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Pelvic Floor PT

What exactly is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and tissues of your pelvic region that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. We assess strength, coordination, and function to create personalized treatment plans addressing issues like incontinence, pain, and core instability. Our approach combines hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and education to restore optimal function and comfort.

How do I know if I need pelvic floor physical therapy?

If you're experiencing leaking when you cough or exercise, pain during sex, feelings of heaviness, persistent lower back pain, or core weakness, pelvic PT can help. Many women also benefit from preventative care during pregnancy or recovery support after childbirth. Even subtle feelings of "something's not right" are worth addressing—and most conditions respond extremely well to specialized care.

What kind of training does a pelvic floor physical therapist have?

Pelvic floor specialists complete extensive training beyond their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Dr. Carly has advanced certification in pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, and specialized manual therapy techniques. This expertise ensures you receive the most effective, evidence-based care tailored to women's unique pelvic health needs.

Is pelvic physical therapy the same as Kegels?

Definitely not! Many pelvic floor issues actually stem from muscles that are too tight rather than too weak, making Kegels counterproductive in those cases. We assess your entire movement system—from breathing patterns to hip mobility and core function—and create individualized treatment plans. Our comprehensive approach may include manual therapy, movement retraining, and targeted exercises specific to your needs.

Treatment Questions

What happens during the first appointment?

Your first visit begins with a conversation about your health history, symptoms, and goals, followed by a comprehensive physical assessment of your posture, movement patterns, and pelvic function. With your consent, this may include an internal examination to properly assess your pelvic floor muscles. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition, a personalized treatment plan, and initial exercises to begin your healing journey.

Is an internal exam always necessary?

Internal examination provides valuable information for proper pelvic floor assessment, but it's always your choice and never performed without your explicit consent. Many conditions can be effectively treated using external techniques if you prefer. We prioritize your comfort and will work with you to find the approach that feels right for your care.

How many sessions will I need?

Most clients see significant improvement within 6-10 sessions, though this varies based on your specific condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some issues resolve in just a few visits, while more complex conditions might benefit from ongoing care. We regularly reassess your progress to ensure you're getting the results you need as efficiently as possible.

Can I bring my baby to the appointments?

Absolutely! Our space is designed to welcome babies with bouncer seats, pack-and-plays, and toys. Dr. Carly is comfortable working with you while you hold, feed, or attend to your little one. We believe that accessible care means accommodating the realities of life with children.

How long is each session?

Each session lasts 60 minutes, giving us ample time for hands-on treatment and exercise instruction without rushing. Your initial evaluation may feel particularly comprehensive as we gather detailed information about your condition. We believe quality care takes time—that's why we dedicate a full hour to each appointment.

Will you give me exercises to do at home?

Yes! We'll provide specific, personalized exercises that complement your in-clinic treatment. Rather than overwhelming you with lengthy routines, we typically recommend a few focused exercises that will make the biggest impact. We ensure you understand how to perform each one correctly and provide resources to support your home practice.

Service Questions

Can you come to my home?

Yes, absolutely. We offer in-home visits to Nashville and the surrounding areas. Call us (573-230-8761) to discuss in-home options!

Do I need private PT or can I join the group class?

Private PT provides personalized treatment tailored to specific pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, or complex symptoms requiring individual attention.

Our Postpartum Strength Class is ideal for general recovery and building strength in a supportive group setting. Many clients benefit from both—starting with private sessions to address specific issues, then joining the class for ongoing strength building.

Do you treat men?

Our practice specializes exclusively in women's pelvic health, with particular focus on pregnancy, postpartum, and women's health conditions. We're happy to recommend excellent providers in Nashville who specialize in men's pelvic health. We believe in specialized care for optimal results, which is why we've focused our expertise on serving women specifically.

What should I wear to an appointment?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you can move around in to your appointments.

Getting Started

When is the best time during pregnancy to start pelvic PT?

The second trimester (14-26 weeks) is ideal, but it's never too early or too late to start! Early care establishes good habits and addresses pre-existing issues, while third-trimester therapy focuses on birth preparation. Preventative care during pregnancy can significantly improve your birth experience and postpartum recovery.

How soon after birth can I start pelvic floor therapy?

You can begin as early as 2-3 weeks postpartum, with your provider's clearance. Early sessions focus on gentle reconnection with your core, optimal positioning, and strategies for daily activities. For internal assessment, we typically wait until 6 weeks postpartum, but there's plenty we can do before then to support your healing journey.

How Do I get started?

You can call us at 573-230-8761, email at [email protected] or simply click the "Request Appointment" button to get started! We're excited to meet and work with you!

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Ready To Get Started?

We're here to make pelvic floor physical therapy EASY. All you have to do to get started is hit the Request Appointment button, fill out your information and we'll be in touch to answer questions and schedule your evaluation.