Pelvic Floor

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common but you don’t have to suffer in silence

At Embody, we understand that pelvic floor concerns are deeply personal — and often overlooked. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, menopause, or unexplained discomfort, you deserve care that truly listens to your body’s needs.

Our pelvic floor physical therapy is rooted in compassion, expertise, and whole-body healing. We work with you to identify the root cause of your symptoms — whether it’s weakness, tightness, or poor coordination — and create a plan that restores strength, function, and connection to your body.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can show up as urinary or bowel issues, pain with intimacy, core instability, or pressure you just can’t explain. But you don’t have to live with it. With personalized therapy and mindful support, we help you feel safe, strong, and in control again — so you can get back to living fully in your body. Physical therapy is often an effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Available in San Luis Obispo, CA with Dr. Erica & Woodstock, NY with Dr. Alicia.

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Learn more about Pelvic Floor

Like conventional PT, pelvic floor physical therapy targets the musculoskeletal system, focusing on the muscles situated in the pelvic floor. These muscles are crucial in providing stability to the pelvis, supporting the abdominal organs, and containing the endpoints of the urinary, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. 

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on restoring proper function to the muscles in the pelvic floor, usually by strengthening or relaxing them. Muscles that are too weak don’t provide sufficient support for internal organs. Alternatively, muscles that are too tight and unable to relax don’t allow proper movement and often cause pain. Physical therapy can help restore a proper balance of strength and flexibility to the pelvic floor, improving sexual function and bladder and bowel control.

During your first appointment, your pelvic floor physical therapist will evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment may include exercises to strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy techniques, biofeedback, and education on proper body mechanics and posture.

Your pelvic floor physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan personalized to your needs and goals. They will provide the tools and techniques you need to improve your pelvic floor function. Pelvic floor physical therapy involves a range of techniques tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. Some of the most commonly used methods include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises. Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles. This can improve bladder and bowel control, reduce pain, and improve sexual function.
  • Manual therapy. Manual therapy techniques use hands-on manipulation and mobilization to address muscle tension, trigger points, and scar tissue.
  • Biofeedback. Biofeedback involves using specialized equipment to monitor and provide feedback on the activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Typically, the patient attempts to contract pelvic muscles while a device monitors which muscles are contracted and how strongly. This can help patients learn to control these muscles better and improve their function.
  • Electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation involves using low-level electrical currents to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. This can help improve muscle tone and coordination.
  • Relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, can help reduce muscle tension and improve pelvic floor function. In the case of patients with tension in the pelvic floor muscles, holistic healing methods may be beneficial to alleviate stress and boost relaxation.
  • Education and lifestyle modifications. Pelvic floor physical therapists may provide education on proper posture, body mechanics, and dietary changes to help improve pelvic floor function.

Problems in the pelvic floor can affect your daily life in many ways. You may have trouble using the bathroom, struggle with urinary incontinence, or experience discomfort during intercourse. Physical therapy to restore pelvic floor function can significantly improve your quality of life, most often by improving sexual function and bowel and bladder control. 

No more worrying about dribbling when you sneeze or needing constant access to a restroom because of urge incontinence. Alternatively, PT for overly tight pelvic floor muscles can alleviate pain and incontinence.

Since there are several different techniques for pelvic floor therapy and we take a personalized approach to each, every patient’s experience will vary based on their unique treatment. Generally, these treatments are gentle and cause little to no discomfort. Your physical therapist will discuss what to expect after your physician therapy sessions.

Any treatment that seeks to improve muscle tone will take time and consistent effort. You’ll likely need multiple sessions before you notice improvements. Doing any at-home exercises your therapist prescribes between appointments is crucial for success, and you may need to continue doing these after therapy for ongoing benefits.

Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Right for Me?

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy:

  • Urinary or fecal incontinence 
  • Pelvic, abdominal, or lower back pain 
  • Prolapse 
  • Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or running 
  • Pain with intercourse 
  • Recurrent bladder or vaginal infections 
  • Pain during or after pregnancy 

One of our pelvic floor specialists at Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy will meet with you and evaluate your condition to create your personalized treatment plan. Almost anyone struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction can benefit from physical therapy.

I felt like when I spoke, Dr. Viscovind really listened. The care and attention I received during my visits was excellent. I appreciate that the program I was out on was a collaboration between my needs and the expertise of the staff

– Colin
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Take the Next Step

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate pelvic floor issues in silence.
At Embody Health & Wellness, we’re here to support you with compassionate, expert care every step of the way. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, incontinence, or postpartum changes, our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy will help you restore balance, reconnect with your body, and reclaim your well-being.
Take the first step toward healing — schedule your appointment today.

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