Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: What It Is And How It Can Help You
Key Takeaways:
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy vs. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy offers physical therapy to help restore movement and muscle function, whereas pelvic floor therapy focuses holistically on the whole person.
Recognizing When Therapy Is Needed: Understanding pelvic floor anatomy and dysfunction signs is key to recognizing when therapy is needed, with symptoms ranging from leaking urine to pelvic pain and lower back discomfort.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Therapist: Selecting the right pelvic floor therapist emphasizes specialized training, a compassionate approach, and personalized care, ensuring comprehensive healing tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.
There’s a quiet revolution happening in how women understand and care for their bodies. It’s a shift grounded in knowledge, compassion, and empowerment. For many, issues like pelvic pain, discomfort, urinary leakage, or that nagging feeling that “something isn’t quite right” after childbirth can feel isolating and discouraging. The good news is that there’s an evidence-backed path to healing that’s as individualized as your own story: pelvic floor physical therapy.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair believes that expert, personalized care should happen where you feel safest: in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating postpartum recovery, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your body, pelvic floor physical therapy is for anyone who wants to feel stronger, more confident, and truly supported.
In this article, we’ll break down what pelvic floor physical therapy really is, why it’s often the missing link to feeling like yourself again, and how a compassionate, evidence-based approach can help you reconnect with your body in a whole new way. Consider this your guide to discovering the strength, resilience, and healing potential already within you.
An Overview Of Pelvic Floor Anatomy
To understand how pelvic floor physical therapy helps, it’s important to first get familiar with the pelvic floor itself. Think of the pelvic floor as a supportive hammock of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that span the bottom of the pelvis. A book excerpt posted on the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that this dynamic network supports vital organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. It plays a central role in core stability, urinary and bowel control, and sexual function.
The Role Of Pelvic Floor Muscles
These muscles aren’t just passive supports. They actively contract, relax, and coordinate with your entire core to help with everyday activities like standing, sitting, laughing, sneezing, or lifting your busy toddler. A healthy pelvic floor adapts to the pressure of daily tasks, assists during childbirth, recovers afterward, and adjusts through aging and life transitions.
When The Balance Shifts
Like any muscle group, the pelvic floor can become weak, tight, or uncoordinated. Pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, chronic constipation, hormonal changes, and even high-impact sports can stretch, strain, or overload these muscles. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, you might notice symptoms such as urinary leaking or pelvic pain when this balance is disrupted. These are signs that your pelvic floor could benefit from focused support and care.
Why Awareness Matters
Understanding these muscles is about recognizing how your body supports you through life. With greater awareness comes the empowerment to restore function, reduce discomfort, and reconnect to a sense of ease and confidence in your daily routine.
Signs You Might Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
It’s easy to overlook the pelvic floor until it starts sending signals that something’s off. The truth is, pelvic floor dysfunction can wear many masks, and it isn’t exclusive to pregnancy or postpartum experiences. If you’ve ever wondered whether pelvic floor physical therapy could help you, here are some common signs to look out for:
Leaking Urine (Even Just A Little): If you’re leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, jump, laugh, or exercise, that might be cause for concern. Any unexpected loss of bladder control, no matter how minor, is your body’s way of asking for support.
Heaviness Or Pressure In Your Pelvic Area: Sometimes described as a feeling of “something falling out,” this sensation can point to pelvic organ prolapse, especially after childbirth.
Painful Sex: Discomfort or pain during intimacy isn’t something you just have to live with. It could signal that your pelvic floor muscles are too tight, weak, or not coordinating properly.
Constipation Or Straining: When your pelvic muscles can’t relax or contract at the right moments, the whole bowel movement process gets disrupted.
Pelvic Or Lower Back Pain: Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with usual care, massage, or stretching may indicate underlying pelvic floor dysfunction.
Frequent Or Urgent Need To Pee: If your bathroom runs are constantly disrupting your daily life or sleep, pelvic floor physical therapy may help.
Difficulty Controlling Gas Or Bowel Movements: While this can feel embarrassing, this is common and treatable with targeted support.
A Feeling That Your Core Never Recovered From Pregnancy Or Injury: If you feel weak, disconnected, or less confident in your movements, this may point toward pelvic floor issues needing attention.
You don’t have to check every box on this list to benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. Even one persistent sign is reason enough to seek compassionate, expert guidance and start your path to healing.
How To Choose The Right Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Finding a pelvic floor therapist can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right professional is a crucial step toward feeling empowered and supported on your wellness journey. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Look For Specialized Training And Experience
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly specialized field. It’s important to seek a therapist with advanced training or certifications in pelvic health. While Blair is not a physical therapist, she has trained with Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, the Institute for Birth Healing, and Lindsey Vestal of The Functional Pelvis. With over 15 years of experience, Blair is a licensed occupational therapist who focuses on serving the pre and postnatal community with deep expertise and care.
Prioritize A Supportive And Collaborative Approach
You deserve compassion and a therapist who truly listens. The right provider will take time to understand your story, answer your questions, and educate you about your body in a way that makes it easy for you to understand. Look for someone who welcomes your active participation, respects your comfort level at every step, and builds a plan together with you.
Consider Convenient And Personalized Care
Think about what fits best with your life. In-home therapy can offer privacy, comfort, and flexibility, which is especially valuable for new parents or anyone juggling a busy schedule. For example, Blair provides one-on-one sessions in the comfort of your home across Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and Tribeca, allowing for care that truly meets you where you are.
Weigh Out-Of-Network vs. In-Network Options
Don’t focus only on whether someone is in-network with your insurance. Out-of-network occupational therapists like Blair often offer longer, more individualized sessions, which can lead to more effective and efficient healing. Consider the value of personalized, in-depth care when making this decision.
Choose Evidence-Based Practices
Your pelvic floor physical therapist should use the latest research and proven techniques while honoring your personal experience. Your treatment plan should reflect both medical evidence and your unique needs and goals.
Trusting your intuition is key. Healing is deeply personal, and you deserve to work with someone who makes you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
What To Expect During A Pelvic Floor Therapy Session With Blair
Stepping into your first pelvic floor physical therapy session can feel like entering uncharted territory, especially if you’re dealing with discomfort or uncertainty. Knowing what to expect can help calm nerves and invite you to approach your healing journey with openness.
Pelvic Floor Therapy vs. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
It’s common to hear the terms pelvic floor therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Pelvic floor physical therapy is typically provided by licensed physical therapists and focuses on movement, muscle function, and rehabilitation. More broadly, pelvic floor therapy can be practiced by various licensed professionals (including occupational therapists like Blair) who address not only the physical aspects but also the daily life activities, habits, and emotional connections that influence pelvic health.
Blair Mauri, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy. While she shares many hands-on techniques and movement-based strategies similar to physical therapists, her approach emphasizes whole-person care, helping clients integrate healing into everyday life and reconnect with their bodies beyond just exercise. If you’re curious about what she can help treat, you can find a full list of her services here.
Starting With A Conversation
Your session begins with a thoughtful, in-depth conversation. Blair listens closely to your concerns, health history, daily routines, symptoms, and personal goals. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, leaking, painful intimacy, heaviness, or a feeling that something isn’t quite right, your experiences are met with compassion and curiosity, never judgment. You’ll always understand the “why” behind each recommendation so you can feel informed and empowered from the start. Plus, if Blair doesn’t have an answer for you on the spot, she will do her best to get back to you with a research-backed answer or refer you to another skilled practitioner.
Physical Assessment And Personalized Evaluation
With your consent at every step, a gentle physical assessment follows, where Blair might observe your posture, breathing patterns, core activation, and functional movements. Depending on your needs, she may suggest an external or internal pelvic floor exam, which will be explained thoroughly and guided by your comfort. You have complete autonomy—nothing happens without your full agreement, and you may pause or stop at any time.
Tailored Treatment Planning
Once she understands your unique story, Blair creates a personalized treatment plan to support your body without pushing its limits. Sessions include hands-on techniques, guided exercises, and practical education that fits your lifestyle—whether that means finding pain-free ways to lift your baby, returning to your favorite workouts, or simply moving through your day with greater ease. The focus is on helping you reconnect with your body, rebuild trust in your movements, and find lasting comfort and confidence.
In-Home, Compassionate Care
Blair offers one-on-one in-home sessions throughout Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and Tribeca. Her approach meets you exactly where you are—physically and emotionally—in the privacy and comfort of your own home. The initial evaluation typically lasts about 90 minutes, giving ample time for a thorough assessment and space to ask questions. Follow-up sessions usually range from 4 to 6 visits, supporting meaningful, steady progress at your pace.
Flexible Packages For Long-Term Support
To make consistent care more accessible, Blair offers two discounted treatment packages:
Pelvic Floor Package 1 (Save $129): Includes six treatment sessions at a reduced rate, ideal for those who’ve already completed an evaluation or want to commit to deeper ongoing work.
Pelvic Floor Package 2 (Save $137.40): Includes the comprehensive initial evaluation and five treatment sessions. A perfect option for those starting out and looking for comprehensive support from the beginning.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms “qualify” for pelvic floor therapy, consider this your sign: You don’t need to wait for things to worsen. Blair also offers free discovery calls to help you decide if in-home pelvic floor therapy is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic floor physical therapy is about reclaiming control and confidence in your body, no matter where you are in your journey. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, adjusting to postpartum life, or finding yourself somewhere else along the way, you don’t have to settle for discomfort or uncertainty. Expert, compassionate guidance can make all the difference.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, your story matters. With over 15 years of experience and training from leaders in the field, Blair is an occupational therapist that brings evidence-based, deeply personalized care straight to your home in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Her mission is simple: to empower you with tailored resources and pelvic floor therapy that fit your needs and your lifestyle, so you can focus on the moments that matter most.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked or unheard on your health journey, know that you’re not alone—and it’s never too late to start healing. Together with Blair, she can help you work toward solutions that honor your experience, deepen your understanding of your body’s incredible ability to heal, and help you reclaim the life you love. Let’s reset the narrative, together.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physical therapist?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a pelvic floor physical therapist, especially if you’re seeing an out-of-network provider. However, some insurance plans or specific states may require a referral for coverage purposes. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company or consult your primary care provider to confirm whether a referral is necessary for your particular situation.
What credentials should a pelvic floor physical therapist have?
A qualified pelvic floor physical therapist should be a licensed physical therapist with specialized training in pelvic health. Look for practitioners who have completed advanced coursework from respected organizations or have studied with leading experts in the field. Beyond credentials, experience, compassion, and a commitment to evidence-based, personalized care—like what you’ll find with an occupational therapist like Blair Mauri—are essential.
How do I find a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist?
Start by asking your OB/GYN or primary care physician for recommendations. You can also browse directories to find specialists in your area.
Can pelvic floor therapy help with urinary incontinence?
Absolutely. Pelvic floor therapy is one of the most evidence-based approaches to managing and improving urinary incontinence. Through education, exercises, and personalized treatment plans, occupational therapists like Blair Mauri empower you to regain control, improve your quality of life, and understand your body’s healing potential.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and whether the provider is in-network. For example, Blair Mauri Pelvic Health operates as an out-of-network provider, prioritizing comprehensive, individualized care. However, it's always best to check directly with your insurance company for details.
Can pelvic floor physical therapy be done at home?
No, pelvic floor physical therapy is typically offered in a clinical setting, where specialized equipment and a controlled environment help guide treatment. However, if you’re looking for in-home support, pelvic floor therapy provided by an occupational therapist, like Blair Mauri, can be brought directly to you. Blair offers personalized, one-on-one pelvic floor therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home throughout Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and Tribeca. This approach allows for highly individualized care in a safe, familiar space, helping you integrate therapy seamlessly into your daily life.
