FAQs
What is pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT)?
In general: physical therapists are medical providers that specialize in how bodies move, function, and complete physical tasks. We use conservative measures (i.e. we don’t use medications, imaging, or invasive procedures to assess or treat you!)
PFPT is a specialty in PT because of how complex the pelvic anatomy is, as well as the nature of symptoms and treatment of pelvic anatomy. Pelvic floor specialist are trained to understand the inner workings of your pelvic organ systems (bowel, bladder, sexual function), the intricate web of nerves that live in the pelvis, the complex muscular system, hormonal and emotional influences, and the way this anatomy interacts with the rest of your body. Not to mention: some specific life events can effect this anatomy, like pregnancy and birth, surgical procedures, injuries, and menopause. Any dysfunction within this anatomy can cause symptoms that are complex and require an experienced professional to help you unravel and fix them!
PFPT does not only focus on the internal pelvic anatomy. We consider how pelvic anatomy works with your entire body… even your feet! You’ll see this throughout your visits, as we are constantly assessing and treating your entire body.
How do I know if I need PFPT?
If you are not sure, you aren’t alone! Pelvic floor conditions can be quite tricky and mask themselves in strange symptoms. Here is a link to the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Protocol, which is a small quiz that can help you identify whether you are a good candidate for PFPT.
Click here to learn all about the pelvic floor conditions we treat and whether you might need a specialist’s perspective. We specialize in treating pregnant and postpartum patients as hip and low back conditions. But… having been pregnant/given birth isn’t a requirement for pelvic floor PT (everyone has a pelvic floor and can have pelvic floor issues).
What qualifications does someone need to become a pelvic floor specialist?
It’s always important that your providers are transparent with the type of training they have- especially when they call themselves a specialist. In order to be a pelvic floor PT, to start: you must be a licensed physical therapist and you need to take a series of specialized training classes (4 in total). These classes teach PTs how to assess, treat, and manage the intricacies of pelvic floor conditions. Your pelvic floor PT should be experienced in assessing your pelvic floor vaginally, rectally, and externally with precision.
Does Dr. Sam have these qualifications?
Yep! She has all qualifications of a pelvic floor therapist, as well as 4+ years of clinical pelvic floor experience, pelvic health mentorship, and even specialized in pelvic health while in PT school at the University of Utah! She has further training in sexual health, perinatal wellness, complex bowel dysfunction, and trauma informed care. With her experience, Sam is confident in helping your through any condition… she’s seen it all! She is also connected in the community, should you need care outside of PT.
Will I need a pelvic floor assessment?
Assessing the pelvic floor is often essential to unlocking why you are having symptoms. The pelvic floor lives inside of your body, therefore an “internal assessment” (as we call it) is usually the best way to do so.
However, it is our number one priority that each patient feels comfortable and safe in our care. We would never force or try to convince anyone to undergo internal assessments if you aren’t feeling up for it that day. Before any internal assessment or treatment, we review the goal of it is as well as communicate what we are doing during the assessment/treatment. As our patient, you have all the control of the session, so if you wanted to cut the internal treatment short, you can do so! If you’re not up for it that day, we will focus on other non-internal care.
In short, we are here to help you and we work as a team. Intra-vagina/rectal treatment is often vital when clearing up pelvic floor conditions, but we are sure to educate you before, during, and after and never perform or push it when our patients do not want to.
What is a pelvic floor assessment like?
It depends on your symptoms and your body… the pelvic floor is both shallow (just beneath your skin) and extends deep (about 3 inches internally). It also spans from your pubic bone to your tailbone, so we often utilize vaginal and rectal assessments. For example: if you are having painful intercourse or bladder/hip conditions, an intravaginal assessment is usually warranted. If you are having bowel conditions, tailbone, or anal pain an intra-rectal assessment can be helpful. Sometimes, both are beneficial to your care!
For each assessment, you are undressed from the waist-down, covered with sheets, and lying comfortably on your back (for vaginal assessments) or on your side (for rectal). Prior to starting, we always discuss our goals for treatment, especially during our first session, and are continuously gaining your consent to continue on. We always “introduce our touch” by placing gentle pressure on your thigh, then we place gentle touch on the external structures. Once we assess the external tissue, we will ask again before gently inserting one finger (gloved and lubricated) into the vaginal or rectal canal. We always assess shallow muscles/structures first, in a clock-wise fashion, before assessing deeper structures. Each assessment and internal treatment session varies in time, but you are always in control! We are always educating you on our findings during and summarizing our findings and treatment plan after.
*We do not use stirrups or speculums like a OB/GYN would. You are always draped and never exposed.
Do you take insurance?
Nope. Here is a blog post all about why we don’t.
We are a flat-rate, cash based practice: $120/hr with some variation on price for home visits. We take HSA and FSA accounts but are not contracted with insurance companies and therefore cannot bill our sessions with them. We can provide you billing and documentation that you can submit to your insurance in attempt to get reimbursed (this is called a “superbill” and reimbursement largely depends on your insurance plan).
In my experience with treating people and pelvic floors through insurance- things get complicated and more expensive than patients tend to realize. The gist of it: insurances try to get out of covering these conditions and patients end up with hefty bills that they weren’t expecting (like, $350 per visit). With our model, we have the flexibility to treat your symptoms in the best way possible without the binds that insurance often puts on physical therapists. All care with us is one on one, full hour sessions.
What is a home visit like?
The point of a home visit is to provide extremely accessible care. We bring our treatment table, linens, bolsters, and any tool we would use in clinic. Sam will arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time for set up and take 10 minutes after to pack up (so plan for a bit longer than an hour when scheduling a home visit). Beyond that, we can do any assessment or treatment that you would get in clinic. We just ask that you have a cleared, safe space to work. Home visits are great for anyone who wants them, but especially for brand new moms who want support without leaving their babe or the comfort of home!
Can I bring my baby/child to my appointment?
Absolutely! We just ask that if your child needs some entertainment, bring it with you. For safety reasons, they must stay in the treatment room with you- so bringing books, a tablet, or toys with them will be helpful.
Do treat men or those with male anatomy?
Currently, we do not. If you are struggling with pelvic health issues, feel free to reach out to us via email or our contact form. We are happy to give you a list of referrals in the area who can help!
*We also do not treat those under the age of 18. If you are searching for a pediatric pelvic health PT, contact us and we’ll send you some referrals!