FAQs
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Physical therapy can address a wide variety of pelvic floor conditions. Here is an overview of some of the common issues we treat in our clinic:
Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues
Pelvic girdle pain
Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles)
Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation
Tailbone pain during or after pregnancy
Sciatica or back pain related to pregnancy
Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain
Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Pain related to menstrual cycles
Endometriosis-related pain
Pelvic floor tension myalgia
Pudendal neuralgia
Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Vaginismus and vulvodynia
Musculoskeletal Issues
Lower back pain
Hip pain
Tailbone (coccyx) pain
Sacroiliac joint pain
Sciatica or piriformis syndrome
Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after prostate surgery)
Prolapse symptoms (e.g., bladder, uterine, or rectal)
Urinary Issues
Incontinence (stress, urge, mixed)
Frequent urination
Painful urination
Urinary urgency
Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream
Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination)
Bowel Dysfunction
Constipation
Fecal incontinence
Pain during bowel movements
Straining or difficulty with bowel movements
Sexual Dysfunction
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginismus (muscle spasms that affect intercourse)
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced sexual sensation or arousal
Difficulty achieving orgasm
Male Pelvic Pain
Pain in the pelvic area, including the penis, scrotum, testicles, perineum, and anus
Discomfort worsened by sitting, some exercises, and certain clothing
Urinary problems like urgent or frequent need, hesitancy, and weak stream
Genital pain during or after ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction and weaker ejaculation
Gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and constipation
Pediatric Pelvic Health
Constipation
Nighttime bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
Daytime wetting
Stress incontinence (leaking)
Overactive bladder
Urinary frequency/urgency
Urinary retention
Bowel incontinence and/or inability to empty bowel
Perimenopause and Menopause
Urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning, nighttime urination
Sensations of bladder or pelvic pressure
Pain during sexual intercourse
Reduced or absent orgasms
Challenges with bowel movements
Vulvovaginal pain and burning
Discomfort while sitting
Gender-Affirming Care
Discomfort arising from surgical scars
Pain during vaginal penetration
Challenges or inability to achieve vaginal penetration
Difficulty in achieving orgasm, or complete inability to do so
Urinary issues, such as urgency, frequent urination, hesitancy, incontinence, and spraying
Pain in the pelvic area
Pain in the chest and back regions
Pain in the shoulders
Cyclists
Numbness or pain in the perineal area
Pudendal nerve irritation
Weakened pelvic floor muscles
Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles
Lower back pain
Hip imbalance or tightness
Urinary problems: urinary tract discomfort, urinary urgency, or even infections
Sexual dysfunction: In some cases, particularly with an improper saddle or poor bike fit, male cyclists might experience issues like erectile dysfunction, while female cyclists might experience pain during sexual activity
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Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider so does not directly accept insurance or Medicare. However, we can issue a superbill for PPO insurance holders, enabling you to seek reimbursement from your insurer. For details on your potential reimbursement, please reach out to your insurance provider directly. Additionally, our clinic accepts HSA/FSA payments.
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2024 Rates
Initial Evaluation & Treatment
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: $310
Re-evaluation & Treatment
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: $310
Recommended after major life events (e.g., surgery, childbirth) or for former patients returning after an extended period.
Half Hour Follow-up Treatment
Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: $155
Hour Follow-up Treatment
Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: $310
Note About Insurance
Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider so does not directly accept insurance or Medicare. However, we can issue a superbill for PPO insurance holders, enabling you to seek reimbursement from your insurer. For details on your potential reimbursement, please reach out to your insurance provider directly. Additionally, our clinic accepts HSA/FSA payments.
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At your initial appointment, we will start by taking your medical history, followed by a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination of your pelvic area. This will include assessing your posture, joint alignment, any muscle restrictions or trigger points, the health of your connective tissue, and muscular strength. An internal examination is often part of this process, but it's entirely optional and will only be conducted if you feel completely comfortable with it. This exam is much more relaxed and comfortable compared to a typical ob/gyn visit, and it provides essential information about your pelvic muscle tone, strength, and coordination. If impairments are found during the exam the physical therapist can treat the problems with manual therapy techniques resulting in pain relief and improved function. Following the exam, we'll discuss our findings with you and outline a personalized treatment plan aimed at achieving the best results. Most patients start feeling better after their first session and see significant improvement by their third visit.
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Life happens! If you need to reschedule your appointment you can do so online through the Patient Portal as long as it is 24 hours before your appointment.
If you're feeling unwell or unable to attend your appointment due to other reasons, you have the option to switch your in-person visit to a telehealth session. To arrange this, simply email your physical therapist, and they will convert your appointment to a telehealth format.
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Appointment cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to your appointment start time. Late cancellations will be charged for half of the amount of the appointment. For your convenience, cancellations can be made directly through our booking system. If you encounter any difficulties online, don't hesitate to call, email, or text us. As a small business, late cancellations affect us significantly. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Additionally, if you're ill or unable to attend your appointment for other reasons, you can opt to change your in-person session to a telehealth appointment. Just email your physical therapist, and they will make the necessary adjustments to switch your session to a telehealth format.
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Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that treats pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum issues, bladder/bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and a lot more.
In simple terms, imagine a supportive bowl of muscles situated between your hips, cradling your organs like the bladder, rectum, and uterus (if present). Various issues can arise with these muscles and their connecting nerves. When these muscles and nerves are out of sync, it can lead to a cascade of problems. These muscles might be overly tight, weak, in spasm, or laden with scar tissue, hindering their ability to function correctly. For instance, one in three new mothers report bowel and bladder issues post-delivery, and about half experience pelvic pain in the subsequent months. These issues don't just disappear on their own, and many suffer silently, accepting this as their "new normal." Some turn to medications and surgeries for solutions.
However, as pelvic floor physical therapists, we adopt a different approach. We use hands-on techniques to work directly on the muscles, tissues, and nerves that require attention. This empowers you to actively participate in your healing process. Our clinical expertise, combined with your body's natural healing capabilities, works to address and resolve these intimate problems.
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No, in California, you do not need a referral from your medical doctor to see a physical therapist – you have “direct access” to our services so can make an appointment at anytime.
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During an internal exam, we often find that people think they’re squeezing their pelvic floor muscles, but actually they’re pushing open. Other common imbalances are that people think, for example, they may be too “loose,” but in reality, their pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax and too tight, causing pelvic pain and discomfort. In these cases, people may feel discomfort like that of a tight muscle, similar to if you’re toughing a tight trap near your neck. Other times, one side of the pelvic floor may be tighter than the other, or one side more tender. The generic cure-all for pelvic floor dysfunction, kegels (or as we call them, blueberries), can actually hurt more than they help, as some people are doing the exercise incorrectly or they may be too tight, in which case kegels could be contributing to more muscle tenderness.
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The number of sessions required varies based on the nature and severity of your condition. Typically, for most pelvic floor concerns, patients notice improvement after the initial session and significant progress by the third visit!
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If you have a baby vaginally, there’s probably a lot of stretch in your pelvic floor area. Your PT will check to see how your core and pelvic floor coordinate together. Even if you have had a c-section, your provider may still check the pelvic floor, especially if you pushed for a long time before delivering the baby, and definitely if you’re having any pelvic issues or dysfunction. They will also check your incision, teach you scar mobilization, and show you how to connect to that deep core again, just like you would after any surgery.
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Absolutely, we understand that mothers juggle many responsibilities, and worrying about childcare shouldn't add to that stress. Feel free to bring your kids to our clinic. Please note that only infants in strollers can accompany you in the treatment room.
Also, for your initial appointment, we recommend arranging childcare if possible. This allows you to concentrate on discussing your health history and physical therapy goals.
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Yes, we offer specific pediatric services, focusing mainly on bladder and bowel issues like bedwetting and constipation.
Note we do not conduct internal examinations or treatments on individuals under 18 years old; all our pediatric treatments are external.
For pediatric appointments, we recommend scheduling with Sonia Sharma, who specializes in this area.
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Your comfort and confidence during your visit is our priority. Wear what makes you feel best. While some patients opt to bring a change of clothes from work, it's entirely your choice. Please know there's no strict dress code here. We're thrilled to have you with us!
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It’s completely normal to be nervous. But we have gloves on, so even if that happens, we don’t really care!
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If you're menstruating, please don't worry—it's perfectly okay to come in. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we use nitrile gloves, ensuring a hygienic environment. Rest assured, you'll be covered with a sheet during the session. Furthermore, depending on your preference, you do not even need to remove your tampon if you're using one.
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That's an excellent question, and it's a procedure we frequently perform. While women have two points of entry, men have just the anus for this type of exam. The process is carried out with gloves, and you'll likely be positioned on your side, which tends to be more gentle. Occasionally, women also undergo this same rectal exam. Addressing bowel dysfunction is completely within our expertise at Healthy Pelvis PT. During the exam, we'd switch to a new pair of gloves and ask you to contract and then relax. It's common to discover issues in the sphincter region, such as insufficient strength in contractions or excessive tightness leading to difficulty relaxing.
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You are able to access your account using the Patient Portal.
Also, for reference there is a ‘Patient Portal’ link in the site header.
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Yes, absolutely! You can buy a gift card here.