Women’s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissues involved in pelvic floor dysfunction. At Bethesda Physiocare, we help women of all ages restore comfort, confidence, and physical function by identifying and addressing the underlying contributors to their symptoms.

Our pelvic health specialists treat a wide range of concerns, including bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic and abdominal pain, pain with sexual activity, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy-related and postpartum discomfort, and abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti). Through individualized care plans, we help women return to daily activities without pain or limitation.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is provided by specially trained physical therapists who evaluate and treat conditions affecting the pelvic region. These clinicians have advanced knowledge ofpelvic anatomy, neuromuscular control, and how the pelvic floor integrates with the hips, spine,and core to support efficient movement and stability.

Treatment focuses on restoring appropriate muscle tone, coordination, and strength while reducing pain and irritation through evidence-based interventions and patient education.

Common Pelvic Health Symptoms We Treat

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring normal, pain-free movement and function. Common symptoms include:

Pelvic pain or pressure

Urinary incontinence, urgency, or frequency

Low back, hip, or groin pain

Tailbone (coccyx) pain

Gut and bowel health

Orthopedic pelvic pain

Core and pelvic stability issues

Pain with intercourse

Pelvic organ prolapse

Diastasis recti and other postpartum symptoms

If you are experiencing any of these issues, pelvic floor physical therapy may help.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissue that form the “floor” of your pelvis. These muscles stretch from the tailbone across the pelvic bones and play a vital role in daily life—often without us realizing it.

The pelvic floor has four main functions:

- Sphincteric Function - The pelvic floor controls bowel and bladder function. These muscles contract throughout the day to maintain continence and must release and lengthen appropriately for comfortable, complete elimination.
- Supportive Function - The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. Think of it as a hammock that holds these organs in place. When support is compromised, symptoms such as pelvic organ prolapse can occur.
- Stabilizing Function - The pelvic floor contributes to the stability of the entire core system—not just the pelvis. Because many individuals experience low back pain, the pelvic floor may compensate for surrounding structures, which can contribute to overuse, tension, and dysfunction over time.
- Sexual Function - The pelvic floor plays an important role in sexual health by contributing to comfort, circulation, and neuromuscular coordination during intimate activity. Appropriate timing and control of these muscles support arousal, physical comfort, and orgasm. When pelvic floor function is optimal, it can enhance overall sexual well-being and reduce pain during intercourse.

How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor physical therapy works to restore normal muscle tone, coordination, and strength while reducing pain and irritation. Treatment is always individualized and may include a combination of hands-on techniques, exercise, education, and lifestyle strategies.

- Trigger Point Dry Needling - Trigger points are tight, painful knots within muscles that can refer pain to other areas—similar to how neck tension can cause headaches. Trigger points in the pelvic floor or surrounding muscles can contribute to bladder pain, hip pain, back pain, or tailbone pain.
  By releasing these trigger points, whether externally (hips, thighs, abdomen) or internally (pelvic floor), we can reduce pain and restore normal muscle function.
- Myofascial (Fascial) Release - Fascial restriction occurs when connective tissue loses its normal mobility, limiting how muscles and skin move across one another. These limitations may contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced circulation.
  Pelvic floor physical therapy incorporates myofascial techniques to improve tissue mobility, enhance circulation, and decrease inflammatory responses.
- Restoring Balance to the Pelvis - The pelvis is influenced by multiple muscle groups spanning the hips, spine, and core. When some tissues become overactive while others are underperforming, uneven forces may develop, leading to pain and movement limitations.
  Many women with pelvic floor dysfunction may show signs of pelvic or hip asymmetries. Through a customized strengthening and movement program, therapists address these imbalances to restore efficient load sharing and improve overall pelvic health.

Restoring Balance to the Pelvis

The pelvis is influenced by multiple muscle groups spanning the hips, spine, and core. When some tissues become overactive while others are underperforming, uneven forces may develop, leading to pain and movement limitations.

Many women with pelvic floor dysfunction may show signs of pelvic or hip asymmetries. Through a customized strengthening and movement program, therapists address these imbalances to restore efficient load sharing and improve overall pelvic health.

Pelvic Pain Diagnoses

There are many diagnoses associated with pelvic pain, including:

Interstitial cystitis
Endometriosis
Vulvodynia
Piriformis syndrome
Pudendal neuralgia

While diagnoses may differ, pelvic floor dysfunction is often an underlying contributor. By addressing muscle tension, weakness, and nerve irritation within the pelvic floor, we can help reduce symptoms and provide lasting relief.

Don’t Have a Diagnosis? We Can Still Help.

Many patients come to Bethesda Physiocare without a formal diagnosis. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, burning, itching, pressure, stabbing, electric sensations, deep aching, or discomfort of any kind, we can help identify the underlying cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

Painful Intercourse?

Pain with intercourse is often a sign that the pelvic floor muscles are tight and irritated. Our goal is to help these muscles relax and function normally. This not only supports pain-free intimacy, but also prepares the body for pregnancy and delivery when applicable.

Low Back, SI Joint, or Tailbone Pain?

These conditions frequently occur alongside pelvic floor dysfunction. Our therapists assess both the pelvic floor and surrounding structures to uncover the true source of your symptoms. This comprehensive approach is essential for lasting relief.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’d like to learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy or schedule an appointment, give us a call at (301) 656-5613 or fill out our contact form. You’ll speak with a real person who can answer your questions and help you take the first step toward feeling better.

Bethesda Physiocare — Expert Care for Women’s Pelvic Health