The Complete Guide to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Austin: What It Is and Who It’s For
If you're just now learning about the pelvic floor — or if you once heard a yoga teacher tell you to "relax it" and you just kind of smiled, nodded, and pushed like you were trying to poop — you're not alone. But hey, you’re here now, and ready to learn with the top-rated pelvic floor physical therapists in Austin, TX.
Lady Bird PT has been around since 2019, and together our team brings over 25 years of experience treating the pelvic floor. We’ve long known that dysfunction in this group of muscles — located at the base of your pelvis and forming a supportive “hammock” for your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs — can seriously impact quality of life. Still, it's incredibly common for people to reach out to us with no real idea of what we do or why we do it.
The “why” is actually simple: these muscles are key players in things we often take for granted — like bladder and bowel control, sexual function, posture, breathing, and core stability.
And as for what we do? Keep reading.
When working properly, the pelvic floor contracts and relaxes in coordination with the rest of your core. But like any muscle group, it can become weak, tight, overactive, or uncoordinated. And when that happens, it can lead to a range of frustrating symptoms—from leaking urine during exercise, to pelvic pain, to low back discomfort that just won’t go away.
READ: 3 Affordable and Evidence-Based Ways To Manage Period Pain Without Medication
Despite how common pelvic floor issues are, they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. Many people don’t realize their symptoms are treatable, or that they’re related to the pelvic floor in the first place. That’s why education and awareness are at the heart of everything we do at Lady Bird PT in Austin.
Pelvic floor health is essential—not just for new parents or aging adults, but for anyone who wants to move, feel, and live well.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? A Whole-Body Approach
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of care designed to evaluate and treat dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding systems. But at Lady Bird PT, it’s more than just treating isolated symptoms—it’s about understanding how the pelvic floor connects with your entire body.
Rather than focusing only on the pelvis, we take a whole-body approach that considers posture, breathing, core engagement, hip mobility, and even daily habits. The pelvic floor doesn’t operate in isolation—it works with your diaphragm, deep core muscles, and glutes to support movement and control pressure throughout your system.
Pelvic floor PT may include:
Internal or external muscle assessment to check for tightness, weakness, or coordination issues
Breath and core retraining to help regulate pressure and support pelvic function
Manual therapy to release soft tissue restrictions in the hips, pelvis, or abdomen
Targeted exercises to restore balanced strength, endurance, and motor control
Lifestyle guidance on posture, movement patterns, and toileting habits
This approach empowers you with practical tools—not just clinical techniques—so you can take ownership of your pelvic health in everyday life.
Common Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor PT
Pelvic floor dysfunction can show up in many different ways, and it doesn’t always look like what people expect. At Lady Bird PT, we treat a wide range of conditions—many of which are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or left untreated for far too long.
READ: Can You Prevent A Diastasis Recti In Pregnancy?
Here are some of the most common concerns we address through pelvic floor physical therapy:
Urinary incontinence – leaking with exercise, sneezing, or urgency
Pelvic pain – including pain with sitting, intercourse, tampon use, or pelvic exams
Constipation and bowel dysfunction – difficulty with elimination or incomplete evacuation
Pelvic organ prolapse – a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or bulging in the pelvic area
Painful sex (dyspareunia) – often related to pelvic floor tightness or muscle guarding
Prenatal and postpartum issues – such as core weakness, diastasis recti, or perineal or C-section scar healing
Hip, back, or SI joint pain – often linked to pelvic floor coordination or core imbalance
You don’t need a specific diagnosis or a referral to get started. If something feels off, painful, or persistent—especially in or around the pelvic region—pelvic floor PT could be the missing piece in your care plan.
How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Impacts Everyday Life
Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t just a physical issue—it can affect nearly every aspect of your daily routine, movement, and emotional well-being. The symptoms may be subtle or disruptive, but over time, they often lead people to change the way they live, move, and interact with the world around them.
Here are just a few ways pelvic floor dysfunction can interfere with everyday life:
Avoiding physical activity out of fear of leaking or discomfort
Struggling with intimacy due to pain, tension, or emotional disconnection
Disrupted sleep from frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
Chronic back, hip, or core discomfort that no amount of stretching or strengthening seems to resolve
Frustration or embarrassment from symptoms that feel out of your control
Over time, many people begin to limit themselves—holding back from activities they once loved, avoiding certain situations, or simply accepting symptoms as “normal.”
At Lady Bird PT, we’re here to change that narrative. Pelvic floor physical therapy gives you tools, strategies, and support to regain comfort, control, and confidence—so you can live without compromise.
READ: How I Prepped My Body for Birth and Recovery—Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT
What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor PT Appointment at Lady Bird
We know that starting pelvic floor physical therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you’re unsure what the experience will be like. At Lady Bird PT, we prioritize your comfort, autonomy, and understanding every step of the way.
Your first visit will begin with a detailed conversation. We’ll ask about your health history, symptoms, goals, and lifestyle—not just what hurts, but how it affects your day-to-day life. This is a safe, comfortable, and judgment-free space where you can share openly and ask questions.
From there, we’ll complete a movement and posture assessment, often including breathing patterns, core control, hip function, and how your body responds to everyday tasks like squatting, lifting, or walking.
If appropriate and with your full consent, we may perform an internal pelvic floor exam to assess muscle tone, strength, and coordination. However, this is never mandatory. We offer plenty of effective treatment options externally if an internal assessment doesn’t feel right for you.
Each session ends with education and an actionable plan. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on, what we’re working on together, and what you can do at home to support your progress.
TL;DR? Check out this video of what to expect when you’re a patient at Lady Bird PT.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond
Pregnancy and childbirth place extraordinary demands on the body, especially the core and pelvic floor. Whether you’re currently pregnant, recently postpartum, or years beyond your last delivery, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you move, recover, and feel more connected to your body.
At Lady Bird PT, we support clients through every stage:
Pre-Conception
If you know that you are going to try and conceive in the near future, pelvic floor physical therapy can help optimize fertility outcomes by increasing blood flow and reduce restrictions around the reproductive organs. In addition to setting your body up for success, we can help to tailor your movement routine so that you head into pregnancy feeling confident and knowing what works for your body.
READ: Can Pelvic Floor PT Help Optimize Fertility?
During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor therapy can help manage common concerns like pelvic girdle pain, back discomfort, sciatica, and pressure in the lower abdomen. We focus on building stability, promoting optimal fetal positioning, and preparing your body for labor and delivery.
Immediate Postpartum
Even a smooth delivery can leave your body feeling unbalanced, weak, or unfamiliar. We help with recovery from perineal tearing, cesarean birth, incontinence, diastasis recti, and pain with activity or intimacy. Our goal is to restore function—not just treat symptoms.
Long-Term Postpartum (Yes, Even Years Later)
There’s no expiration date on pelvic health care. If you’re years postpartum and still dealing with leaking, pelvic heaviness, or lingering pain, therapy can still make a meaningful difference. You’re never “too far out” to benefit, and this goes for folks who have never been pregnant, too.
Whether you’re preparing for birth or reclaiming your strength after it, we meet you where you are—with personalized care that honors your body, your goals, and your journey.
Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters for Athletes and Active Adults
If you’re someone who runs, lifts, bikes, climbs, or trains regularly, your pelvic floor is a key part of your performance. It works alongside your diaphragm, core, hips, and glutes to stabilize your trunk, manage pressure, and support efficient movement.
When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning optimally, the impact can ripple throughout the body—especially under load or intensity. Many active individuals experience symptoms like:
Leaking during workouts, especially with jumping, running, or heavy lifting
Core weakness or instability despite strong abs or regular training
Hip, low back, or pelvic discomfort during or after exercise
A “bulging” sensation or pressure with high-effort movements
Tightness or over-recruitment that limits range of motion or power output
These are not just annoyances—they’re signs your system needs support.
At Lady Bird PT, we help athletes and active adults build awareness, control, and strength in their pelvic floor and core. We assess how your body moves under real-world demands and create individualized programs that blend rehab with performance.
Because your training shouldn’t be limited by symptoms you were never taught how to manage—and your goals deserve a body that can meet them.
Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Right for You? Signs to Look For
You don’t need a diagnosis or a major problem to benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. Many of our clients come to us simply because something doesn’t feel quite right, and they want to understand their bodies better.
Here are some common signs that pelvic floor therapy might be a good fit for you:
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
A sense of pressure, heaviness, or bulging in the pelvic area
Pain during intercourse, tampon use, or pelvic exams
Difficulty with bowel movements, constipation, or incomplete emptying
Chronic low back, hip, or tailbone pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
Feeling disconnected from your core—especially after pregnancy
Trouble engaging or relaxing your pelvic floor muscles during movement
If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but you still feel off, or if you've been silently dealing with symptoms you thought were just part of life, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.
At Lady Bird PT, we believe pelvic health is foundational to your overall well-being. If you're curious, concerned, or simply ready to feel more in control of your body, we're here to help you explore the next step.
READ: Everything You Need to Know About Pessaries: Benefits, Fitting, and Care
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Austin: Why Clients Choose Lady Bird PT
At Lady Bird PT, we’re redefining what pelvic floor care looks and feels like in Austin. Our mission is simple: to create a supportive, inclusive space where you can feel safe, seen, and empowered to take control of your health.
Clients choose us because:
Every session is one-on-one with a passionate, experienced pelvic floor physical therapist who listens, explains, and collaborates with you.
We look at the full picture—how your breath, posture, core, and lifestyle interact with your symptoms.
Treatment plans are fully individualized, based on your goals, your pace, and your comfort level.
Education is central, so you understand what’s happening in your body and how to support it outside the clinic.
We create a welcoming environment for all genders, identities, and life stages—because pelvic health is for everyone.
Whether you’ve been struggling for years or you’re just starting to ask questions, you deserve answers and support. We’re here to help you move forward—with knowledge, strength, and confidence.
Ready to get started? Reach out to schedule your first appointment and begin your pelvic health journey with care that truly puts you first.