Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

June 09, 20255 min read

Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Take our 2-minute quiz to see if pelvic floor physical therapy at East Nashville Pelvic Health can help your leakage, pain, or pressure.


Three months after my baby was born, I sneezed in Target. That's when I felt it..a warm trickle down my leg. I told myself, "This is normal. It'll get better."

But deep down, I knew something wasn't right.

If you're reading this, you might be wondering if what you're experiencing is "just part of being a mom" or if you need to find a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic near you.

The truth is, pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms affect up to 45% of women, but less than 20% seek treatment. You don't have to suffer in silence.

Do I Need Pelvic Floor PT? (2-Minute Quiz)

Take this simple test to see if pelvic floor PT could help you. Check YES or NO for each statement:

Score Yourself:

Pelvic floor PT self-test for women in Nashville

Your Results:

  • 3 or more YES answers? You would likely benefit from pelvic floor PT

  • 1-2 YES answers? Consider talking to a pelvic floor specialist

  • All NO answers? Great! Keep this list handy for later

Why Do These Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms Happen?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. Think of them as a hammock that holds everything in place. During pregnancy and birth, these muscles stretch and can become weak or tight.

But here's what many women don't know: pregnancy affects your pelvic floor whether you have a vaginal birth or C-section. The weight of your growing baby puts pressure on these muscles for nine months. This is why postpartum pelvic floor therapy is so important for recovery.

Other things that can affect your pelvic floor include:

  • Chronic constipation or straining

  • Heavy lifting

  • High-impact exercise

  • Chronic coughing

  • Hormone changes during menopause

  • Previous pelvic surgeries

The good news? These issues can be treated. Your symptoms are not something you have to "just live with."

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Works

Pelvic floor physical therapy uses special techniques to restore strength, flexibility, and coordination to your pelvic muscles. It's like physical therapy for any other part of your body—but with special training for this private area.

What makes pelvic floor PT different:

  • Internal exam: Your therapist can check muscle tone and function internally (with your consent)

  • Custom exercises: No generic Kegels—your program is made just for your needs

  • Breathing techniques: Learning to match your breathing with your pelvic floor

  • Biofeedback training: Using real-time cueing to help you connect with your pelvic floor

  • Internal release work: Gentle hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension

  • Posture training: Looking at how your whole body works together

  • Pain management: Ways to reduce pelvic pain and discomfort

Research shows that postpartum pelvic floor therapy works well. Studies published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy show that 80% of women see big improvement in their symptoms with proper treatment.

What to Expect at East Nashville Pelvic Health

At East Nashville Pelvic Health, your care is never delegated. You'll always be treated directly by Dr. Carly, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes exclusively in women's pelvic health.

Your first visit includes:

  • Full 60-minute session

  • Comprehensive health history and symptom discussion

  • Postural and movement assessment

  • External pelvic floor muscle evaluation

  • Internal examination (only with your consent and comfort)

  • Personalized treatment plan explanation

  • Home exercise program designed just for you

What makes us different:

  • Real empathy from someone who understands: As a mother herself, Dr. Carly combines medical expertise with deep understanding of your journey

  • True specialist: Dedicated career focus on women's pelvic health

  • Unhurried care: Full sessions allow time for thorough assessment and treatment

  • Educational approach: We focus on finding root causes and teaching you for lasting relief

  • Community connection: Join other perinatal women in our supportive Postpartum Foundations Class

Frequently Asked Questions

How many visits will I need?

Most women see improvement within 6-8 sessions. Full recovery typically takes 8-12 weeks. Your timeline depends on your specific symptoms and goals.

Is the internal exam required?

No. While internal examination provides valuable information about your pelvic floor muscles, it's always optional and only done with your full consent and comfort. We'll never do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

In Tennessee, you can see a pelvic floor physical therapist without a referral. We can also communicate your plan of care with your primary obstetrician or physician.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you scored 3 or more on our self-test, or if you're simply tired of living with uncomfortable symptoms, it's time to get the specialized care you deserve.

Your journey to pelvic wellness starts here.

"Super thankful for my time working with Carly and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of pelvic health services and education!" - Talia W.

We are currently accepting new patients at our East Nashville location. Take the first step by visiting our website and requesting an appointment!

Ready to reclaim your body and confidence?

Visit Our Website Today

East Nashville Pelvic Health
1131 Richmond Dr. Nashville, TN 37216
Phone: (573) 864-0263
Email:
[email protected]

Personalized pelvic health care that meets you where you are and guides you to where you want to be.

Personalized pelvic floor physical therapy for East Nashville women


Internal Links:

Sources:

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee Opinion on Pelvic Floor Disorders, 2023

  • Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, "Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy," 2024

  • International Journal of Women's Health, "Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction," 2022

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