Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy helps strengthen or relax pelvic muscles to ease discomfort and incontinence. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, experienced therapists deliver services in locations close to home. It’s part of our comprehensive, nationally recognized approach to treating complex pelvic health concerns.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (also known as pelvic floor therapy or pelvic floor PT) treats muscles that have become weak or damaged. Therapists with a special interest in pelvic floor therapy, many with additional training and certification, deliver personalized treatment. 

Highlights of our program include:

• Comprehensive care: Pelvic floor PTs are part of a multidisciplinary team that may also include urogynecologists and specially trained gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. Our commitment to care excellence has earned some locations Center of Excellence designation from the National Association for Continence (NAFC). 

• Easy access: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health makes it easier to receive the services you need. Pelvic floor therapy is available in locations throughout the Puget Sound. 

• Range of nonsurgical treatments: Pelvic floor therapy is one of many nonsurgical treatments we offer. You may also benefit from a pessary, medication or changes to daily habits. Our experienced team helps more patients achieve good outcomes. 

• Advanced treatment: For difficult-to-treat conditions, you may benefit from advanced treatments, such as surgery for pelvic floor disorders. We use the latest techniques, including robot-assisted technologies and other minimally invasive methods that are gentler on your body.

Our team uses research-based methods to tailor services to your needs and preferences. We thoughtfully consider your treatment response and adjust plans as necessary so you achieve your goals. You’ll need a referral from your primary care provider, urologist or gynecologist to get started.

You undergo treatment in a private room separate from our therapy gym. We start by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that may include medical history, lifestyle questions and a pelvic exam.

Pelvic floor muscles tighten to keep urine or stool in and relax when you need to empty your bladder or bowels. When pelvic floor muscles are too tight or too weak, they don’t work as expected. Pelvic floor physical therapy retrains, strengthens or gently stretches pelvic floor tissue to optimize function. Your care plan may include:

• Exercises: If muscles are too tight, we help stretch, lengthen or relax them. You may also need strengthening activities to activate weak muscles. Our PTs show you how to do Kegels and other exercises you can do at home.
• Biofeedback: Sensors attached to the pelvic floor provide real-time information about muscle activity, enabling therapists to focus on areas that need attention.
• Electrical stimulation: A mild electrical current stimulates pelvic muscles, relieving pain, spasms and swelling. 
• Posture correction: We teach postures to use throughout the day to support your pelvic floor. 
• Relaxation techniques: Pelvic floor PTs may use yoga, meditation or deep breathing to help calm your mind and body.

Pelvic floor physical therapists evaluate and treat a broad range of issues, including: 

• Constipation 
• Fecal or urinary incontinence  
• Interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation)
• Mild pelvic organ prolapse
• Overactive bladder
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms)

Our multidisciplinary team cares for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.