9 Signs That You Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Your pelvic floor might be trying to tell you that it needs some extra TLC. At Peach Fit, we know that early intervention is the anecdote to treating pelvic dysfunction and preventing symptoms from worsening over time.
Many women assume that things like urinary leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, or painful sex are simply symptoms that they have to live with. The truth is that these symptoms are often treatable with pelvic floor physical therapy.
Here are nine common signs that you need to schedule an appointment for pelvic floor physical therapy.
1. You’re Experiencing Pain, Pressure, or Heaviness
To put it simply, if you’re experiencing agitation in the pelvic region, there’s certainly an underlying cause.
Take note of pain in the hips, pelvis, tailbone, and lower back. These are common areas where pelvic dysfunction manifests into chronic pain.
Similarly, if you’re noticing pressure and heaviness in your pelvic organs (vagina, bladder, rectum); this is a red flag that requires evaluation.
You don’t need to worry about decoding your pain- that’s our job. We just want you to be aware of any sensations that disrupt your daily activities.
2. You’ve Memorized Every Bathroom in a 5-Mile Radius
If you feel like you’re constantly rushing to the nearest bathroom… we’ve got you covered.
Common Causes of Urinary Urgency and Leakage
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Behavioral conditioning
Bladder signaling
Many of our patients believed they suffered from chronic UTIs, or that their body was failing them. In reality, we were able to help them within several sessions by targeting postural and movement patterns, pelvic muscle function, and behavioral techniques.
If you’re tired of mapping out restrooms and packing extra underwear… we can give you the tools to end those habits.
3.You’re Experiencing Pain During orAfter Exercise
Sometimes working out more is actually making your symptoms worse, and we know you’re frustrated as to why that is. We hear you, and we have a solution.
You may notice your stance is off, your flexibility is shortened, or you’re sore when you don’t need to be.
We want to see you before you start a strict Kegel Regime, because that might NOT be the best choice if we’re unsure what’s causing the symptoms.
During your evaluation, we’ll assess your body mechanics, coordination, flexibility, etc. to see where you need some support.
Why Exercise May Trigger Pelvic Floor Symptoms
Muscle tension or weakness
Musculoskeletal imbalances
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
Improper movement mechanics or exercise technique
4.You Have Pain During Sex, Pelvic Exams, or Tampon Insertion
We can’t understate just how common penetrative pain is in our clinic. Before coming to Peach Fit, many of our patients struggled silently during intimate moments.
This type of pain can be caused by several conditions, whether your pain is dull, sharp, or aching- we want to address it. You don’t need to suffer, hoping for spontaneous relief.
Common Examples of Penetrative Pain
Intercourse
Sex toys
Speculum exams
Tampons
Menstrual cups and discs
Penetrative pain, no matter the setting, is an intimate topic. We handle these concerns discretely and gently, so that you can get back to enjoyable sex, painless gynecology visits, and convenient use of menstrual products.
5.You’re Chronically Constipated
A lot of people don’t think of a pelvic floor physical therapist when they’re constipated. They start with a GI and oftentimes cannot find a reason for their condition.
Commonly, we find that the muscles which coordinate your rectum and anal sphincter are unable to function properly due to pelvic floor dysfunction. This can lead to constipation, straining, and overall discomfort.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Constipation
Manual (hands-on) therapy
Biofeedback
Breathing techniques
Core engagement
Mechanical + postural adjustments
6.You're Experiencing Core Weakness or Diastasis Recti
If your core feels weaker than it used to, or you’ve noticed a gap or “doming” through your abdomen, your core needs some prioritization.
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) is common during and after pregnancy, but it can also impact how your core and pelvic floor interact.
Signs of Diastasis Recti
Difficulty engaging your core
Lower back pain
Instability during exercise
Abdominal bulging or doming
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Peach Fit, we evaluate how your core, breathing mechanics, and pelvic floor function together. Rather than focusing on one area in isolation, we create a treatment plan that helps your entire system work more efficiently.
7.You’re Unable to Reach Orgasm
This is one of those things that many women quietly experience, blame themselves for, and defer seeking help for.
Your pelvic floor plays an important role in sexual health, pleasure, circulation, and muscle function. When those systems aren't working optimally, your body may struggle to respond the way you'd like it to.
If you've noticed that reaching orgasm is difficult or even unattainable, it's worth having a conversation. At Peach Fit, nothing is TMI, and we approach these concerns with compassion and zero judgment.
Our job is to help identify potential barriers and provide solutions that support your goals.
8.You’re Pregnant and/or Postpartum
You don't need to wait until a certain trimester, or a specific postpartum milestone before receiving pelvic floor physical therapy.
Whether you're preparing for birth, recovering from delivery/ C-section, or simply trying to understand the changes happening in your body, pelvic floor therapy can provide valuable support throughout the entire journey.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During Pregnancy Adresses
Pelvic pain and pressure
Low back or SI joint pain
Core and pelvic floor preparation for labor
Exercise modifications and movement strategies
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After Birth Helps With
Core weakness and abdominal separation
Urinary leakage
Pelvic heaviness or pressure
Pain with exercise or intimacy
Return-to-activity guidance
Your body goes through an incredible amount of change during pregnancy and postpartum. Having expert guidance can make recovery feel far less overwhelming.
We also want to note that “once postpartum, always postpartum”, is truth. It’s never too late to address those lingering symptoms, you deserve support at every stage.
9.You’re Proactive About Your Pelvic Health
Maybe you’re not in pain, not pregnant/postpartum, and really don’t have any symptoms of pelvic dysfunction. Maybe you’re just interested in getting to know your body better, and making sure your pelvic floor is in good shape. We love to hear it!
Preventative care is hugely important in our industry, and we want to share that news with as many women as possible.
Your pelvic floor function is imperative to your overall health. Establishing care with a PFPT is a smart move if you have questions, concerns, or goals that you want guidance with.
Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is Your Next Step
We see women in our clinic for all of these chief complaints and more. We know that a lot of women are empowered to take their health into their own hands, and we absolutely love it. However, seeking expert intervention is hugely important for several reasons.
When you work with a pelvic health expert, you can:
Receive an accurate diagnosis
Improve your quality of life
Access individualized treatment and guidance
Prevent symptoms from returning in the future
At Peach Fit, we meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be. Our algorithm to success: you bring the questions; we provide the answers, education, and support.
Ready to Improve Your Pelvic Health?
Our goal is to help you feel stronger, confident, and capable in your daily activities. Whether that means carrying your kids, returning to the gym, or simply moving through your day with less discomfort- we’ll help you achieve it.
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, schedule a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation with Peach Fit. Intentional and personalized care can make all the difference.