What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
​Pelvic floor physical therapy is similar to regular physical therapy — PT's are specialists in muscle function, and we help you with problems related to how your muscles are (or aren't) working.
The difference with pelvic floor PT is simply that the muscles we’re working with are hidden inside the pelvis, so many people are unaware of how they work, or even that they exist. And they play a role in problems most people don’t realize are muscle-based.
What Are Pelvic Floor Muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that surround the urethra, vagina, and anus. They work with your core, hips, back, and breathing system to help your body with many important jobs, such as:
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Controlling the bladder and bowel
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Supporting pelvic organs
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Allowing for comfortable sexual activity
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Managing pressure during coughing, sneezing, lifting, and exercise
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Stabilizing the back and body during movement
When pelvic floor muscles aren’t working well — whether they’re too weak, too tense, or poorly coordinated — symptoms can show up in ways that don’t always seem obviously “muscular.”
What Do Pelvic Floor Problems Look Like?
When the pelvic floor muscles and their neighboring joints and muscles aren't doing their job well, a wide variety of symptoms can arise, such as:
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bladder leaks, urgency, or frequent urination
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pelvic, back, tailbone, and/or hip pain
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heaviness, pressure, or a feeling of bulging in the pelvic area.
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pain with sex and pelvic exams
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core and pelvic floor coordination issues
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pregnancy and postpartum recovery symptoms, such as bladder, bowel or abdominal challenges
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bladder changes, pelvic discomfort, and body shifts related to perimenopause.
The goal of pelvic PT is helping the whole system work better together and in better balance, so you no longer have symptoms.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is Different
Your pelvic floor doesn't work in isolation.​
To do its job well, it has to coordinate with:
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your breathing
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your posture
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your core and abdominal muscles
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your hips
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your lower back (lumbar spine)
It also has to respond appropriately to pressure — like when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift, or exercise.
Pelvic floor physical therapy looks at how all of these systems work together, not just one muscle group.
It's Not Just About Kegels
A common misconception is that pelvic floor issues always mean weakness.
In reality, pelvic floor muscles can be:
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weak
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tight or overactive
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poorly coordinated
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or doing too much work at the wrong time​
Pelvic floor therapy helps determine what your muscles actually need — whether that’s strengthening, relaxation, lengthening, or better coordination.
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Moderation matters. Muscles need to be able to contract, relax, and respond at the right time.
What Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Focuses On
Pelvic floor physical therapy looks at how these muscles are working as part of the whole body.​​ And it's not just about exercises. You'll also learn skills you can use for life, such as:​
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how the pelvic floor works
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how your bladder functions
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how breathing and posture affect symptoms
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how to support these areas during daily life
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how to properly coordinate your core and pelvic floor
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how to safely navigate pregnancy and postpartum recovery
The goal is for you to understand your body better — not just during therapy, but over time — so you know how to keep these systems healthy and working well throughout your life.​
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Be Done Virtually
For many women, pelvic floor symptoms aren’t easy to talk about. They can feel personal, uncomfortable, or simply hard to put into words.
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Virtual care often removes that barrier, offering a more private, flexible way to get help - without the stress of traveling to an appointment or fitting yet another commitment into your day.
Many women find virtual care more comfortable, flexible, & easier to fit into their lives.​
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Learn more: How virtual pelvic floor PT works →
Not Sure What The Next Step Should Be?
If you’re still figuring out whether pelvic floor therapy applies to you, a short quiz can help you understand common symptom patterns and what typically helps.
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If you already feel ready to talk with a pelvic floor physical therapist, you can schedule a free consultation directly.
Takes less than 1 minute • No personal information required