Finding the Right Pelvic Floor Specialist

The Tummy Team specializes in functional core strength and functional pelvic floor strength. This is more than just learning how to do a few Kegel exercises. We teach you how to have comprehensive, reliable support and mobility of the muscles that support your bladder, vaginal canal, and lower intestinal tract. Functional pelvic floor strength includes pelvic stability to eliminate sacroiliac joint pain and pubic bone pain, as well as muscular resilience to reinforce bladder control and eliminate pelvic organ prolapse.

The muscles of the pelvic floor are dynamic and multi-dimensional. Your body moves in countless directions and requires structural support to maintain healthy function of the vital organs and the entire lower body.  Our approach at The Tummy Team focuses on client awareness, connection, and education first. Then we address the crucial component of functional core strength and neutral pelvic alignment before isolating the pelvic floor. We have designed a very effective online program that specializes in the daily functional integration of the pelvic floor called, “Floor Of Your Core.”

While our online programs are very effective, it is always beneficial to be seen in person by a pelvic floor specialist when possible. There are many passionate professionals working in this area of rehab, as well as various treatment approaches. We often think of a physical therapist when we consider this line of work, but there are also naturopaths, chiropractors and some midwives who have trained in this area of specialty.

It can be daunting to start with just a Google search, so we recommend asking your doctor, friends or other women for recommendations. It is essential for you to be an advocate for your own care. To help you do that, we have comprised a list of questions to help you find the right pelvic floor specialist near you. (You can download these questions here.)

10 Questions to Ask When Finding A Pelvic Floor Specialist:

1. Do you specialize in women’s health?

Women’s health isn’t always advertised so you may need to call physical therapy clinics to see if they have someone on staff who specializes in this area. Check to see if they are a “specialist,” or at least a therapist who has done extra training in this area. You can even ask what special training they have done.

2. Do you work with pregnant women?

Pregnancy presents its own set of challenges so it is best to find a therapist who is comfortable with prenatal clients. While most therapists do not do internal work during pregnancy, there are still ways to address pelvic floor concerns while pregnant.

3. Is your facility set up for private assessments? 

This may seem like an obvious question, but you’d be surprised how many clinics are not set up for private care.

4. Do you do internal pelvic floor muscle work?

It is important to understand their approach and training prior to your appointment. Ask specifically if they use biofeedback, manual work, or a combination in their approach.

5. What kind of equipment do you use? Would I need to be purchasing any extra equipment or devices?

This helps you further understand their approach, as well as what to expect during your treatment.

6. Do you have experience with ____________ (insert specific concerns)?

You can also ask: What are the most common diagnosis/issues you see in your clinic? (Prolapse, pelvic pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy-related pelvic dysfunctions, diastasis recti). This will help determine the scope of their training and treatment.

7. What kind of success rate do you have with treating _________ (insert specific concern)?

What you are looking to see is if they optimistic that they can help you.

8. What would I be doing in a therapy session?

You may want to ask if they will be doing a pelvic exam in the first session. Many do not as there are several other areas to address before internal work. **If you have prolapse, ask if they do standing pelvic floor assessments. Often, pelvic prolapse symptoms present differently in standing, so this is important to get a proper assessment.

9. How often would I be expected to see you? And for how long?

This isn’t always exact since they haven’t assessed you yet. But you’ll want to know the investment of time and money now so you can make the arrangements needed.

10. How will this treatment affect my fitness routine?

Understanding the changes in your daily life due to rehab helps you be more compliant and successful.

The Tummy Team is passionate about helping you live a confident, strong and pain-free life – that includes your pelvic floor. Our online programs are an excellent way to take charge of your own functional core and pelvic floor strength, but there are times when you need to see a specialist in person. We hope this information can be a resource for you to help you find the right care for you.

If you have any further questions about finding a specialist, leave a comment!

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