Ladies, picture this: you’re at brunch with your best friends—what’s on the table besides mimosas and avocado toast? As a little girl, you probably didn’t imagine your future brunch chats would include crossing your legs before a sneeze, avoiding trampolines, or dealing with painful sex. Yet here you are, laughing it off as “just part of being a woman.” But deep down, you wonder… is there more to the story?

You lift weights, do yoga, or crush it in spin class—but no matter how strong you feel, your core still doesn’t seem right. If you feel strong everywhere except your pelvic floor, you’re not alone. The muscles “down there” need just as much attention as your glutes and abs. Here’s the truth: bladder leaks, pelvic pain, and core weakness aren’t normal—they’re just common, especially if you’ve had babies. And the best part? They’re fixable with the right approach.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) isn’t just for postpartum recovery. It’s essential for anyone dealing with core weakness, pain, or dysfunction that affects movement and quality of life. Let’s dive into the top five reasons why pelvic floor physical therapy might be the missing piece in your wellness routine.

Reason #1: Pelvic Floor PT for Bladder Leaks or Urgency  

Ok, here we go- let’s dive right into why you avoid the jump rope at the gym or get weirdly nervous around trampolines as you’re scared a little too much pee might slip out and start showing through your leggings. 

What Causes Bladder Leaks?

Urinary leakage is incredibly common after pregnancy and childbirth, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal—or something you just have to live with. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles stretch and adapt to support a growing baby. This can throw them out of their natural rhythm when it comes to bladder control.

Normally, these muscles contract while the bladder fills, preventing leaks. But after months of working differently during pregnancy (and the potential trauma of childbirth), they often need retraining to function properly again. Many people assume leakage is simply due to weakness, but in reality, some struggle with the opposite issue—muscles that are too tight and unable to relax.

Pelvic floor physical therapy helps identify what your unique body needs, whether it’s strengthening, coordination, or learning to let go of tension. With the right approach, you can restore proper bladder control and say goodbye to those unexpected leaks.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help:  

• Retraining your bladder for better control  
• Strengthening (or relaxing) muscles that affect urination  
• Teaching techniques to prevent urgency and leaks  

If you’re running to the bathroom all the time or avoiding activities due to leaks, our holistic physical therapist Cassidy can help you regain control and confidence.

Reason #2: Pelvic Floor PT for Painful Sex or Pelvic Pain

Pain during intimacy, aching hips, or a deep pressure in your pelvis aren’t just annoyances—they’re signs that your pelvic floor muscles might be too tight, uncoordinated, or struggling to function properly. These symptoms can make daily life uncomfortable and affect your relationships, confidence, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, many women assume this discomfort is normal or just part of aging, but the truth is, it’s a sign that your body is asking for help.  

What Causes Pelvic Pain and Painful Sex?  

There are several underlying reasons why the pelvic muscles may become tight or dysfunctional, including:  

• Muscle tension or spasms– Just like other muscles in the body, pelvic floor muscles can become overly tight, leading to pain, restricted movement, and even nerve irritation.  
• Scar tissue from surgery or childbirth – C-sections, perineal tears, and episiotomies can lead to adhesions and restricted movement, making penetration or certain positions uncomfortable.  
• Hormonal shifts – Changes during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or even while taking birth control can impact tissue elasticity, leading to increased sensitivity or discomfort.  
• Past trauma – Emotional or physical trauma, including past sexual trauma, can cause the body to hold tension in the pelvic region, making relaxation difficult.  
• Postural imbalances – Poor posture, excessive sitting, or misalignment in the hips and lower back can contribute to dysfunction and referred pain.  
• Nerve irritation or compression – Issues like pudendal neuralgia (a compressed pelvic nerve) can cause burning, tingling, or sharp pain during intercourse or even while sitting. 

How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help? 

Pelvic floor PT is designed to address these issues in a holistic way, focusing on both muscle function and nervous system regulation. A trained therapist will assess your specific needs and create a treatment plan that may include:  

• Manual therapy
• Breathwork and relaxation techniques
• Targeted stretches and exercises 
• Neuromuscular training 
• Lifestyle and posture modifications 

Pain during intimacy should never be something you just “put up with.” There are real, effective solutions to help you feel comfortable and confident in your body again.  

If this is something you struggle with, stay tuned—we’ll be sharing a deeper dive into this topic soon (hint: check back to our blog page on 5/12/25), plus more tips on social media! Follow Mitchell Holistic Health on Instagram and Facebook for more.

Reason #3: Pelvic Floor PT for Postpartum Recovery & Core Strength 

Pregnancy and childbirth put enormous strain on your core and pelvic floor, stretching and sometimes weakening muscles that are essential for stability, bladder control, and overall movement. Even if you had a smooth delivery, your body still went through significant changes that can linger long after birth. You might experience:  

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) – When the abdominal muscles stretch apart to accommodate a growing baby, they don’t always return to their original position without targeted rehabilitation. This can lead to core weakness, poor posture, and a persistent “mom pooch.”  
• Lower back pain – A weakened core puts extra strain on the lower back, making it work harder to support your body. This can lead to chronic discomfort, tension, and even misalignment.  
• Weakened core muscles affecting posture and stability – Your core and pelvic floor work together to provide balance and support for everyday movements. When they’re not functioning optimally, you may notice poor posture, difficulty with certain exercises, or even increased risk of injury.  

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help restore strength, function, and coordination between your core and pelvic muscles, allowing you to move with more confidence and less discomfort. Whether you’re months or even years postpartum, it’s never too late to focus on recovery. Healing your core isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about improving your overall quality of life, reducing pain, and reclaiming strength from the inside out.

Reason #4: Pelvic Floor PT for Chronic Back, Hip, or Pelvic Pain  

Many people don’t realize that persistent back, hip, or pelvic pain could be stemming from dysfunction in the pelvic floor. These muscles play a critical role in supporting your spine, pelvis, and core, so when they become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, they can cause a variety of issues, including:  

• Lower back pain – Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to poor posture and misalignment, putting excess pressure on the lower back.  
• Hip instability – When the pelvic floor muscles aren’t properly engaged or balanced, they can lead to instability in the hips, making certain movements or activities feel challenging.  
• Sciatic-like nerve pain – The pelvic floor muscles are closely connected to the nerves that travel down your legs. Dysfunction here can lead to discomfort or pain that mimics sciatica, often radiating down the hips and thighs.  

Pelvic floor PT can help by identifying imbalances in muscle strength and coordination, releasing built-up tension, and retraining your movement patterns. This approach can significantly improve mobility and provide much-needed pain relief. If stretching, massage, or general pain management haven’t worked, it may be time to address the root cause of your discomfort and get to the heart of the problem.

Reason #5: Pelvic Floor PT for Better Bowel Function & Digestion 

Did you know your pelvic floor plays a crucial role in digestion and bowel movements? These muscles are not just about bladder control—they also help regulate your body’s ability to eliminate waste effectively. If you struggle with constipation, incomplete emptying, or even pelvic organ prolapse, your pelvic floor could be a contributing factor. 

Pelvic floor PT can significantly improve digestion and bowel health by:  

• Teaching proper muscle coordination for bowel movements – Strengthening the connection between your pelvic floor muscles and the muscles responsible for elimination can help you pass stool more efficiently and with less effort.  
• Addressing tension that contributes to constipation – Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles can restrict the ability to fully relax during bowel movements, making it harder to empty your bowels.
• Strengthening muscles to support organ position – A strong, well-functioning pelvic floor helps maintain the correct positioning of your pelvic organs, which is key for preventing prolapse and supporting normal digestion.  

Better pelvic floor function means less straining, more regularity, and overall improved gut health. By focusing on this often-overlooked aspect of your body, you can experience relief from digestive issues and enjoy a better quality of life.

Don’t Just Cope 

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but it’s not something you have to live with. Whether you’re experiencing pain, leaks, or weakness, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you regain strength, function, and confidence.  

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait, even if you feel like you’ve been “managing just fine” for a while now—schedule an appointment with Cassidy, our pelvic floor physical therapist expert here at Mitchell Holistic Health in Onalaska, WI.

Have questions or want more tips? Stay tuned to our blog because more details on many of these issues are coming soon! You won’t want to miss the breakdown of how pelvic floor physical therapy could just be the thing that you’re missing in your healing journey.

FAQs on Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: 

What exactly does a pelvic floor physical therapist do?

A pelvic floor PT assesses and treats dysfunction in the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the pelvic region. They use techniques like manual therapy, exercises, and biofeedback to improve strength, coordination, and relaxation.  

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

If you experience bladder leaks, frequent urgency, painful sex, postpartum weakness, chronic back or hip pain, or bowel issues, pelvic floor PT may help. It’s not just for postpartum moms—many people can benefit!  

What happens during a pelvic floor PT appointment?  

Your first session typically includes a discussion of symptoms, a posture and movement assessment, and an internal exam to assess muscle function which helps to guide treatment plans. Treatment may involve exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications.  

Does pelvic floor physical therapy hurt?  

Most techniques are gentle, but if muscles are very tight or sensitive, some discomfort is possible. A good PT will work within your comfort level to ensure progress without pain. 

How long does it take to see results? 

With pelvic floor therapy, there is no quick fix. It might take a little longer than orthopedic treatment, typically starting with 8-12 visits. We take the first 4 sessions or so to set up a good foundation for the pelvic floor function (working on pelvic position, low back position, breathing, and core). 

Can pelvic floor PT help with constipation?  

Yes! The pelvic floor plays a key role in bowel movements. If the muscles are too tight or uncoordinated, they can contribute to constipation or incomplete emptying. PT can teach techniques to relax and retrain these muscles.   

I’ve had kids, but it’s been years—can pelvic floor PT still help?

Absolutely! Whether you gave birth months or decades ago, pelvic floor PT can still address issues like leaks, weakness, or pain. It’s never too late to strengthen and retrain these muscles.  

Can I do pelvic floor exercises like Kegels on my own?  

Not necessarily—Kegels aren’t the right solution for everyone. Some people actually need to *relax* their pelvic floor rather than strengthen it. A PT can determine what’s best for your specific needs.