Pelvic Therapy

What pelvic PT
actually is.

One of the most effective and most underutilized treatments in women's healthcare.

What it is

A muscle you can treat.
Symptoms you can resolve.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. Like any muscle group, it can become weak, too tight, uncoordinated, or injured — and like any muscle group, it responds to skilled physical therapy.

Pelvic PT assesses how your pelvic floor is functioning and develops a personalized treatment plan. It is evidence-based, non-invasive, and highly effective. Most women with pelvic floor dysfunction see meaningful improvement — many resolve their symptoms entirely.

"The pelvic floor is involved in everything — continence, sexual function, bowel function, core stability, carrying a pregnancy. When it's not working well, it affects everything."

— Dr. Kim Howell, PT, DPT
By the numbers
Women affected by pelvic floor dysfunction1 in 3
See improvement with pelvic PT~95%
Average years waiting before seeking care6.5
Conditions we treat

If it involves the pelvis,
we can likely help.

💧
Urinary Leakage
Stress incontinence (leaking with exercise, sneezing, laughing), urge incontinence, and mixed presentations.
🤱
Postpartum Recovery
Pelvic floor rehabilitation after vaginal birth or C-section. Diastasis recti, scar tissue, leakage, pain, and safe return to exercise.
💔
Painful Intercourse
Dyspareunia, vaginismus, and vulvodynia — entry or deep pain during or after sex. Often highly treatable.
🔥
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Persistent pelvic pain with no clear structural cause. Often involves pelvic floor hypertonicity or nerve irritation.
🤰
Prenatal Care
Pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, and birth preparation during pregnancy.
⬇️
Prolapse Symptoms
Pressure, heaviness, or bulge sensations. PT can significantly reduce symptoms.
🏋️
Diastasis Recti
Abdominal separation during or after pregnancy affecting core function.
🔴
Interstitial Cystitis
Bladder pain syndrome — urgency, frequency, and pelvic discomfort linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.
🌿
Preventive Care
Baseline evaluation for women with no current symptoms — before pregnancy, before menopause, or simply to understand your baseline.
What to expect

Your first session,
step by step.

01
A thorough history
Dr. Kim spends the first part of your session understanding your full history — symptoms, timeline, prior treatments, lifestyle factors, and goals. Clinical listening, not a quick intake form.
02
External assessment
Assessment of your posture, breathing mechanics, core function, and hip and lumbar mobility. Many pelvic floor issues have contributing factors in surrounding structures.
03
Internal evaluation (with consent)
For most pelvic floor conditions, internal assessment provides the most accurate clinical picture. Always explained in advance, always with your consent, always performed with care. You can stop at any time.
04
Your clinical findings
Dr. Kim explains what she found in plain language — what's contributing to your symptoms, what structures are involved, and what the treatment approach will address.
05
Your personalized plan
A treatment plan tailored to your specific presentation, your goals, and your life — including home exercises and realistic session expectations.
FAQ

Common questions.

In Pennsylvania, you can see a physical therapist directly without a physician referral for up to 30 days of treatment. No referral needed to book with Dr. Kim.
Never required — always your choice. Internal assessment gives the most accurate clinical picture for most conditions. Dr. Kim will always explain what it involves before asking for your consent.
Most conditions resolve or significantly improve in 4–8 sessions. Simple presentations sometimes need 3–4. Dr. Kim will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment.
Dr. Kim operates as an out-of-network provider. Many plans provide out-of-network PT benefits — check your coverage. A superbill is provided for reimbursement submission.
Yes — pelvic PT during pregnancy is safe and often highly beneficial. It can address pelvic girdle pain, prepare the pelvic floor for birth, and reduce postpartum complications.
In-person allows hands-on assessment and manual therapy — recommended for new patients when possible. Virtual involves guided self-assessment via video, thorough history-taking, and a personalized home program. Many patients use both across their course of treatment.

Not sure where to start?

The $30 clinical assessment will tell you exactly whether pelvic PT is right for you.

Begin Assessment →