Pelvic Rehab 101: A Comprehensive Guide To Restoring Pelvic Health
Key Takeaways:
Pelvic Rehab Empowers Healing: Pelvic rehab offers personalized care and exercises that help individuals regain comfort, confidence, and a sense of control over their pelvic health.
Addressing Common Symptoms: Urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intimacy are common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction that can be improved through effective, evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
In-Home Support For Lasting Change: In-home pelvic floor therapy provides convenient, expert care tailored to your lifestyle and environment, focusing on both physical healing and emotional empowerment.
If you’re reading this, chances are you (or someone you care about) has felt the tug of pelvic discomfort. Maybe it appeared during pregnancy or surfaced unexpectedly at another point in life. When it comes to pelvic health, many women find themselves grappling with lingering symptoms, unanswered questions, and the heavy silence that often surrounds these issues.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Pelvic rehab can help you regain trust in your body. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair is here to validate your experience and remind you that you are worthy of compassionate, specialized care. With over 15 years of experience, Blair has seen firsthand how pelvic rehab can help women overcome pelvic floor challenges.
Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating the twists and turns of postpartum recovery, or searching for relief from symptoms unrelated to pregnancy, this guide is for you. Here, we will explain what pelvic rehab is, share tools to help you support your body, and highlight the value of individualized, in-home care that’s delivered on your schedule and in your space.
An Overview Of Pelvic Health: The Basics
Pelvic health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet many people feel unsure about what it involves. What is the pelvic floor, and why is it especially important during and after pregnancy? Let’s break down these essentials so you feel empowered and informed as you move through your own healing journey.
What Is The Pelvic Floor?
According to StatPearls, the pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive “hammock” at the base of your pelvis. These muscles play a vital role in supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. They also help control bathroom habits, contribute to sexual function, and stabilize your hips and core. Even simple movements like lifting, coughing, or sneezing rely on these muscles working together smoothly.
When your pelvic floor is healthy, all these functions happen seamlessly—so much so that they’re easy to overlook. But when these muscles are overworked, weakened, or tense (often from pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal shifts, chronic coughing, or heavy lifting), you might experience symptoms like leaking urine, pelvic or back pain, a feeling of heaviness or pressure, or pain with intimacy. These issues are common but should never be dismissed as something you “just have to live with.”
Why Pelvic Health Matters
Understanding your pelvic health means recognizing both the physical and emotional impacts of these changes. Open conversations and education help break the stigma, making it as normal to seek help for pelvic floor issues as it is for a sprained ankle. Pelvic rehab focuses on restoring balance, function, and confidence. It’s about creating a plan tailored to your unique body and experiences, so you feel seen and supported every step of the way.
Honoring Your Strength And Healing
At its core, pelvic health is about listening to your body and trusting that healing is possible, no matter your stage of life. With the right support, you can move beyond discomfort and reclaim confidence in your body’s natural resilience.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can look different for everyone. Sometimes, the signs are subtle, but other times, they can be loud and disruptive, impacting your daily life. Recognizing the signals your body is giving you is the first step toward healing. Common signs and symptoms include:
Urinary Leakage Or Incontinence: This can range from a few drops when you sneeze or laugh to a sudden, strong urge that’s hard to control.
Frequent Urination Or Difficulty Emptying The Bladder: Some women notice they're making more trips to the bathroom than usual, especially at night. Other people notice that it feels like they can never fully empty their bladder.
Bowel Symptoms: This might mean constipation that’s hard to resolve, straining with bowel movements, or sometimes fecal incontinence.
Pelvic Pain Or Pressure: Persistent discomfort or a heavy, dragging sensation in the pelvic region can be a sign that the muscles are not functioning as they should.
Pain With Intimacy: Pain or discomfort during intercourse is a common and frequently under-discussed symptom. It can result from muscle tightness, weakness, or other underlying issues.
Lower Back, Hip, Or Abdominal Pain: Sometimes, pain in the surrounding areas is actually related to pelvic floor dysfunction, even if the source isn’t obvious.
These symptoms may show up at any time: during pregnancy, after giving birth, or even years later. They don’t discriminate, either; anyone can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, regardless of childbirth history. Most importantly, if you’re experiencing any of these issues, know that you’re not alone. There are effective ways to address these concerns and restore your pelvic health.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Improve Your Quality Of Life
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about addressing physical symptoms; it’s about restoring your connection to your body and inviting you to reclaim daily joy. The pelvic floor muscles play an essential role in core stability, bladder and bowel function, sexual health, and even your sense of confidence. When these muscles are out of balance, you may find that simple activities—like laughing with friends or picking up your child—suddenly come with discomfort or self-consciousness.
A Holistic, Personalized Approach
That’s where Blair Mauri’s pelvic floor therapy comes in. As a licensed occupational therapist specializing in women’s health, Blair provides holistic, tailored care that looks beyond movement restoration. She focuses on helping you understand how your entire lifestyle, daily habits, and environment impact your pelvic health, addressing the whole person rather than only isolated symptoms.
Blair offers in-home services throughout Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Tribeca, and Dumbo, making it easier to receive compassionate, expert support where you feel most comfortable. Her sessions are never rushed. She listens without interruption, gives you the time and space to truly heal, and always explains the “why” behind each recommendation so you feel like an active participant in your treatment plan.
What You Can Expect
Through guided exercises and education, Blair can help you gradually alleviate issues like urinary leakage, pelvic pain, and discomfort during intimacy. In each session, you’ll learn how small changes—like fixing your posture, modifying your breathing, or rethinking how you lift your toddler—can significantly reduce strain. However, progress looks different for everyone, so it’s important to remember that healing is not a linear process. While pelvic floor therapy can’t provide an overnight cure, it does help you forge a sustainable path toward improved comfort.
Reclaiming Comfort And Confidence
Pelvic floor therapy can meet you wherever you are: whether you’re newly postpartum, years into your parenthood journey, or facing challenges unrelated to childbirth. With the right guidance from a licensed professional like Blair, pelvic rehab can help you return to the activities you love and rebuild a stronger sense of self.
If you’re curious about what conditions Blair can help with or want to learn about her full range of services, check out her offerings or reach out directly to start a conversation.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic rehab is about rediscovering your strength, confidence, and trust in what your body can do. Blair has witnessed the power of a comprehensive, personalized approach firsthand. As a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, she focuses on treating the whole person. Your history, symptoms, and goals are uniquely yours, and so is your care. Every session is a true partnership, built on understanding, evidence-based strategies, and a dedication to your healing.a
You don’t have to struggle in silence. Pelvic rehab empowers you to take control and ask questions, celebrate small victories, and reconnect with the activities and relationships that matter most to you. With Blair’s approach, you’ll always be encouraged to voice your questions and concerns, and you’ll be able to move forward at your own pace.
Reclaiming your body’s natural healing potential is possible. If you live in Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Tribeca, or Dumbo, Blair can bring in-home care directly to you—so you can heal in the comfort and privacy of your own space. If you’re ready to receive compassionate, individualized pelvic rehab, reach out to Blair today. Together, we can take that first step toward healing—because you deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Read more:
How Pelvic Therapy Supports Those Dealing With Chronic Pelvic Pain In Cobble Hill
Common Pelvic Floor Issues During Pregnancy And How To Address Them
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Rehab
Who can benefit from pelvic rehab?
Pelvic rehab is valuable for anyone experiencing issues related to pelvic floor function. While Blair Mauri Pelvic Health specializes in supporting the pre and postnatal community in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, pelvic rehab is not limited to those who have given birth. Adults of any age or gender dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, postpartum healing challenges, painful intercourse, or core dysfunction can all benefit from this supportive and empowering approach.
What conditions does pelvic rehab treat?
Pelvic rehab addresses a wide range of concerns, including urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain or pressure, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), painful intercourse, constipation, core weakness or instability, prolapse, and post-surgical issues. Blair takes an evidence-based, personalized approach designed to help you return to the activities that matter most, always guided by your unique needs and goals.
How do I know if I need pelvic rehab?
You might want to consider pelvic rehab if you experience leaking when you cough or sneeze, pain in your pelvic area or lower back, a sense of heaviness, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or discomfort during intimacy. If you feel disconnected from your core or pelvic floor—or simply want guidance regarding birth prep and postpartum healing—a consultation with Blair Mauri, MS, OTR/L can clarify your needs.
What does pelvic rehab involve?
Every session is tailored to your individual goals and comfort level. Blair begins with a thorough evaluation, which involves listening to your history and discussing your daily routines and challenges. Treatment may include education, gentle guided exercises, hands-on techniques, strategies for building pelvic awareness, and helpful resources—always delivered with compassion and a clear explanation of the “why” behind each recommendation. Most importantly, Blair works collaboratively with you in your home to support lasting, meaningful change without rushing or pressure.
Will I need any special equipment for pelvic rehab?
Most sessions can be completed using what you already have at home—no fancy gym equipment is needed. Occasionally, small items like exercise bands or a yoga mat may be helpful, but Blair will always adapt the plan to fit your space, comfort, and available resources.
Will my insurance cover pelvic rehab?
Blair Mauri Pelvic Health is currently an out-of-network provider with all insurances. However, HSA funds are accepted, and superbills can be provided upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement. This model supports longer, more comprehensive sessions—often allowing clients to achieve results in just 4–6 hour-long visits, compared to 12 shorter sessions with standard insurance-based care. While every plan is individualized, many clients find this approach more time-efficient and cost-effective overall. Blair also offers check-ins between sessions to support your progress and ensure you feel fully cared for every step of the way.
