FAQ

Pelvic floor therapy is appropriate for anyone preparing for or recovering from birth, experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, or looking to connect more holistically to their bodies and pelvic floor.

Knowledge is power. Every woman has the right to basic education related to bladder, bowel, sexual function, reproductive health, and nervous system balance. This knowledge, along with understanding the importance of posture, alignment, the use of a variety of movement throughout the day, and how to quiet one’s nervous system is essential for overall wellness and quality of life.

Women of all ages have frequently informed me they wish they had this information sooner. Often, pelvic floor dysfunction is a symptom of something else being out of balance rather than the primary driver.

As a pelvic floor therapist I will look at the whole person holistically as well as help you to improve your body awareness.. The pelvic floor is the center of our core and is influenced by everything above and below it. Finding the limitations and blind spots elsewhere in the body can often help alleviate pelvic floor symptoms.

Often, pregnancy and childbirth make us more susceptible to some of these symptoms, and every postpartum mother would benefit from a pelvic health consult. Some women are appropriate for a consult in the days after childbirth due to birth injury, birth trauma, or pain while others can wait a few weeks. I am not able to perform an internal assessment until after a 6-week checkup with your OBGYN. It’s a great idea to see a pelvic floor therapist during pregnancy for education to help one prepare for the immediate postpartum time known as the fourth trimester.

At Core Essence PLLC, I will perform an evaluation that includes an interview, physical assessment, education, and goal setting. During the interview process your therapist will ask you questions about your experience with your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle, as well as more intimate questions surrounding bowel, bladder, and sexual function. You only have to share what is comfortable for you.

The physical assessment will be dependent on the individual symptoms you present with, but often include assessments of your strength and range of motion, posture, breathing, and the function of the pelvic floor.

As an Occupational Therapist, I have the knowledge and ability to perform both internal and external pelvic floor assessments. While this gives me and my clients helpful information about the fascial integrity of the pelvic floor (so we are able to design individualized treatment plans) it is not an absolute necessity and should be performed based entirely on the patient’s comfort level. Many patients prefer to wait for a few sessions prior to participating in a pelvic floor assessment, while others prefer to decline it all together. Initially, a pelvic floor internal assessment is done through the vagina. However, depending on the symptoms and individual characteristics, a rectal assessment is also helpful.

Kegels were named after a male gynecologist in the 1950s.

Core and pelvic floor rehab have come a long way since then.

Unfortunately, when most people (providers included) think of the pelvic floor, they automatically think of Kegels.

Kegels are basically the tightening and squeezing of the pelvic floor musculature. There’s no other muscle in the body that we are encouraged to squeeze and tense throughout our day (or at every stop light). If we did, it would likely lead to tension and discomfort. There is also a cultural expectation that women should strive for a “tight” pelvic floor when OFTEN pelvic floor dysfunction is caused by tight or overactive muscles.

Ideally, our pelvic floor is able to move through full range of motion, is coordinated, and is responsive to all of our movements throughout the day. Core and pelvic floor healing are much more individualized and comprehensive than just performing Kegels.

An initial evaluation can be performed without a prescription or referral.

If you have out-of-network coverage, you should check with your insurance company to see if you require a referral.

After the initial evaluation, I will submit paperwork to your physician that will serve as an order for occupational therapy and inform them of the plan of care.

You do not need a prescription for bodywork/massage therapy services.

The frequency of visits recommended will depend entirely on your symptoms, the findings from your individual assessment, as well as what works best for you. I will give you a recommendation based on my clinical findings, and we can work from there to accommodate your schedule.

Core Essence PLLC is an out-of-network provider, which means I am not limited by the restrictions of insurance companies.

This allows me to tailor treatment specific to your needs and your timeline. I get to serve you, and not your insurance company.

I am happy to assist you in applying for reimbursement if you have out-of-network coverage. It’s worth a phone call to your insurance company to learn about your out-of-network benefits, and if you are eligible for partial or full reimbursement.