FAQs

  • Physical therapy can address a wide variety of pelvic floor conditions. Here is an overview of some of the common issues we treat in our clinic:

    Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues

    Pelvic girdle pain

    Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles)

    Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation

    Tailbone pain during or after pregnancy

    Sciatica or back pain related to pregnancy

    Pelvic Pain

    Chronic pelvic pain

    Pain during or after sexual intercourse

    Pain related to menstrual cycles

    Endometriosis-related pain

    Pelvic floor tension myalgia

    Pudendal neuralgia

    Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

    Vaginismus and vulvodynia

    Musculoskeletal Issues

    Lower back pain

    Hip pain

    Tailbone (coccyx) pain

    Sacroiliac joint pain

    Sciatica or piriformis syndrome

    Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after prostate surgery)

    Prolapse symptoms (e.g., bladder, uterine, or rectal)

    Urinary Issues

    Incontinence (stress, urge, mixed)

    Frequent urination

    Painful urination

    Urinary urgency

    Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream

    Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination)

    Bowel Dysfunction

    Constipation

    Fecal incontinence

    Pain during bowel movements

    Straining or difficulty with bowel movements

    Sexual Dysfunction

    Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

    Vaginismus (muscle spasms that affect intercourse)

    Erectile dysfunction

    Reduced sexual sensation or arousal

    Difficulty achieving orgasm

    Male Pelvic Pain

    Pain in the pelvic area, including the penis, scrotum, testicles, perineum, and anus

    Discomfort worsened by sitting, some exercises, and certain clothing

    Urinary problems like urgent or frequent need, hesitancy, and weak stream

    Genital pain during or after ejaculation

    Erectile dysfunction and weaker ejaculation

    Gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating and constipation

    Pediatric Pelvic Health

    Constipation

    Nighttime bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)

    Daytime wetting

    Stress incontinence (leaking)

    Overactive bladder

    Urinary frequency/urgency

    Urinary retention

    Bowel incontinence and/or inability to empty bowel

    Perimenopause and Menopause

    Urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning, nighttime urination

    Sensations of bladder or pelvic pressure

    Pain during sexual intercourse

    Reduced or absent orgasms

    Challenges with bowel movements

    Vulvovaginal pain and burning

    Discomfort while sitting

    Gender-Affirming Care

    Discomfort arising from surgical scars

    Pain during vaginal penetration

    Challenges or inability to achieve vaginal penetration

    Difficulty in achieving orgasm, or complete inability to do so

    Urinary issues, such as urgency, frequent urination, hesitancy, incontinence, and spraying

    Pain in the pelvic area

    Pain in the chest and back regions

    Pain in the shoulders

    Cyclists

    Numbness or pain in the perineal area

    Pudendal nerve irritation

    Weakened pelvic floor muscles

    Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles

    Lower back pain

    Hip imbalance or tightness

    Urinary problems: urinary tract discomfort, urinary urgency, or even infections

    Sexual dysfunction: In some cases, particularly with an improper saddle or poor bike fit, male cyclists might experience issues like erectile dysfunction, while female cyclists might experience pain during sexual activity

  • Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider so does not directly accept insurance or Medicare. However, we can issue a superbill for PPO insurance holders, enabling you to seek reimbursement from your insurer. For details on your potential reimbursement, please reach out to your insurance provider directly. Additionally, our clinic accepts HSA/FSA payments.

  • 2024 Rates

    Initial Evaluation & Treatment

    Duration: 50 minutes

    Cost: $310

    Re-evaluation & Treatment

    Duration: 50 minutes

    Cost: $310

    Recommended after major life events (e.g., surgery, childbirth) or for former patients returning after an extended period.

    Half Hour Follow-up Treatment

    Duration: 25 minutes

    Cost: $155

    Hour Follow-up Treatment

    Duration: 50 minutes

    Cost: $310

    Note About Insurance

    Healthy Pelvis Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider so does not directly accept insurance or Medicare. However, we can issue a superbill for PPO insurance holders, enabling you to seek reimbursement from your insurer. For details on your potential reimbursement, please reach out to your insurance provider directly. Additionally, our clinic accepts HSA/FSA payments.

  • At your initial appointment, we will start by taking your medical history, followed by a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination of your pelvic area. This will include assessing your posture, joint alignment, any muscle restrictions or trigger points, the health of your connective tissue, and muscular strength. An internal examination is often part of this process, but it's entirely optional and will only be conducted if you feel completely comfortable with it. This exam is much more relaxed and comfortable compared to a typical ob/gyn visit, and it provides essential information about your pelvic muscle tone, strength, and coordination. If impairments are found during the exam the physical therapist can treat the problems with manual therapy techniques resulting in pain relief and improved function. Following the exam, we'll discuss our findings with you and outline a personalized treatment plan aimed at achieving the best results. Most patients start feeling better after their first session and see significant improvement by their third visit.

  • Life happens! If you need to reschedule your appointment you can do so online through the Patient Portal as long as it is 24 hours before your appointment.

    If you're feeling unwell or unable to attend your appointment due to other reasons, you have the option to switch your in-person visit to a telehealth session. To arrange this, simply email your physical therapist, and they will convert your appointment to a telehealth format.

  • Appointment cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to your appointment start time. Late cancellations will be charged for half of the amount of the appointment. For your convenience, cancellations can be made directly through our booking system. If you encounter any difficulties online, don't hesitate to call, email, or text us. As a small business, late cancellations affect us significantly. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

    Additionally, if you're ill or unable to attend your appointment for other reasons, you can opt to change your in-person session to a telehealth appointment. Just email your physical therapist, and they will make the necessary adjustments to switch your session to a telehealth format.

  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that treats pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum issues, bladder/bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and a lot more.

    In simple terms, imagine a supportive bowl of muscles situated between your hips, cradling your organs like the bladder, rectum, and uterus (if present). Various issues can arise with these muscles and their connecting nerves. When these muscles and nerves are out of sync, it can lead to a cascade of problems. These muscles might be overly tight, weak, in spasm, or laden with scar tissue, hindering their ability to function correctly. For instance, one in three new mothers report bowel and bladder issues post-delivery, and about half experience pelvic pain in the subsequent months. These issues don't just disappear on their own, and many suffer silently, accepting this as their "new normal." Some turn to medications and surgeries for solutions.

    However, as pelvic floor physical therapists, we adopt a different approach. We use hands-on techniques to work directly on the muscles, tissues, and nerves that require attention. This empowers you to actively participate in your healing process. Our clinical expertise, combined with your body's natural healing capabilities, works to address and resolve these intimate problems.

  • No, in California, you do not need a referral from your medical doctor to see a physical therapist – you have “direct access” to our services so can make an appointment at anytime.

  • During an internal exam, we often find that people think they’re squeezing their pelvic floor muscles, but actually they’re pushing open. Other common imbalances are that people think, for example, they may be too “loose,” but in reality, their pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax and too tight, causing pelvic pain and discomfort. In these cases, people may feel discomfort like that of a tight muscle, similar to if you’re toughing a tight trap near your neck. Other times, one side of the pelvic floor may be tighter than the other, or one side more tender. The generic cure-all for pelvic floor dysfunction, kegels (or as we call them, blueberries), can actually hurt more than they help, as some people are doing the exercise incorrectly or they may be too tight, in which case kegels could be contributing to more muscle tenderness.

  • The number of sessions required varies based on the nature and severity of your condition. Typically, for most pelvic floor concerns, patients notice improvement after the initial session and significant progress by the third visit!

  • If you have a baby vaginally, there’s probably a lot of stretch in your pelvic floor area. Your PT will check to see how your core and pelvic floor coordinate together. Even if you have had a c-section, your provider may still check the pelvic floor, especially if you pushed for a long time before delivering the baby, and definitely if you’re having any pelvic issues or dysfunction. They will also check your incision, teach you scar mobilization, and show you how to connect to that deep core again, just like you would after any surgery.

  • Absolutely, we understand that mothers juggle many responsibilities, and worrying about childcare shouldn't add to that stress. Feel free to bring your kids to our clinic. Please note that only infants in strollers can accompany you in the treatment room.

    Also, for your initial appointment, we recommend arranging childcare if possible. This allows you to concentrate on discussing your health history and physical therapy goals.

  • Yes, we offer specific pediatric services, focusing mainly on bladder and bowel issues like bedwetting and constipation.

    Note we do not conduct internal examinations or treatments on individuals under 18 years old; all our pediatric treatments are external.

    For pediatric appointments, we recommend scheduling with Sonia Sharma, who specializes in this area.

  • Your comfort and confidence during your visit is our priority. Wear what makes you feel best. While some patients opt to bring a change of clothes from work, it's entirely your choice. Please know there's no strict dress code here. We're thrilled to have you with us!

  • It’s completely normal to be nervous. But we have gloves on, so even if that happens, we don’t really care!

  • If you're menstruating, please don't worry—it's perfectly okay to come in. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we use nitrile gloves, ensuring a hygienic environment. Rest assured, you'll be covered with a sheet during the session. Furthermore, depending on your preference, you do not even need to remove your tampon if you're using one.

  • That's an excellent question, and it's a procedure we frequently perform. While women have two points of entry, men have just the anus for this type of exam. The process is carried out with gloves, and you'll likely be positioned on your side, which tends to be more gentle. Occasionally, women also undergo this same rectal exam. Addressing bowel dysfunction is completely within our expertise at Healthy Pelvis PT. During the exam, we'd switch to a new pair of gloves and ask you to contract and then relax. It's common to discover issues in the sphincter region, such as insufficient strength in contractions or excessive tightness leading to difficulty relaxing.

  • You are able to access your account using the Patient Portal.

    Also, for reference there is a ‘Patient Portal’ link in the site header.

  • Yes, absolutely! You can buy a gift card here.