The Complete Guide to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: What It Is and How It Works
The pelvic floor is one of the most important yet often overlooked areas of the body when it comes to movement, stability, and health. This group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue sits at the base of the pelvis, forming a supportive “hammock” that plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of your daily life—from posture and core control to bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
What Is the Pelvic Floor and What Does It Do?
The pelvic floor is composed of several layers of muscle that stretch like a sling from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles:
Support the pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, or uterus)
Control continence through coordinated contraction and relaxation
Contribute to core stability and postural support
Help manage intra-abdominal pressure during movement, lifting, and exercise
Because the pelvic floor is intricately connected to the spine, hips, and deep core muscles (like the diaphragm and transverse abdominis), any dysfunction in this region can have widespread effects throughout the body.
Why It Matters
Ignoring the pelvic floor’s role in full-body health can lead to long-standing symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency or leakage
Pelvic heaviness or pressure
Constipation and bowel dysfunction
Lower back and hip instability
Understanding what the pelvic floor does—and how it can be supported—opens the door to powerful, non-invasive solutions through pelvic floor physical therapy.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of rehabilitation that focuses on assessing, treating, and improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles and related structures. At FIXXED, this therapy goes beyond symptom relief—it’s about helping you regain control, confidence, and comfort in your daily life.
How It Differs from Traditional Physical Therapy
Unlike general orthopedic physical therapy, which often focuses on large muscle groups and joint mechanics, pelvic floor PT addresses the subtle, deeply embedded muscles that support essential bodily functions. Treatment includes both external and internal techniques that are guided by a nuanced understanding of pelvic anatomy and its connection to core function, posture, and breathing.
Pelvic floor PT also integrates:
Education: Understanding how your pelvic floor works and how lifestyle habits may affect it
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tight muscles or fascia
Neuromuscular re-education: Training your body to activate or relax muscles as needed
Movement retraining: Addressing how the pelvic floor works in coordination with the rest of your body
It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about treating root causes and restoring function.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Pelvic Floor PT
Pelvic floor dysfunction can show up in many forms. At FIXXED, we work with female clients of all ages who may be experiencing:
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Constipation or straining
Pelvic organ prolapse
Painful intercourse or pelvic pain
Pregnancy-related discomfort
Postpartum recovery and diastasis recti
Post-surgical recovery
Core weakness and instability
Each treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and comfort level—empowering you to heal from the inside out.
Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor PT?
Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for new moms or people dealing with incontinence. It’s for women who experience dysfunction in the pelvic region or want to prevent it—whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or striving to improve performance and stability. At FIXXED, we support a wide range of clients through tailored, one-on-one care.
Athletes, Postpartum Women, and Aging Adults
Athletes often experience pelvic floor dysfunction due to repetitive stress, high-impact activities, or poor core mechanics. Symptoms may include leaking during workouts, hip pain, or deep core weakness. Pelvic floor PT helps restore control and stability without compromising performance.
Postpartum women frequently benefit from pelvic floor therapy as they recover from childbirth. Common issues include diastasis recti, incontinence, painful intercourse, and pelvic heaviness. Therapy supports tissue healing, improves pelvic alignment, and rebuilds functional strength.
Aging women may experience weakening of the pelvic floor muscles due to hormonal changes or muscle atrophy. This can lead to urgency, prolapse, and reduced quality of life. PT strengthens these muscles safely and effectively, promoting long-term health and independence.
Pelvic Pain, and Incontinence Cases
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t always stem from weakness—it can also involve overactivity, tension, or lack of coordination. That’s why pelvic floor PT is also appropriate for:
Women with chronic pelvic pain, tailbone pain, or painful urination
Female clients dealing with urinary urgency, frequency, or incomplete emptying
These issues are often deeply personal and misunderstood. At FIXXED, we create a respectful, safe environment where you can openly discuss your symptoms and begin to work toward lasting relief.
What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor PT Session at FIXXED
We understand that starting pelvic floor physical therapy can feel unfamiliar—maybe even intimidating. That’s why every session at FIXXED is designed to be clear, collaborative, and fully centered on your comfort. Whether it’s your first time addressing pelvic health or you’re continuing care, we guide you through every step with professionalism and respect.
The Initial Evaluation: What’s Included
Your first appointment begins with a detailed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, goals, and any relevant life events such as pregnancy, surgery, or chronic pain. We’ll also discuss your exercise habits, posture, bladder and bowel function, and any concerns related to intimacy or movement.
After this intake, your physical therapist will guide you through a movement-based assessment to observe:
Core and pelvic alignment
Breathing patterns and intra-abdominal pressure
Functional movements like squats, lunges, or lifting
This evaluation helps us understand how your pelvic floor functions in real-life contexts—not just in isolation.
Internal vs. External Treatment Techniques
Depending on your needs and consent, your session may include internal assessment. This is a gentle, gloved exam performed vaginally to assess:
Pelvic floor muscle tone
Strength and endurance
Scar tissue or fascial restrictions
Pain or sensitivity in specific areas
Internal work is never performed without your full permission, and many conditions can also be treated externally. Techniques may include manual therapy, guided exercises, neuromuscular re-education, and movement retraining.
How Comfort, Consent, and Privacy Are Prioritized
Your physical and emotional safety are top priorities. At FIXXED, all pelvic floor sessions are conducted in private, one-on-one treatment rooms. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and take breaks as needed. We believe that building trust is a key part of healing—and we take that responsibility seriously.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women: Beyond Postpartum Care
Pelvic floor physical therapy has long been associated with postpartum recovery, and for good reason—it plays a vital role in healing after childbirth. But its benefits extend far beyond the months following delivery. At FIXXED, we work with women through every stage of life to address pelvic health concerns that are often underrecognized and under-treated.
Prenatal Support and Birth Preparation
Pelvic floor PT during pregnancy helps prepare the body for labor while minimizing discomfort and strain. Common goals include:
Reducing pelvic girdle, low back, or round ligament pain
Managing urinary leakage or urgency
Teaching breathing and pushing strategies
Improving pelvic alignment and mobility for birth
Prenatal therapy also includes education on labor positions and perineal stretching techniques to support a smoother delivery and recovery process.
Healing After Childbirth and C-Sections
Whether you delivered vaginally or via cesarean, postpartum recovery is complex. Pelvic floor PT addresses:
Perineal tearing or episiotomy healing
Scar mobility (vaginal or abdominal)
Pelvic organ support and prolapse symptoms
Core weakness, including diastasis recti
Pain with intercourse or pelvic heaviness
Even years after childbirth, therapy can still restore strength, function, and confidence—it's never too late to begin healing.
Addressing Prolapse, Pain, and Hormonal Changes
As women age or undergo hormonal shifts (like menopause), the pelvic floor may lose tone, coordination, or elasticity. This can lead to issues such as:
Vaginal dryness and pain during intimacy
Increased urgency or leakage
Sensation of pelvic pressure or “falling out”
Pelvic floor therapy uses a combination of strength training, muscle re-education, and symptom management strategies to address these changes with care and respect.
How Pelvic Floor PT Supports Full-Body Health
Pelvic floor therapy doesn’t just treat isolated symptoms—it strengthens the foundation of your entire movement system. At FIXXED, we approach the pelvic floor as part of a connected whole. That means improving how you breathe, stabilize, and move—not just how you function in the bathroom or bedroom.
The Connection Between Core Stability and Pelvic Function
Your pelvic floor works in tandem with the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and multifidus muscles to form the inner core. This system manages intra-abdominal pressure and supports your spine and pelvis during movement.
When one part of this team is underperforming—due to tension, weakness, or poor coordination—it creates ripple effects like:
Low back pain
Hip instability
Difficulty engaging the core during exercise
Breath-holding or bracing during daily tasks
Pelvic floor PT helps restore harmony in the core system by improving motor control, enhancing coordination, and teaching efficient strategies for stabilization and load management.
Improving Posture, Breathing, and Movement Mechanics
Pelvic floor dysfunction often shows up as more than just bladder or sexual symptoms—it can impact how you sit, stand, breathe, and move through the world. That’s why our treatment plans often include:
Postural training to reduce strain on the pelvic floor
Breath mechanics to improve diaphragm-pelvic floor synergy
Functional movement retraining (lifting, walking, squatting, etc.)
The result? A stronger foundation for all your activities—whether that’s parenting, weightlifting, running, or simply moving through your day without pain or tension.
Myths and Misconceptions About Pelvic Floor PT
Despite growing awareness, pelvic floor physical therapy is still misunderstood by many. These misconceptions often prevent people from seeking care—even when they’re living with symptoms that could be treated effectively. At FIXXED, we’re committed to education and empowerment. Let’s clear up a few common myths:
“It’s Just Kegels”
Kegels (pelvic floor contractions) are only one tool in a much broader toolbox—and they’re not appropriate for everyone. In fact, many clients come to FIXXED with symptoms caused by overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles. In these cases, doing Kegels can actually make things worse.
Effective pelvic floor therapy is personalized. It might include strengthening, yes—but also relaxation, stretching, breath work, or manual techniques. Your care plan is built for your body and your goals.
“It’s Embarrassing or Invasive”
We understand that pelvic health can feel personal. That’s why we create a welcoming, shame-free space where you can talk openly and receive care at your own pace. Internal exams are never required and are only performed with your full, informed consent.
You are always in control of your treatment—and your comfort is our priority.
Why Choose FIXXED for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Wakefield
Pelvic floor therapy is deeply personal—and where you receive care makes all the difference. At FIXXED, we don’t just treat symptoms; we support the whole person. Our mission is to create a space where people of all backgrounds feel safe, seen, and empowered to take control of their pelvic health.
A Whole-Person, Shame-Free Approach
We understand that pelvic floor concerns can impact more than just physical comfort—they often affect emotional well-being, confidence, and quality of life. That’s why our care model is built around:
Compassionate listening
Open, judgment-free communication
Individualized plans that align with your goals and values
Whether you’re healing from childbirth, recovering from surgery, or trying to understand new symptoms, we meet you where you are—and walk with you through every step of the process.
Trauma-Informed, Inclusive Care
Many clients come to us with complex histories, including trauma, chronic pain, or difficult medical experiences. Our team is trained in trauma-informed care practices, meaning we:
Always prioritize consent and control
Offer clear explanations before every step
Allow you to pause or modify care at any time
We strive to make pelvic health care accessible and affirming for you.
Specialty Training and a Focus on Patient Empowerment
FIXXED therapists have advanced education in pelvic health and manual therapy, with a commitment to ongoing professional development. But what truly sets us apart is how we share that knowledge—with you.
We educate you about your body, explain how symptoms are connected, and teach strategies you can use outside the clinic. The goal isn’t just treatment—it’s transformation through understanding and agency.
Getting Started: Book Your Pelvic Floor PT Evaluation
Whether you're managing long-standing pelvic symptoms, recovering from a life transition, or simply curious about your pelvic health, the first step is a conversation. At FIXXED, we make getting started simple, clear, and comfortable—so you can feel confident from the very beginning.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
There’s no special prep required to begin pelvic floor PT. During your evaluation, we’ll review your history, discuss your goals, and perform a personalized movement assessment. If internal assessment is appropriate, we’ll explain everything thoroughly—and you can opt in or out at any time.
Your therapist will walk you through:
What to expect from each step
How to dress comfortably (athletic or loose-fitting clothing is ideal)
When to expect results and how progress will be tracked
This session sets the stage for your individualized care plan and gives you the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and define your goals.
What to Bring, What to Wear, and What to Expect
Bring: Any relevant medical records, post-surgical notes, or a referral (if you have one)
Wear: Comfortable clothes you can move in
Expect: A welcoming, one-on-one setting where your concerns are heard and your privacy is prioritized
We’ll also provide guidance on follow-up scheduling and home exercises so you leave with both answers and action steps.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
Ready to take the next step? Visit our Pelvic Floor PT Page to learn more, or use our New Clients Page and Contact Form to book your first appointment.
