Whole Health Solutions

The Complete Guide to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Shirley MA: What It Helps and What to Expec

Written by Peter Brouillard | Oct 29, 2025 2:14:07 PM

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment designed to address dysfunction in the muscles, joints, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. These muscles form a sling-like structure at the bottom of the pelvis, playing a vital role in urinary and bowel control, sexual function, posture, and core stability.

When the pelvic floor muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, they can contribute to a wide range of symptoms—from incontinence and pelvic pain to discomfort during movement or intimacy. Pelvic floor therapy aims to restore balance and function to these muscles using techniques such as manual therapy, guided exercises, biofeedback, and movement retraining.

At Whole Health Solutions in Shirley, MA, pelvic floor physical therapy is delivered in a private, respectful, and trauma-informed setting. Our clinicians help clients understand their bodies, regain control, and return to the activities they love—without pain or limitation.

READ: Why Shirley Locals Trust Whole Health Solutions for Personal Training

Common Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Therapy

Many people associate pelvic floor therapy with postpartum care, but the scope of treatment is much broader. Both women and men can benefit from addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, which may be the underlying cause of symptoms they’ve struggled with for years.

Some of the most common conditions treated through pelvic floor physical therapy include:

  • Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Constipation or incomplete emptying
  • Tailbone pain (coccygodynia)
  • Post-surgical recovery (e.g., after hysterectomy or prostatectomy)
  • Diastasis recti
  • Low back, hip, or sacroiliac pain related to pelvic instability

Because pelvic floor dysfunction can often mimic or contribute to other musculoskeletal issues, a thorough evaluation is key to identifying the root cause and creating an effective treatment plan.

Signs You May Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Many people do not realize that their symptoms are connected to pelvic floor dysfunction. This is especially true for clients who have learned to normalize discomfort or ignore signs of dysfunction for years.

Here are some signs that pelvic floor physical therapy may be appropriate:

  • Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting
  • A frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Feeling heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
  • Pain or tension during intimacy
  • Pain in the low back, hips, or tailbone with no clear cause
  • Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream
  • Constipation that persists despite dietary changes
  • Feeling disconnected from your core or unsteady during movement

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone—and help is available. Pelvic floor therapy at Whole Health Solutions is designed to address these issues with personalized, hands-on care.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

Your initial visit for pelvic floor physical therapy at Whole Health Solutions will begin with a private, supportive conversation. We take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and goals for care. Every client’s experience is unique, and we aim to make you feel seen, heard, and comfortable from the beginning.

Next, your physical therapist will guide you through a movement assessment to observe posture, breathing patterns, and functional strength. Depending on your symptoms and comfort level, an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment may be offered. This gentle evaluation helps identify specific areas of tension, weakness, or coordination issues.

Throughout the session, education is a key focus. You’ll learn how your pelvic floor interacts with the rest of your body and how we’ll address those systems together through therapy. You’ll leave with a clear plan for moving forward—one that supports your goals and respects your boundaries.

How Pelvic Floor PT Supports Postpartum Recovery

Childbirth places significant strain on the pelvic floor, core muscles, and connective tissues. Even after a smooth delivery, many women experience symptoms like bladder leakage, pelvic pressure, or a lingering sense of weakness in their core. Unfortunately, these issues are often dismissed as “normal” after having a baby.

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a better path. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education, new mothers can regain control, function, and confidence in their bodies. Therapy can help address:

  • Core muscle separation (diastasis recti)
  • Bladder and bowel control issues
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pain with movement or intimacy
  • Difficulties returning to exercise or sport

At Whole Health Solutions, postpartum recovery is treated with the same attention and care as any other orthopedic condition. Our therapists are trained to work with clients from six weeks postpartum through all stages of motherhood and beyond.

The Role of Breathing and Core Control in Pelvic Floor Health

The pelvic floor does not work in isolation. It is part of a deep core system that includes the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, and multifidus muscles. These muscles work together to regulate pressure, support movement, and maintain stability throughout the body.

READ: How a Personalized Strength Program Keeps You Motivated and Injury-Free

Improper breathing patterns, bracing strategies, or core imbalances can increase pressure on the pelvic floor—leading to dysfunction over time. That’s why breathing retraining and core coordination are fundamental components of pelvic floor physical therapy.

During sessions, you’ll learn how to activate your core system more efficiently, reduce unnecessary tension, and move in ways that support pelvic health rather than stress it. This integrative approach leads to better outcomes and empowers you with the tools to manage your body long after therapy ends.

Why Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Isn’t Just a Women’s Issue

While pelvic floor therapy is often associated with female clients, men also experience pelvic floor dysfunction—and they deserve the same access to care. Common male pelvic health concerns include:

  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Post-prostatectomy incontinence
  • Pain with urination or ejaculation
  • Testicular, groin, or rectal pain
  • Difficulty starting or fully emptying the bladder

These symptoms are often misdiagnosed or left untreated, causing prolonged discomfort and frustration. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help men regain bladder control, reduce pain, and restore function through evidence-based treatment and supportive care.

At Whole Health Solutions, we welcome all individuals seeking help with pelvic health—regardless of gender or age.

How Often Do You Need Pelvic Floor PT and How Long Does It Take?

The frequency and duration of pelvic floor physical therapy depend on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some clients feel relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing care over several months.

Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week at the beginning of care, then gradually spaced out as progress is made. Your therapist will work with you to build a plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle. The goal is not only symptom relief—but long-term resilience and independence.

At Whole Health Solutions, we view therapy as a collaborative process. You are actively involved in setting goals, tracking improvements, and learning strategies to support your pelvic health well beyond the clinic.

Why Whole Health Solutions Is Shirley’s Choice for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Clients in Shirley and surrounding communities trust Whole Health Solutions for expert pelvic floor care in a compassionate, client-centered environment. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Specialized expertise: Our therapists have advanced training in pelvic health and treat a wide range of conditions with evidence-based care.
  • Private, respectful setting: All sessions take place in private treatment rooms with a focus on comfort and discretion.
  • Cash-based care model: We offer one-on-one sessions without the limitations of insurance-driven treatment, ensuring you get the time and attention you deserve.
  • Whole-person philosophy: We consider how your lifestyle, stress levels, posture, and habits affect your pelvic floor—not just isolated symptoms.

Our mission is to provide personalized, empowering care that helps you feel strong, capable, and connected to your body again.

Ready to Get Started? Here’s What to Do Next

If you're searching for "pelvic floor physical therapy" in Shirley, MA, we invite you to take the first step toward feeling better. Whether you're managing symptoms, recovering from childbirth, or simply want to understand your body more deeply, Whole Health Solutions is here to help.

To get started:

  1. Visit our contact page
  2. Schedule a discovery call or your first evaluation
  3. Come as you are—we’ll take care of the rest

You deserve care that sees the whole picture. Let us help you move forward with confidence.