The Truth About Pelvic Floor PT: What It Is and Why It Matters

When you hear "physical therapy," you might picture a person taking you through exercises for a sore knee or helping you use crutches. But did you know there’s a specialized branch of physical therapy dedicated to muscles you can’t see—your pelvic floor? Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit like a bowl at the base of your pelvis. They control everything from bowel and bladder function, sexual function, low back and core stability, posture, and more. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a vital yet often overlooked treatment that helps people of all ages and genders manage issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. For many, this therapy is life-changing by restoring confidence, reducing pain, and improving their quality of life.

Pelvic floor PTs undergo extensive training to treat a wide range of pelvic health conditions. They develop personalized treatment plans that may include targeted exercises, hands-on therapy, biofeedback, and education to restore proper function and relieve discomfort.

Despite its importance, pelvic floor dysfunction remains largely untreated and underreported. Research shows that nearly 50% of women and up to 16% of men experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction—yet many suffer in silence, unaware that effective treatment exists. This blog post will help clarify what pelvic floor PT is, break down what to expect in a session, and explain why prioritizing pelvic health is crucial for overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to learn more, understanding this specialized care is the first step toward better health and confidence in your body.

 

What to Expect in a Pelvic Floor PT Session

Many people feel nervous about their first pelvic floor PT visit, but every session is designed with your comfort in mind. The process is always respectful and focused on what you need.

A typical first session includes:

  • A Conversation: Your therapist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, daily activities, and your goals for treatment. They may also ask about bladder, bowel, and sexual function since these are connected to pelvic health.

  • Checking Movement and Posture: The pelvic floor works with your whole body, so your PT will look at how you move, stand, and breathe. Issues with posture, core strength, breathing mechanics or hip movement can all affect pelvic health.

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Exam: If you agree, your therapist may check your pelvic floor internally or externally. An internal exam does not use any tools like a gynecological exam. Instead, following a visual inspection of the tissues, your PT will use 1 gloved finger to assess the muscles vaginally or rectally (based on your anatomy and symptoms). This assessment helps to provide information on the health and function of your tissues. Consent is always the number one priority and will be asked at multiple stages of this process. Keep in mind that you are in total control and can stop the exam at any time.

A Whole-Body Approach

 When people here pelvic floor PT, they think “kegels”. In reality, this therapy looks at your pelvic floor as part of a bigger system, including your core, diaphragm, hips, and even the way you breathe. Learning to activate or strengthen your pelvic floor is a very small part of what they do. That’s why your therapist will look at the whole body and how it moves, not just your pelvic floor.

Treatment could include:

  • Education: Your PT may give advice on bathroom habits, bladder health, posture, and ways to make daily activities easier on your pelvic floor.

  • Breathing Exercises: The diaphragm and pelvic floor work together, so poor breathing habits can cause pelvic issues. Breathing techniques can also target your nervous system to help calm your whole system and help you connect with the pelvic floor muscles.

  • Strengthening: Weak glutes, abs, or hip muscles can put extra strain on the pelvic floor. Your PT may include exercises to fix these imbalances.

  • Mobility Exercises: Movement restrictions all the way from your feet to the top of your head can all affect the function of your pelvic floor. Exercises targeted at your entire system can help address these restrictions.

  • Hands-On Therapy: Your therapist may use a wide variety of techniques to help release tension, improve blood flow, and restore movement.

 

Why Pelvic Health Matters

Pelvic floor problems don’t just affect you physically. They can also impact confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. Many people live with discomfort for years without knowing help is available. The lack of public awareness regarding these issues has gone on long enough, which is why many providers have taken to social media and other online platforms to help educate other medical professionals and the public about pelvic health. A few good resources to check out include:

-            @the.vagina.whisperer

-            @dr.maehughes

-            @thedowntheredoc

If you’re having symptoms or just want to be proactive about your health, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can be a great first step. No one should have to suffer in silence or let their symptoms dictate their life. Make today the day that you take back control of your body and give us a call at (Element number here) or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

 

Author: Dani Borman PT, DPT  

Noah Goodwill