Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is physical therapy for the muscles at the base of the pelvis, which support the bladder and bowel, stabilize your core and play a role in sexual health. Elevate615 provides pelvic floor physical therapy for women in Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville, in private one-on-one sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, for leaking, pelvic pain, pressure and weakness.
Signs your pelvic floor may need help
Many women are told these symptoms are normal. They are common, and they often have a cause that can be treated.
- Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump or run
- Pelvic pain, pressure or a feeling of heaviness
- Pain with intercourse
- Low back or hip pain that keeps coming back
- Urinary urgency or constipation
- Trouble returning to exercise after a baby
What the pelvic floor does, and why Kegels alone are not always the answer
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit like a hammock at the base of the pelvis. They work with your hips, deep core, diaphragm and low back as one pressure and stability system, which is why pelvic health physical therapy looks at the whole system and a pelvic floor problem can show up as back or hip pain.
These muscles can be too weak, too tight or out of step with each other. Kegels build strength, so they help a weak pelvic floor. If the muscles are already tight, more squeezing can add to the problem. A pelvic health physical therapist first works out which one you have, then teaches you to strengthen, relax or coordinate the muscles, so pelvic floor dysfunction gets the right kind of work.
What pelvic floor physical therapy treats
Leaking and urgency
Leaking with a cough, a jump or a run is common, but it is not something you simply have to live with. We work on strength, coordination, pressure management and bladder and bowel retraining.
Pelvic pain and pain with sex
Chronic pelvic pain, pressure and pain with intercourse often involve muscles that are too tight. We use manual therapy, breathing and relaxation work.
Prolapse and pelvic pressure
Heaviness or a dragging feeling in the pelvis can be pelvic organ prolapse. We check for it and help you manage it, and we advise on exercise that does not make it worse.
Pregnancy and birth preparation
Pelvic floor training before birth improves mobility, eases discomfort and teaches strategies for birth. See prenatal and postpartum care.
After delivery
Diastasis recti, a healing scar, leaking and a slow return to exercise are all common after a baby. See prenatal and postpartum care.
Back and hip pain with a pelvic cause
When pain keeps returning in the low back or hip, the pelvic floor is sometimes part of the reason. We assess both, and you can read more on back pain.
Your first pelvic floor visit, step by step
It is a private, one-on-one session, and you set the pace.
A conversation first
We start by talking: your symptoms, medical history and what you want to get back to. Nothing physical happens until we have talked.
Your assessment, with your consent
We look at posture, breathing, hips and core. With your consent, we may add an internal pelvic floor assessment to check muscle strength, coordination and tissue health. Not every patient needs internal work.
Your plan
Your plan may include manual therapy, pelvic floor exercises, bladder and bowel retraining, lifestyle changes and a home program.
Care in the clinic, or at your home
All of our pelvic floor care is delivered by Doctors of Physical Therapy trained in pelvic health. Reina Viera, DPT, who leads our work with pregnant and postpartum women, is certified in pregnancy and postpartum athleticism. You can see her in our clinics in Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville.
If getting out of the house is the hard part, our concierge pelvic floor visits bring care to your home. Pelvic floor therapy is also part of our wider women’s health care.
Questions about pelvic floor physical therapy
Is there pelvic floor PT near me in Franklin, Brentwood or Nashville?
Yes. We see patients at our Franklin (Cool Springs), Brentwood and Nashville (Donelson) clinics, and our concierge therapist visits homes in Nashville, Franklin and Brentwood.
Do I need an internal exam?
No. An internal assessment is optional and only happens with your consent. Not every patient needs it, but it can be useful for finding the cause when it is appropriate.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Will I only be given Kegels?
No. Some people need to strengthen, others need to relax or coordinate the muscles. Your plan depends on what we find.
Is it too late if my baby is not new?
No. Whether you are six weeks, six months or several years out, pelvic floor therapy can improve strength, mobility and confidence with exercise.
More on pelvic health from the Elevate615 blog
Related care
Pelvic floor therapy care in Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville
Elevate615 treats pelvic floor therapy at our Franklin clinic in Cool Springs, and we also see patients at our Brentwood and Nashville clinics.
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.