Frequently Asked Questions
Your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Questions Answered
We know pelvic health can come with a lot of questions. Below are some of the most common inquiries we receive. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out!
About Pelvic Floor Therapy
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
While the scope is ever-evolving, pelvic floor physical therapy is a subcategory of orthopedic physical therapy. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on the muscles and tissues in the lower part of your abdomen and pelvis. Our main focus is helping to balance your musculoskeletal and nervous system.
While we do treat anything from the neck and hands to the foot, our main squeeze is your center of mass — more specifically, the muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a sort of hammock at the base of your pelvis. These muscles help control bladder and bowel functions and support pelvic organs.
Sometimes, these muscles can become weak, tense, or not work properly. This can lead to issues like urinary incontinence (leaking urine), pelvic pain, or problems with sexual function.
Acute conditions, like pregnancy, postpartum and related symptoms, and chronic conditions, like endometriosis and PCOS all tend to present with imbalances that we, the pelvic therapists, are best suited to effectively manage.
Using a combination of manual therapies, dry needling techniques, strength training, and coordination training, our clients not only report their symptoms improve or resolve entirely, but they feel better connected with their bodies!
What conditions does pelvic floor physical therapy treat?
General Pelvic Health Conditions
- Stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation or incomplete evacuation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness
- Tailbone pain (Coccydynia)
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Core instability and muscle imbalances
Preconception & Fertility Support
- Painful or irregular menstrual cycles
- Optimizing pelvic health for conception
- Circulation and alignment support for fertility treatments
Pregnancy-Related Conditions
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic girdle pain (SPD – Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Round ligament pain
- Diastasis recti prevention and management
- Pelvic instability and core weakness
- Tailbone, hip, or pubic bone pain
- Vulvar varicosities
Postpartum Recovery
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pain with penetration postpartum
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sensation of vaginal or vulvar heaviness
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- C-section scar healing and mobilization
- Perineal scar pain from vaginal delivery
- Breastfeeding-related postural pain
- Return to exercise safely postpartum
Sexual & Pain Disorders
- Pain with penetration (Dyspareunia)
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Lichen sclerosus or lichen planus
- Clitoral pain or hypersensitivity
- Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD)
Post-Surgical & Post-Trauma Recovery
- Recovery after hysterectomy or other gynecologic surgeries
- Scar tissue adhesions from abdominal or pelvic surgeries
- Recovery from prostate surgery
- Cesarean section scar mobilization
- Healing after perineal tears or episiotomy
Bowel & Bladder Dysfunction
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Chronic constipation or straining
- Incomplete emptying or difficulty urinating
- Interstitial cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)
Other Related Conditions
- Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
- Chronic pelvic inflammation and pain
- Fibromyalgia-related pelvic pain
- Hernia repair rehabilitation
- Hip, lower back, or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain linked to pelvic dysfunction
- Coccyx (tailbone) pain and misalignment
- Athletic pelvic floor imbalances (gymnastics, weightlifting, running, etc.)
Is pelvic floor therapy safe during pregnancy?
Yes – there have been no studies that have shown adverse effects of pelvic floor care during pregnancy, during the first, second or third trimesters! However, pelvic floor therapy has been shown to reduce pregnancy-related pain, demonstrates patient-reported improved confidence going into the birthing space, and reduces the risk of severe perineal tearing.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
What can I expect at my first visit?
A session typically includes a full-body movement assessment, an abdominal exam, and (if comfortable) an internal pelvic exam. Our goal is to identify and treat the root cause of your symptoms with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
What does a standard pelvic floor physical therapy exam look like?
This will vary from person to person, as care is specific and unique to you and your needs. However, a standard examination will include:
- A preliminary movement exam, assessing the spine, hips, and lower extremities
- An abdominal exam
- An external pelvic floor exam
- An internal pelvic floor exam, if indicated
After the examination portion is completed to your comfort level, we will discuss findings, plan of care, and a home exercise program that works best for you and your lifestyle!
Please note: the internal pelvic exam is not required, and all of our patients have the autonomy to opt out if they so choose.
What does an internal examination look like?
While internal examinations are not always indicated, internal examinations can be very helpful in identifying contributing factors to any pelvic symptoms you are navigating.
This examination does not require the use of stirrups or a speculum, as we do not need to see internal as your medical providers do. We are assessing muscle tone, function, and coordination with a single gloved and lubricated finger. The entirety of the exam takes less than a couple of minutes!
I've never heard of a physical therapist doing internal exams before. Is this... allowed?
Yes! While requirements for certification to perform internal examinations vary from state to state, the team at Fempower Physio are all nationally certified to perform internal vaginal and rectal examinations through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
What does pelvic floor therapy treatment entail?
Treatment often includes some combination of the following interventions:
- A variety of hands-on manual therapies
- Strength training and therapeutic exercise
- Movement and coordination retraining
- Cupping
- Movement assessment and weightlifting assessment
- Dry needling, external
- Bladder, bowel, intake or output diaries
- Patient education
- Home exercise program education
- Exercise program modification for your movement and lifestyle preferences
How long does pelvic floor therapy treatment take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on your condition and goals. Many patients see progress within a few sessions, but we will develop a personalized plan based on your needs.
What if I can’t come in weekly—can I still make progress?
A session typically includes a full-body movement assessment, an abdominal exam, and (if comfortable) an internal pelvic exam. Our goal is to identify and treat the root cause of your symptoms with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
Is the internal pelvic exam required?
No! All patients have full autonomy and can opt-out of the internal exam if they choose.
Payment & Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider, meaning we do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
Do I need to be a Moontower client to select a Moontower Specific package?
Yes and no.
The Standard, Crescent, and Full Moon packages are exclusive to Moontower Midwifery and Wellness clients.
However, these packages include bundled services at a slightly reduced price. While the price may vary slightly to those clients who utilize one of Austin’s other incredible obstetric providers, all services are available to everyone. Cost may vary.
Services & Treatment Plans
Who qualifies for concierge at-home physical therapy versus in-clinic services?
Anyone can receive concierge services from Fempower Physio — meaning care in the comfort of your own home. In-clinic services are typically reserved for clients of Moontower Midwifery & Wellness, but necessity is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you offer postpartum recovery programs?
Yes and no.
The Standard, Crescent, and Full Moon packages are exclusive to Moontower Midwifery and Wellness clients.
However, these packages include bundled services at a slightly reduced price. While the price may vary slightly to those clients who utilize one of Austin’s other incredible obstetric providers, all services are available to everyone. Cost may vary.
Booking & Next Steps
What if there is no clinic availability when my next medical appointment is scheduled?
If there is no clinic availability at the time of your next appointment with Moontower Midwifery & Wellness, you can schedule your services at another time that works for you, or you can opt for concierge services instead – where we come to you!
I'm interested in working with you - what do I do now?
Click on the Schedule Now button, submit a form and we’ll reach out to you!
Appointment are available in-clinic or at your home with concierge physical therapy
📍 Clinic Location
3600 West Parmer Lane, Unit 108
Austin, Texas 78727
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Schedule Your Personalized Pelvic Floor Therapy Session Today