Frequently Asked Questions

The pelvic floor is a "hammock" of muscles that run from your pubic bone to your tail bone. These muscles help control bowel, bladder or sexual function. These muscles are under your conscious control meaning you can contract and relax these muscles. The muscles can be overactive or under active. You can do specific exercises to help these muscles function better - yes sometimes that means Kegels but not always!

It's more than just KEGELS!

 In pelvic floor physical therapy (aka pelvic health physical therapy or previously known as women's health) we focus on conditions effecting bowel, bladder and sexual function.  Physical therapists are experts in treating muscular issues throughout the body. Pelvic health physical therapists have advanced training to assess the pelvic floor muscles, nerves, and organs in the pelvis.  We aim to restore healthy function through manual therapy techniques, exercise and muscle re-education. Our approach is gentle, and we will listen to your needs throughout the treatment session. You will also receive a home exercise program to continue to make progress at home.

Your pelvic floor physical therapy visit will take place one on one in a private treatment room. It will be about 1 hr long. We will begin by listening to your concerns, what brought you in to see us and learn more about your health history. Once we have a good understanding of  your goals, we will do an initial assessment. This includes looking at your posture, pelvic alignment, strength and mobility and with your permission may include an internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles. The purpose of the internal examination is to assess the muscle strength, tone and function of your pelvic floor muscles. We will only perform the internal examination with your informed consent and all assessment and treatment can be modified based on your comfort level.

While internal techniques like manual therapy or biofeedback can help with pelvic floor dysfunction, they're never mandatory. We have various external methods and exercises that can effectively address pelvic floor issues. If you would prefer not to do internal work, just let us know. We'll tailor your treatment plan to respect your needs and boundaries. Your safety, comfort and well-being are always our top priority. This is a pillar of trauma informed care.

It's never too early to start pelvic floor physical therapy after the birth of your baby! We wait until 6 weeks to do an internal exam but we can assess your core strength, posture, troubleshoot any pain you're having, discuss feeding and baby carrying techniques/positions. There is still plenty of progress that can be made even without the internal exam. We recommend you come in as soon as you're comfortable doing so.

 At Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy, we care for patients of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on race, ability, or gender expression. We proudly serve the LGBTIA+ community. 

See the Conditions We Treat tab for additional info.

We are considered an out-of-network provider with all insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. In order to spend the quality one on one time we need with our patients, we are fee for service with payment due at the time of service in the form of cash, credit card, check or venmo.

Many insurance providers will reimburse you for out-of-network physical therapy. We recommend that you contact your insurance company in advance to find out what your out-of-network benefits are. We will provide you with an itemized super bill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement upon your request. 

We unfortunately cannot see patients with Medicare Part B or Medicaid, and recommend you use pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor physical therapist near you who does accept these.

Massachusetts is a direct access state. This means you do not need a referral for pelvic floor physical therapy. Some insurances may require a referral if you plan to seek reimbursement. 

We are happy to share our findings with your health care team at your request.

A virtual consult is an innovative way to bring our services and knowledge to you in the comfort of your home. Through a video meeting we can communicate, advise, educate, motivate, and monitor your progress.  This allows increased access to pelvic health services and is a great way to get expert advise and progress your home program. 

Yes, we welcome patients who have seen other pelvic floor physical therapists. We may have a different style or different training. During your initial evaluation, we'll assess your condition, discuss your previous treatment experiences, what worked and what didn't and collaborate with you to create a personalized care plan. 

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Many appointments include movement, such as stretching, exercises, balance work, or standing and sitting assessments. Wearing clothing that doesn’t restrict mobility ensures you can move freely and stay comfortable throughout your session. If an internal exam is part of your care, you’ll have privacy and a drape provided. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and at ease.

Yes, absolutely! We see many patients while they're menstruating. Your period won’t interfere with your care, and we can still address your goals during the session. If you’re feeling uncomfortable though or prefer to skip certain parts of the assessment (like an internal exam), just let us know—we’ll adjust the session to fit your needs. Your comfort is our priority.