What is pelvic floor therapy?

As a physical therapist I specialize in muscles and movement. I have furthered this specialty to include the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles help support you every day with regular movements but also with bowel/ bladder functioning and intimacy. Pelvic floor physical therapy consists of understanding how these muscles work with your pelvis, spine, legs, and the rest of your body to support your function. Please visit the Services page to see more detailed information on the conditions and symptoms we treat in pelvic floor physical therapy.

What type of patients do you treat?

Women between the ages 18-65 years old. I specialize in pelvic pain conditions, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, perimenopausal/menopausal changes that affect the whole body (especially the pelvic floor).

Do you accept insurance?

Core Pelvic Health and Wellness is an out-of-network provider meaning fee is due at the time of service. This means I have not contracted with insurances companies, instead the services can go towards your out-of-network benefits and you have the option of submitting a claim for reimbursement after treatment. If you choose to do this, I will be happy to provide you with a detailed invoice / superbill with codes of services so your insurance company can reimburse you directly.

I have chosen to be out-of-network in order to give you high quality, one-on-one care, for the entirety of your treatment sessions, and not have insurance companies dictate the type of treatments you need. Often this is actually the more affordable option than having to meet your high deductible or paying hospital based rates.

Core accepts FSA/HSA, cash, credit card, check, and money orders.

Do I need a referral from my medical doctor?

You do not need a referral but if you have one, great! In Georgia, physical therapists can treat you for your initial evaluation and 21 days or a total of 8 visits, whichever falls first, without a doctor’s prescription. After that time, I will need to obtain a physician’s order to continue treatment.

How long are the appointments?

Appointments are approximately 60 minutes. Prior to your first visit we will discuss your symptoms over the phone and then you will be provided forms to fill out prior so we can do a thorough chart review.

Can pelvic floor therapy help after c-section?

Absolutely! See a pelvic therapist for an assessment. Even though the baby did not come out of your vagina, your core and pelvic floor have been altered by the pregnancy alone in addition to the major abdominal surgery during delivery. Please visit the services page to see the common symptoms / conditions we treat postpartum.

What should I expect on my first visit?

My intentions are to help you. I pride myself on my ability to help my clients feel completely comfortable and confident that I can help them, even with concerns they have not discussed with other people prior. My goals are to help you achieve your goals.

The beginning of the visit will consist of an interview and discussion about why you are interested in therapy and what your goals and expectations are. You should be ready to answer questions about your health history, bathroom habits, exercise and diet routine, and yes, even your sex life.

Next, a postural and musculoskeletal assessment will be performed and we will determine if an internal exam of your pelvic floor is necessary. We will thoroughly explain, step-by-step, what you should expect and provide visuals of the exact musculature we will be assessing. We will ask your consent prior to any portion of this exam and you have the right to change your mind at anytime. Just let us know.

After our thorough assessment, we will collaborate to develop a treatment plan best suited for you.

Do you really have to do an internal exam?

Absolutely not! The internal exam is the best way to truly assess your pelvic anatomy and get a good baseline for your strength, control and impairments. However, if you feel uncomfortable, you have every right to refuse this part of the assessment. If this is the case, we will still be able to develop an appropriate plan of care with all of the other information we’ve gathered. It is possible that progress may be slow or limited due to us missing the last piece of the puzzle, but there are several situations where we can still optimize your outcomes with an exam.

What should I wear for my visits?

Grab your yoga pants, be comfortable and ready to move. We will see how you walk, squat and do certain movements, especially any functional goals or recreational hobby activities you like, in addition to looking at your back.

I’m pregnant. Is it safe to come see you?

Yes. Pregnancy can often lead to back pain, neck pain, groin pain, weakness, ligamentous laxity, misalignment and/or diastasis recti, just to name a few. Treatments during pregnancy are focused on enabling you to enjoy this precious time, optimize your delivery, and support you during recovery. We help guide you through techniques that have been proven to prepare you for labor/delivery and help ensure confidence with activities and exercise throughout your pregnancy.