrying mechanics, low back/hip pain, pelvic pressure
- Symptoms after pelvic, abdominal, gynecologic, or colorectal surgery
- Difficulty returning to running or exercising after birth due to pelvic symptoms
- Perimenopause or menopausal-related pelvic health concerns
- Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
Men may benefit from pelvic health physical therapy if experiencing:
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary leakage or dribbling
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Difficulty starting or fully emptying the bladder
- Constipation or straining
- Fecal leakage
- Pain with intimacy or sexual health concerns
- Groin, testicular, penile, tailbone, or lower abdominal pain
- Prostate-related pelvic health concerns
- Recovery after pelvic, abdominal, or prostate-related surgery
- Difficulty returning to exercise or daily activity because of pelvic symptoms
Can men benefit from pelvic health physical therapy?
Yes. Men may benefit from pelvic health physical therapy when symptoms involve bladder function, bowel function, pelvic pain, sexual health, or post-surgical recovery. Women often hear about pelvic health PT during pregnancy, after birth, or when dealing with pelvic pain or bladder symptoms. Men can also experience pelvic floor-related symptoms, including urinary concerns, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, groin pain, testicular pain, penile pain, sexual health concerns, or symptoms after prostate-related care. Pelvic health physical therapy is for people with pelvic floor-related symptoms, not just for one gender or one stage of life.
What happens during your first pelvic health physical therapy appointment?
Your first visit starts with a private conversation about your symptoms, medical history, goals, and how your concerns are affecting daily life. Your therapist may ask about bladder habits, bowel habits, pain, activity level, pregnancy or postpartum history, surgical history, exercise, work demands, and what your goals are.
You should always understand what is being assessed and why. Your therapist will talk through your options and work within your comfort level.
Your evaluation may include:
A personalized plan of care based on your goals
Education about what may be contributing to your symptoms
Pelvic floor muscle assessment (internal or external), when appropriate and with your consent
Breathing and pressure management assessment
Strength and coordination testing
Hip, core, back, or pelvic mobility training
Posture and movement assessment What is a pelvic floor muscle assessment?
A pelvic floor muscle assessment helps your physical therapist understand how the pelvic floor muscles are working. Depending on your symptoms, goals, and comfort level, this may include external movement observation, breathing assessment, hip and core testing, or pelvic floor muscle assessment.
In some cases, an internal vaginal or rectal assessment may be discussed, when clinically appropriate, to more directly assess the pelvic floor muscles. This is not the same as a gynecological exam and is never performed without your informed consent. Your therapist will explain your options, answer your questions, and work within your comfort level.
How does physical therapy help during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can change how your back, hips, pelvis, core, and pelvic floor respond to daily movement. Pelvic health physical therapy may help if you are experiencing pelvic pain, pubic symphysis discomfort, low back pain, hip pain, urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, or difficulty staying active during pregnancy.
Your therapist may help you with:
Education to help you prepare for birth and early recovery
Body mechanics for daily activity
Hip, core, and pelvic stability
Breathing and pelvic floor coordination
Safe and appropriate exercise guidance
Movement strategies for pregnancy-related discomfort How does physical therapy help after birth?
Postpartum recovery does not end six weeks after giving birth. Whether you recently had your baby or are months or years beyond delivery, pelvic health physical therapy may help if you are dealing with symptoms that affect comfort, confidence, or return to activity.
Postpartum pelvic health physical therapy may support concerns such as:
Returning to running, lifting, exercise, or daily activity
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Constipation
Low back, hip, neck, wrist, or shoulder discomfort related to feeding or baby care
Pain with intimacy
Diastasis recti or core weakness
C-section or perineal recovery concerns
Pelvic pain or tailbone pain
Urinary leakage FAQ’s
Is pelvic floor physical therapy just Kegels?
No. Kegels are not appropriate for every pelvic health concern. Some people need strengthening, while others need help relaxing, coordinating, or reducing tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Your physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and help determine what your body needs.
Can I go to pelvic health physical therapy if I am not pregnant or postpartum?
Can pelvic health physical therapy help during menopause?
What is a pelvic floor muscle assessment?
Can pelvic health physical therapy help me return to running or exercise?
Is pelvic health physical therapy only for women?
Can pelvic health physical therapy help with bladder leakage?
Can pelvic health physical therapy help with constipation?
Can pelvic health physical therapy help with pelvic pain?
Do I need pelvic health physical therapy after having a baby?
Is pelvic health physical therapy the same as the Birth & Recovery Consultation?
How do I schedule pelvic health physical therapy at LHMPTI?
Pelvic Health Therapy services are available at the following locations:
