FAQs
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic health physical therapy involves a musculoskeletal assessment with focus on the abdominals, rib cage, spine, and pelvis in relation to function. Pelvic floor muscle assessment is also performed; as these muscles assist with support of pelvic organs, bowel/bladder control, and sexual function. Treatments for pelvic dysfunctions are based on assessment findings.
What type of conditions does a pelvic physical therapist treat?
Urinary Incontinence - Involuntary leakage of urine whether related to urge or activity (sneezing, coughing, jumping, running, lifting, etc.)
Overactive Bladder - Urinary urgency and/or frequency
Urinary Retention - Difficulty emptying bladder
Pelvic Organ Prolapse - Loss of bladder, rectal, or uterine support (heaviness, feeling like insides are coming out, seeing bulge coming out of vaginal entrance, etc.)
Difficult to treat hip, back, and pelvic pain
Bowel Dysfunction - including fecal incontinence and constipation
Painful Intercourse/sexual dysfunction
Inability to tolerate/insert tampon
Pain with gynecological exams
Pelvic Pain - including low back pain, interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndromes
Low back, groin, tailbone, pubic bone, hip pain
Preparing pelvic floor for Labor/Delivery
Pregnancy Related Pain - low back pain, pubic symphysis pain, etc.
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (aka: Diastasis Recti/separation of abdominal muscles)
Postpartum Rehabilitation (Return to prior level of function, work, exercise, running, etc.)
Pre/Post Surgical Repair (including abdominal, pelvic, hip surgeries)
Listed above are non-inclusive common conditions that are often caused by pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. These conditions can be quite embarrassing and lead to decreased quality of life, participation in recreational activities/exercise, and social engagements. While these conditions are common in women of ranging ages, they are not normal! Schedule an appointment with The Fem PT today to finally solve these problems and regain freedom!
Is Insurance Accepted?
We do not accept insurance but we firmly believe this is a benefit to YOU! This allows your provider to have 100% focus on you in order to provide the care you need and to help get you better faster. This also allows us to spend more time with you and not rush our appointment. Unfortunately, insurance has too much power in the medical world and really limits how providers treat. At The Fem PT, we are able to take a “head to toe” approach as to why you are having symptoms in order to help your symptoms go away and stay away!
Cash, check, debit/credit cards/HSA/FSA cards are accepted and a superbill can be emailed to the patient after the session for tax purposes or reimbursement request purposes.
Where do the physical therapy sessions take place?
Treatments take place at our clinic location at:
1381 Crossings Centre Drive, Suite E
Forest, VA 24551
**Home visits are currently not being offered**
Do you treat male patients?
Our physical therapists treat specifically female patients. However, please reach out in the “contact” section for assistance finding a pelvic PT who also treats men.
Can I bring my child with me?
To ensure the tranquil and safe atmosphere we aim to establish at Fem PT, we have implemented certain guidelines regarding the presence of children within the clinic. We recognize that certain services are designed for pediatric patients and that siblings may accompany them to some appointments; however we appreciate your understanding in this matter and helping us continue to create a safe and relaxing environment for all.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy - For children aged one year and under, we can provide swings, seats, and toys as necessary to ensure their comfort during sessions in the absence of childcare. Moms can tend to their children as needed (nursing/feeding/comforting) during the session. We would ask that any children accompanying their parent would exhibit quiet and well-mannered behavior, as adjacent rooms may also be conducting sessions. No child is allowed to exit a treatment room without parental supervision unless the child is 10 years or older and can sit quietly in the waiting room. While we are open to accommodating mothers who cannot secure childcare, mothers often have an easier time focusing when their children are not present. Some sessions may involve an internal pelvic floor examination which may also be more comfortably performed without the presence of children.
Massage - due to the set up of our massage rooms and the nature of our massage services, children are not permitted into the treatment rooms while their parents are undergoing a massage. The only exception is for newborn infants accompanying clients who are receiving a postpartum massage.
For all other services (lactation, pediatric speech, pediatric PT, doula, homeopathy, etc.) - No child is allowed to exit a treatment room without parental supervision unless the child is 10 years or older and can sit quietly in the waiting room.
In light of safety considerations, and given the absence of a fully staffed front desk, children less than 10years old are not allowed to remain unsupervised in the front lobby or outside of a treatment room while their parent is receiving services at the clinic. Any parent/client who chooses to leave a child 10 years and older in the front lobby assumes full liability and responsibility.