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What is Pelvic Floor PT?​

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of care that focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function to the muscles of the pelvis, hips, and core.  These muscles support vital functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and core stability.

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Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of all ages and genders, and symptoms can range from discomfort to daily disruption. We’re here to help you find relief, restore function, and improve your quality of life.

Mountain Cabin

Who Can Benefit?

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for postpartum women. It can benefit:

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Women: Incontinence, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pregnancy-related discomfort, post-cancer care

Men: Urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, post-prostatectomy recovery

Children: Bowel/bladder control issues, constipation, and developmental concerns

 

Approximately 25% of U.S. women experience pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime. You don’t have to live with it — help is available.

Flower Blossoms

Common Conditions We Treat

Incontinence

(Bladder or Bowel Leakage)

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool and can affect both men and women. It’s more common than you might think — affecting up to 30–50% of women and 3–10% of men.

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Types of incontinence:

  • Urge incontinence: A sudden, intense need to urinate that’s hard to control.

  • Stress incontinence: Leaking with activities like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercise.

  • Mixed incontinence: A combination of urge and stress symptoms.

  • Common causes include:

  • Childbirth (vaginal or C-section)

  • Surgery (e.g. hysterectomy or prostate surgery)

  • Chronic coughing, asthma, or smoking

  • Obesity or frequent heavy lifting

  • Constipation or straining

  • Aging or hormonal changes

  • High-impact sports (52% of female athletes report leakage)

  • History of trauma or abuse

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Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is any discomfort in the lower abdomen, hips, back, or pelvic floor that lasts more than 3–6 months. It can be sharp, dull, burning, or aching — and it often affects daily life, including sexual activity and medical exams.

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Causes of pelvic pain may include:

  • Pelvic misalignment or joint dysfunction

  • Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles

  • Nerve compression or irritation

  • Scar tissue from childbirth or surgery

  • Muscle imbalances in the hips, core, or trunk

Bathroom Tiles

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Treatment may include:

  • Bladder and bowel retraining

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels)

  • Core and hip strengthening

  • Electrical stimulation for muscle re-education

  • Education on diet, habits, and healthy toileting routines

  • Guidance on continence products, medications, or surgical referrals (when needed)

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​Did you know? Pelvic floor therapy can also help men with erectile dysfunction by strengthening key muscles involved in sexual function.

Prenatal Yoga with Laptop

Treatment may include:

  • Manual therapy and trigger point release

  • Muscle energy techniques to improve alignment

  • Pelvic floor "down-training" for overactive muscles

  • Gentle stretching and strengthening

  • Core stability exercises to reduce pelvic strain

  • Use of vaginal dilators (when appropriate)

  • Relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system

  • Lifestyle education to support long-term relief

Have more questions? Interested in learning more about Pelvic Floor PT and what to expect?

Check out the website of our sister clinic, Three Rivers Physical Therapy in Missoula, for their detailed FAQ page with more information about what to expect in Pelvic Floor PT. 

Not Sure if Pelvic Floor PT is for You?​​

If you're experiencing difficulty with your bladder, bowels, or sexual health, chances are we can help. Contact us today to schedule your pelvic floor assessment — and take the first step toward healing and confidence.

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