Physical Therapy for Women: Pelvic Health and Wellness

Physical Therapy for Women: Pelvic Health and Wellness

Physical therapy for women plays a transformative role in women’s health by addressing unique challenges in pelvic health, joint and muscle function, and general well-being. Many women experience conditions ranging from pregnancy-related pelvic issues to chronic pain and muscle problems, all of which can impact quality of life. Women’s health therapy, specifically pelvic floor physical therapy for women, provides specialized care designed to support physical and emotional wellness across various life stages. Through 1:1 personalized treatments, physical therapy for women offers holistic solutions, helping manage symptoms, preventable conditions, and chronic conditions alike.

Women’s Health and Wellness: Better Care for a Better Quality of Life

The field of women’s health therapy recognizes the specific health needs that women encounter. Physical therapists trained in women’s health therapy offer treatments designed to meet the demands of each life stage—from adolescence to post-menopausal years. Bone problems, muscle pain, joint issues, and pelvic health are commonly addressed through prescribed movement, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy, creating a strong foundation for women to lead healthy lives.

Women in physical therapy benefit from a variety of approaches, whether they are dealing with acute conditions or managing chronic issues. For female adolescent athletes, managing symptoms & conditions like the Female Athlete Triad, foot pain, or knee pain early on can support lifelong health. For post-menopausal women, therapies addressing bone health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and muscle problems are critical to staying active and pain-free. Women’s health physical therapy tailors these solutions for improved strength, balance, and quality of life, recognizing that health is multi-faceted and deeply personal.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy places unique demands on the body, and women health physical therapy during this time supports comfort, strength, and preparation for childbirth. Physical therapy for women during pregnancy, sometimes referred to as pre-partum care, focuses on relieving lower back pain, pubic symphysis pain, and preparing the pelvic floor for delivery. Programs are tailored to strengthen core muscles, reduce stress incontinence, and even help prevent abdominal issues like diastasis recti. Physical therapists work closely with pregnant women to ensure their treatment plan aligns with their changing needs, promoting a healthier pregnancy and an easier recovery.

Pregnant women face several unique physical challenges, including pelvic girdle pain, which can cause significant discomfort throughout pregnancy. Studies reveal that up to 70% of pregnant women will experience pelvic girdle pain, highlighting the importance of specialized physical therapy to support and manage these changes. Pelvic health physical therapy during pregnancy can provide essential relief, helping to alleviate pain and promote stability, while also preparing the body for childbirth.

Physical Therapy for Women

Women in physical therapy receive comprehensive care for both preventive and rehabilitative needs, with each treatment plan customized to address unique female health conditions. Physical therapists who are board-certified through residency programs or board certification by the American Physical Therapy Association are particularly equipped to handle complex cases, including those related to musculoskeletal and chronic conditions. Common issues treated in physical therapy for women include osteoporosis, joint pain, urinary leakage, endometriosis, and symptoms from conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms & Conditions Guides

A range of physical health conditions is prevalent among women. Each condition, when addressed through women’s health physical therapy, benefits from targeted care focused on specific symptoms and challenges.

  • Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA): Common after childbirth, DRA involves a separation of abdominal muscles that can lead to core weakness. Physical therapy helps by strengthening abdominal health through specific exercises aimed at restoring muscle alignment and core stability.
  • Female Athlete Triad: Young, active women may face the Female Athlete Triad, a condition involving energy deficiency, menstrual disturbances, and decreased bone density. Early intervention through education, prescribed movement, and nutrition counseling helps reduce long-term health impacts.
  • Fibromyalgia: Often characterized by widespread chronic pain, fibromyalgia can make everyday life challenging. Women’s health therapy includes biofeedback exercises, soft tissue mobilization, and a home exercise program to manage pain, improve sleep, and enhance overall function.
  • Incontinence: Whether stress incontinence or urinary leakage, incontinence can greatly impact life quality. Pelvic floor therapy helps women strengthen and retrain pelvic muscles to regain control and confidence. Urinary incontinence is a common issue affecting a significant percentage of women, with studies estimating that between 25% and 45% of women experience some form of this condition. This high prevalence underscores the need for effective, accessible treatment options like pelvic floor physical therapy, which aims to strengthen and retrain the pelvic muscles to reduce leakage and improve bladder control. Addressing urinary incontinence through targeted physical therapy allows women to regain confidence and comfort, improving their overall quality of life.
  • Lymphedema: This condition often results from surgery or cancer treatment, leading to swelling in the limbs. Physical therapy provides compression, lymphatic drainage techniques, and exercise to reduce symptoms.
  • Osteoporosis: Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Through strengthening exercises, balance training, and patient education, physical therapy helps manage osteoporosis symptoms and reduces injury risk.
  • Pelvic Pain: Women’s health physical therapy addresses pelvic pain arising from various causes, including endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and even chronic pelvic pain syndromes, helping women experience improved daily function and reduced discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of women’s health therapy that supports pelvic health through strengthening, mobilization, and rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles. It is beneficial across multiple life stages and situations, from adolescent development through post-menopausal years. The whole-body approach taken in pelvic floor therapy allows patients to address conditions beyond the pelvic region, supporting overall musculoskeletal health.

Typical Patients for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Treatments

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is designed to support women through various stages and conditions that impact pelvic health. Below are common patient groups that benefit from these specialized treatments:

  • Pregnant Women: Pre-partum care helps pregnant women prepare for childbirth by strengthening their pelvic floor, which can reduce the risk of injury and help ease labor.
  • Postpartum Women: After childbirth, the pelvic floor often needs retraining to address issues like stress incontinence, c-section recovery, and abdominal health. Physical therapy can support post-partum care through muscle strengthening and healing.
  • Postmenopausal Women: Hormonal changes after menopause can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and muscle spasms. Pelvic floor therapy helps postmenopausal women regain strength and stability.
  • Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When pelvic organs shift due to weak support structures, pelvic floor therapy can alleviate discomfort and prevent further prolapse.
  • Women with Incontinence: Both urinary and fecal incontinence are addressed through muscle training and biofeedback exercises that support the urinary tract and bowel control.
  • Women Experiencing Pain: Pain during intercourse, menstruation, or in the tailbone region can be managed through techniques like trigger point release, myofascial release, and soft tissue mobilization.

What is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Able to Treat?

Pelvic health physical therapy is uniquely positioned to treat a wide array of issues, providing a one-on-one treatment approach to address each patient’s specific challenges.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a variety of issues caused by weak, overly tight, or imbalanced pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapists trained in women’s health therapy offer advanced training to help retrain these muscles, reduce pelvic pain, and restore optimal muscle function.

Urinary Incontinence

For women experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic floor therapy offers a highly effective treatment pathway. Recent research highlights that women undergoing pelvic floor physical therapy reported fewer daily leakage episodes than those who did not receive treatment (0.77 episodes versus 2.6 episodes). This reduction demonstrates the value of tailored physical therapy in managing incontinence symptoms, providing women with a greater sense of control and confidence in their daily lives. Physical therapists utilize strengthening exercises, biofeedback, and bladder retraining as part of a comprehensive plan to improve bladder health.

Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain can be disruptive and distressing, often associated with conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic prolapse. Through biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and hands-on care, physical therapists help manage pain, improving quality of life for women dealing with this chronic condition.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

Pre- and post-partum care is essential for preventing and managing issues like diastasis recti, pubic symphysis pain, and tailbone pain. Physical therapists support new mothers through post-partum care, including c-section recovery and strengthening of the core, ensuring a smoother transition back to daily activities.

Pre-Post Surgical

Whether preparing for or recovering from surgeries, such as those involving the abdomen or pelvis, postpartum physical therapy provides gentle, progressive rehabilitation that improves healing outcomes, restores muscle function, and prevents long-term complications.

Women’s Health Treatment Plan Options

Women’s health physical therapy employs a variety of treatment methods that address pelvic health, muscle problems, and bone health. Each treatment plan is personalized to match the needs of the patient, addressing not only immediate issues but also long-term health maintenance.

  • Patient Education: Empowering patients with knowledge on lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and behavior modifications helps improve pelvic health and overall wellness.
  • Soft Tissue and Myofascial Release: Internal and external manipulation techniques, such as deep tissue massage, are essential for reducing pain from muscle spasms, chronic pain, and joint problems.
  • Strengthening and Muscle Awareness: Customized exercises target weak areas, enhancing muscle balance, joint health, and body alignment.
  • Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation: Using biofeedback exercises and electrical stimulation to improve muscle function is common for managing incontinence, muscle spasms, and nerve damage.
  • Home Exercise Program: Patients receive a home exercise program to reinforce muscle awareness and strength-building practices learned during therapy sessions.
  • Vaginal Dilator Program: A program specifically for women experiencing painful intercourse or vaginismus, providing gradual, safe support for muscle relaxation.

What to Expect During Your Women’s Health PT Evaluation

What to Expect During Your Women’s Health PT Evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation by a physical therapist includes an in-depth discussion of symptoms, medical history, and health goals. This initial session assesses muscle function, pain points, flexibility, and other concerns, allowing the therapist to create a customized treatment plan. Through prescribed movement, targeted exercises, and hands-on techniques, women’s health physical therapy offers each patient an individualized path to improved well-being.

Continuous Motion Physical Therapy specializes in women’s health, focusing on Pelvic Floor Therapy and Postpartum Physical Therapy to address pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor issues. Our personalized, evidence-based treatments help women regain strength, manage pain, and improve daily function with compassionate, patient-centered care.

Conclusion

Women’s health physical therapy has the power to enhance life quality for women dealing with pelvic health issues, chronic conditions, and more. From adolescent athletes to postmenopausal women, physical therapy offers tools to manage pain, improve strength, and support holistic health goals. With the guidance of a trained, board-certified physical therapist, women can take charge of their health, finding relief and resilience.

FAQs

How does physical therapy treat pelvic floor dysfunction?

Physical therapy addresses pelvic floor dysfunction through specialized exercises, biofeedback, muscle retraining, and patient education, aiming to restore balance and control to the pelvic floor muscles.

How long does postpartum physical therapy take?

The duration of postpartum therapy varies; however, most treatment plans range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific needs and healing goals of the patient.

Can physical therapy help with menopause-related issues?

Yes, physical therapy can help manage menopause-related symptoms, such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and muscle issues, offering personalized support to help women maintain strength and mobility.

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Author

Dr. Cameron Moore

PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

Helping active people STAY active

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Dr. Khristian McGinley, PT, DPT Cert. DN

therapy in pregnancy

Dr. Khristian McGinley, physical therapist, grew up here in Phoenix, as a competitive softball player with a longtime passion for health and wellness. After sustaining an elbow injury in high school and attending PT herself, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career helping people recover from injuries and getting back to doing what they love. She eventually received her B.S in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2013, then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2017.

Dr. McGinley began her career with a passion in pediatrics and orthopedics, undergoing coursework to treat diagnoses such as torticollis, developmental delay, and toe walking. She also became certified in Dry Needling in 2017, and since then has been additionally trained in Dry Needling for Pelvic Rehabilitation. After the challenging birth of her first child, she developed a passion for treating the pregnant and postpartum population. She became specialty training in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation in 2021 and since then has focused her practice on helping moms achieve pain free pregnancy, peaceful childbirth, and complete postpartum recovery. She specializes in diagnoses such as urinary incontinence, diastases recti, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. McGinley enjoys hiking, running, camping, weight lifting, and playing slow pitch softball. She loves spending as much time as she can outside with her husband and two children.

Dr. Khristian McGinley’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Specialty-trained in Pelvic Floor Therapy

Renée Ruchala - CSCS

Renée Ruchala, Strength and Conditioning Specialist grew up in Chicago, IL. Growing up as a dancer, she developed a deep passion for fitness, sports, and health. After hitting a plateau in her ballet, she realized the benefits of strength training for dancers and all athletes. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in coaching athletes. 


She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Grand Canyon University in 2023. Renée was a sports performance intern at the University of Utah, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University. She worked alongside collegiate strength and conditioning coaches with both men’s and women’s Olympic sports teams in the weight room. 


In addition to sports performance, Renée is also a professional dancer with the Arizona Rattlers Indoor Football Team and a Coach at F45 Training GSQ.


Renée’s Certifications:

  • Certified Strengthen and Condition Specialist (CSCS) 

Dr. Cameron Moore, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

skilled thrapist

Dr. Cameron Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, has always been very active with sports and activities starting with competitive motocross racing up to a semi-professional level and being a scholarship athlete in track and field competing at the division 1 level in college at Eastern Washington University in the triple jump. Cameron became interested in the profession of physical therapy after having knee surgery in high school and seeing the inter-workings of the profession. He pursued his bachelors degree in Exercise Science before moving to Phoenix to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Franklin Pierce University.

He then began specialization courses for spinal manipulation (Spinal Manipulation Institute) and dry needling (Dry Needling Institute). This lead Cameron in to becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT) through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) and earned a Diploma of Osteopractic®, a distinction and training that only a small percentage of physical therapist have completed.

Dr. Moore continues to be very involved with motocross riding, Crossfit®, Olympic weight lifting, running and an overall active lifestyle with his Wife (Michelle) and their Vizsla (Parker).

Dr. Cameron Moore’s Credentials

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified in Dry Needling (Cert DN)
  • Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Cert SMT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip Osteopractic)
  • Fellow Of The American Academy Of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT)
  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellow (AAMT)
  • Crossfit® Level 1 Certified (CF-L1)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified
  • USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach

Dr. Michelle Moore, PT, DPT FAAOMPT, Dip. Osteopractic

weightlifting in physical therapy

Dr. Michelle Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, grew up as a competitive gymnast and developed a passion for healthy living from a young age. Her collegiate studies in Health Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and athletic background influenced her to combine her passions and pursue a career in physical therapy. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2013.

Dr. Moore continued her educational pathway through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy where she earned her Diploma Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic) and became Certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT). From 2016-2017 Dr. Moore completed the rigorous coursework to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), a distinction held by only a fraction of the profession.

Dr. Moore’s special interests include treating active individuals and returning them to the activities that they love. In her spare time she enjoys Crossfit®, Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Cameron, and dog, Parker.

Dr. Michelle Moore’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Certified Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified