Do I Need Pelvic Floor Therapy? How to Know When It’s Time
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to assess and treat issues related to the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. These muscles support vital organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and play an essential role in core stability, continence, and sexual function. When the pelvic floor becomes weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.
While many people associate pelvic floor therapy with postpartum recovery, the reach is much more broad. Pelvic floor PT can benefit individuals across all life stages and genders who experience symptoms such as urinary urgency, constipation, pelvic pain, or even discomfort during intimacy. Pelvic floor therapy takes a holistic approach to care—addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes like muscle imbalance, postural issues, or chronic tension.
READ: Patient Highlight: “Finding Lady Bird PT Changed Everything For me”
At Lady Bird PT in Austin, pelvic floor physical therapy is tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that care is comprehensive, respectful, and empowering.
Common Signs You Might Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Recognizing the signs of pelvic floor dysfunction is the first step toward finding relief. Many people live with uncomfortable or even painful symptoms for years, not realizing they’re treatable with the right support. Here are some of the most common indicators that it might be time to consider pelvic floor physical therapy:
Frequent or urgent urination: If you find yourself needing to use the restroom more often than normal, or you experience sudden urges that are difficult to control, your pelvic floor muscles may not be coordinating properly.
Urinary leakage or incontinence: Leaking urine during exercise, coughing, or laughing isn’t just a normal part of aging or childbirth—it’s a sign that your pelvic floor could benefit from targeted therapy.
Pelvic pain or pressure: Persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen, tailbone, or genital area can stem from muscle tightness, tension, or dysfunction within the pelvic floor.
Pain during intimacy: Painful intercourse is often overlooked or dismissed, but it is a clear signal that the pelvic floor muscles may be overly tense or uncoordinated.
Bowel issues: Constipation, straining, or incomplete bowel movements can all be related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
These symptoms are not something you just have to live with. At Lady Bird PT in Austin, the focus is on addressing the root cause of your symptoms so you can move comfortably and confidently in your daily life.
READ: 3 Affordable and Evidence-Based Ways To Manage Period Pain Without Medication
How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Impact Your Daily Life
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just cause isolated discomfort—it can ripple into multiple areas of your daily life, affecting how you move, work, and interact with others. Because the pelvic floor supports vital organs and stabilizes your core, even subtle imbalances can lead to noticeable challenges.
For many people, physical activities like walking, lifting, or exercising become uncomfortable or even painful. Folks with symptoms often begin avoiding activities they once enjoyed due to fear of leaking or increased pressure in the pelvis. These limitations can affect your confidence and reduce your overall quality of life.
Beyond the physical, the emotional toll can be significant. Dealing with chronic symptoms such as pelvic pain or urinary urgency can create stress, anxiety, and even feelings of isolation. Social situations, work meetings, and travel plans may all be impacted when your symptoms feel unpredictable or difficult to manage.
READ: Can You Prevent A Diastasis Recti In Pregnancy?
At Lady Bird PT, pelvic floor therapy goes beyond symptom management. The goal is to help you regain comfort, control, and freedom so you can return to the life you love—with confidence.
Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Is Not Just for Postpartum Women
Pelvic floor physical therapy is often associated with postpartum recovery, but its benefits extend far beyond that stage of life. While it’s true that pregnancy and childbirth can place considerable stress on the pelvic floor, many people experience symptoms unrelated to giving birth—and they often go unrecognized.
Adolescents, athletes, older adults, folks experiencing infertility and individuals with chronic conditions can all develop pelvic floor dysfunction. Repetitive strain, past injuries, pelvic surgeries, or even prolonged sitting can lead to muscle imbalances or tension in the pelvic area. Conditions like endometriosis or interstitial cystitis may also create ongoing pelvic pain or dysfunction that responds well to physical therapy. Bedwetting beyond 5 years old can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy, too.
At Lady Bird PT in Austin, the care approach is inclusive and individualized. Whether you’ve never been pregnant or gave birth years ago, your concerns are valid and treatable. Pelvic floor therapy is about supporting whole-body wellness at any age and stage—not just addressing postpartum recovery.
When to See a Pelvic Floor Therapist in Austin
If you’ve been dealing with persistent pelvic discomfort, changes in bladder or bowel habits, changes in sexual function or unexplained pain in the lower abdomen or hips, it may be time to consult a pelvic floor therapist. Symptoms don’t have to be severe to justify care—early intervention often leads to faster, more sustainable relief.
READ: How I Prepped My Body for Birth and Recovery—Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. So much of what we do is optimizing pelvic health to help you feel your best now and do all we can to ensure you stay healthy, comfortable and confident in your body as you age.
In Austin, Lady Bird PT provides compassionate, evidence-based pelvic floor physical therapy for a range of concerns. Whether you're navigating infertility, experiencing postpartum recovery challenges, going through menopause, or dealing with unexplained pelvic pain, scheduling a consultation can give you clarity and a plan for moving forward.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment with Lady Bird PT
Your first pelvic floor therapy session at Lady Bird PT is designed to be both informative and empowering. It begins with a detailed conversation about your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. This open dialogue helps your therapist understand the full picture and tailor your care accordingly.
Next, your therapist may conduct a movement assessment and, if appropriate and with your consent, a pelvic floor exam. This allows them to evaluate muscle tone, coordination, and any areas of tenderness or restriction. If you’re not comfortable with an internal exam, your preferences will always be respected—there are still plenty of ways to gather valuable insight and begin treatment.
Based on your assessment, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan. This may include guided exercises, manual therapy, education on body mechanics, and strategies to support your healing between sessions. At Lady Bird PT, the goal is not just symptom relief—it’s helping you feel stronger, more in control, and more connected to your body.
This post was written by Dr. Rebecca Maidansky, PT, DPT, owner and founder of Lady Bird Physical Therapy. Rebecca is a pelvic floor physical therapist in Austin, TX and founded Lady Bird Physical Therapy in 2019. She is the creator of Birth Preparation and Postpartum Planning, Baby Steps Fitness and the head writer and editor of The Pelvic Press.
Rebecca is a passionate writer and vocal advocate for pelvic health and the importance of improving access to perinatal care. She believes strongly that many common pregnancy pains and postpartum symptoms can be eased or even prevented with basic education and care.
She created this blog to help all birthing people manage common pregnancy pains, prepare for birth and recover postpartum.