Bowel & Gut Health

The pelvic floor muscles are vital for bowel control, helping manage gas and stool, and facilitating comfortable bowel movements. Dysfunction can significantly disrupt daily life.

Symptoms

  • Constipation and straining during bowel movements

  • Gas or stool leakage (anal incontinence)

  • Excessive toilet paper use

  • Hemorrhoids and fissures

  • Pain before, during, or after bowel movements

  • Anal or rectal discomfort, itching, or burning

Causes

  • Medications causing constipation (opiates, mood stabilizers, contraceptives)

  • Pelvic muscle dysfunction (tightness, weakness, poor coordination)

  • Nerve damage from childbirth, chronic straining, or surgeries

  • Gastrointestinal conditions like IBS, SIBO, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis

Key Facts

  • Constipation affects up to 28% of people

  • Gastrointestinal distress impacts over 25% of Americans

  • Up to 40% of postpartum women experience bowel urgency and incontinence

  • Women over 65 are three times more prone to constipation than men

  • IBS affects nearly 30% of the population

How We Help

At Healthy Pelvis PT, we address gastrointestinal and bowel-related symptoms through targeted pelvic floor therapy. Our therapists specialize in evaluating muscle tightness, weakness, and coordination, offering personalized treatments. Unlike general advice, specialized therapy may initially involve lengthening overly tight muscles before strengthening them.

What to Expect

During your initial appointment, we'll review your medical history and conduct a comprehensive pelvic examination, assessing posture, muscle health, and joint alignment. An optional, comfortable internal exam helps pinpoint specific muscle issues. Treatment begins immediately, using effective manual techniques tailored to your needs. Most patients notice substantial improvement in symptoms within the first few visits.

Direct Access

No referral needed—California law gives you direct access to physical therapy. You can book with us directly anytime.

  • "Five huge shiny stars for the ladies of Healthy Pelvis! Dealing with pelvic health is so delicate and these expert practitioners strike just the right tone to help you recover your pelvic floor muscle tone. Whether you’re seeking help for pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, or general pelvic floor health, their holistic and evidence-based approach fosters both healing and confidence. I felt truly cared for and empowered throughout my treatment. Thank you Healthy Pelvis! 🙏💖🫐"

    B.E.

  • "I cannot recommend Sonia highly enough! She was an absolute lifesaver during my second pregnancy and postpartum journey. If you're looking for a pelvic floor physical therapist who truly makes a difference, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, Sonia is amazing!"

    S.Y.

  • "Aly Tisthammer has been great for me and I always look forward to our next session. She is knowledgable, patient, and kind. I would highly recommend her for Physical Therapy!"

    M.T.

  • "Run, don’t walk, to an appointment with Tanya. I just completed a workout that, this time last year, I completely failed—thanks to my uncooperative pelvic floor. Turns out, you do need a functioning pelvic floor to get through a boxing-style workout with jump rope, double unders, kicks, and jumping jacks for a full hour. I’m happy to report it was 100% improved thanks to Tanya’s clear, easy-to-understand exercises. Do yourself a favor and book the appointment!"

    V.R.

  • "I was referred to Aly for persistent shoulder and knee joint pain stemming from a history of sports injuries. She’s been phenomenal at identifying the underlying causes and prescribing targeted exercises to improve my mobility and strengthen key muscle groups. I would highly recommend her for a wide range of physical therapy needs!"

    R.S.

  • "Tanya quite simply provides amazing healing. She’s knowledgeable, skilled, and kind. She strikes a great balance between being respectful and approachable, without being overly serious. Her treatment was impressively effective, and I wish more women knew this kind of care was available."

    C.B.

  • "Working with Sonia really helped me postpartum. She takes the time to really understand how one can best activate their pelvic floor, for me it was a lot of visual cues. I feel like I’m able to work out again and more intentionally. I learned so much about the importance of taking care of my pelvic floor for long term health! I so appreciated her professionalism and kindness! Thanks Sonia!

    T.T.

  • "I feel more confident and equipped to handle whatever comes my way, thanks to Tanya. If you're struggling, don’t settle for a dysfunctional pelvic floor—get the help you need. Highly recommend!"

    T.C.

  • "I really enjoy working with Dr. Aly! I started treatment with her after my C-section, following a diagnosis of moderate diastasis recti by my OB. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. I’ll definitely be returning to her in the future!"

    A.C.

  • "Incredible experience with Tanya for improving my pregnancy sciatica. After just two sessions, my pain is significantly reduced and I feel stronger. I really appreciate Tanya’s warm and attentive energy in each session. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!"

    J.H.

  • "I’ve been working with Dr. Aly to strengthen my pelvic floor following major surgery. From the start, she made me feel completely at ease—she’s a great listener, incredibly patient, positive, and highly skilled. Her deep knowledge and care have helped me make great progress.

    L.S.

  • "Tanya had me walking again after excruciating hip and back pain in my third trimester left me crawling up the stairs at night. The treatments had tremendous immediate impact and felt great too. I feel ready to take on birth next and am looking forward to more sessions. Thank you!"

    K.N.

  • "Working with Tanya at Healthy Pelvis has been nothing short of magical! I went to Tanya 8 weeks postpartum and within minutes of meeting her, she had diagnosed my pelvic floor issues. After a few short weeks of treatment, I feel a world of difference in my strength, core and energy. Thank you for all your help and support in my recovery!"

    S.V.

  • "Highly recommend Healthy Pelvis! They are professional, helpful and really care about their patients!"

    J.F.

  • “Healthy Pelvis has been a great place to start physical therapy and recovery after my caesarean. I was uneducated and uninformed about recovering after giving birth so I was very happy to come across Healthy Pelvis. I'd highly recommend giving this place a try. I work with Dr. Aly and she gives me a program that works best for me and I'm sure she will for you too, whatever your goals are.”

    J.V.

  • "I’m so glad I found Healthy Pelvis and Aly! I didn’t realize they treat more than the pelvic floor. I have had pain in my big toe from arthritis for many years and it was getting to the point where I was considering surgery. Someone recommended reaching out to Healthy Pelvis and I’m so glad they did! In addition to manual therapy in the office, I have been able to reduce the amount of pain through muscle building exercises at home. I feel so relieved that I don’t need to consider foot surgery anymore. Aly is an extremely knowledgeable PT and is a lovely person as well. I highly recommend Healthy Pelvis!"

    T.J.

  • "I found Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy during a time when there were unknowns about my bladder health, including a working diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Aly immediately put me at ease with her knowledge and empathy. After a few sessions I was feeling exponentially better both mentally and physically. I am now continuing my progress with the tools Aly gave me. I am so thankful I found this place!!"

    K.B.

  • "Not only did Tanya provide exceptional care during sessions, but she also equipped me with valuable tools and exercises to continue my progress at home. Thanks to her guidance, I've noticed a significant improvement in my pelvic health and overall well-being. If you're seeking a pelvic physical therapist who is knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated to your health journey, look no further than Healthy Pelvis.

    W.W.

  • "Tanya at Healthy Pelvis has really changed my life. I thought bladder control was something I would never get back, but my expectations were quickly exceeded. Tanya is fun, patient, and makes discussing a sensitive topic really straight forward. The exercises were manageable and effective. I am pleased to say that I have graduated from the program with success! I definitely recommend Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy."

    J.F.