Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Care for Women and Men

Pelvic health physical therapy addresses pain, dysfunction, and movement impairments involving the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. Our physical therapists are specially trained to evaluate and treat conditions affecting the pelvis, including the sacrum, sacroiliac joints, coccyx (tailbone), and the vaginal and scrotal regions.

Pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction are common in both women and men, yet they often go untreated. These conditions can stem from muscles that are overactive, underactive, or poorly coordinated, as well as dysfunction in the low back, hips, or sacroiliac joints. Pelvic physical therapy takes a comprehensive approach—focusing on restoring balance, coordination, and function throughout the entire core system.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is an essential part of your core musculature. It forms the base of the core and plays a critical role in supporting the spine, pelvis, and lower body. When functioning properly, the pelvic floor contributes to everyday activities such as sitting, walking, lifting, and athletic movement.

Like any other part of the body, the pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, bones, and nerves. Dysfunction can occur when these structures lose strength, flexibility, or coordination, leading to pain, weakness, or changes in bowel, bladder, or sexual function.

Pelvic physical therapy is not limited to Kegel exercises. While Kegels focus on strengthening a single muscle group, pelvic health physical therapy addresses the entire system—including the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, hips, diaphragm, and low back—to correct imbalances and restore healthy movement patterns.

Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor issues may develop due to a wide range of factors, including:

• Poor posture, body mechanics, or muscle asymmetry
• Inadequate or unbalanced exercise routines
• Abdominal, pelvic, or hip surgery
• Pregnancy, childbirth, C-section, or episiotomy
• Injury or trauma affecting the spine, hips, or lower extremities
• Chronic low back or sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Changes in body weight over time

Pelvic Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy

Pelvic health physical therapy can help address a variety of conditions, including:

• Tailbone (coccyx) pain
• Pelvic pain
• Constipation and bowel dysfunction
• Pain with sexual activity
• Urinary incontinence or urgency

For women, pelvic floor dysfunction is often associated with pregnancy and childbirth, but it may also result from trauma, surgery, or chronic musculoskeletal issues. For men, pelvic pain can present as discomfort in the groin, testicles, or genital region and is frequently linked to muscle tension, nerve irritation, or postural dysfunction.

Pre- and Post-Partum Pelvic Health Care

Physical therapy plays a key role in addressing pelvic health concerns before and after pregnancy. Treatment may focus on:

• Diastasis recti
• Low back pain
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Sciatic symptoms
• Core and pelvic floor weakness

Through hands-on techniques and customized exercise programs, physical therapy helps restore strength, alignment, and coordination as the body adapts and recovers.

Men’s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects men as well as women. Conditions commonly treated include:

• Penile pain
• Testicular pain
• Groin pain
• Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort

Treatment focuses on reducing muscle tension, improving coordination, and restoring normal movement and function.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your initial pelvic health physical therapy appointment begins with a thorough discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and goals. Your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation, which may include both external and internal assessment when appropriate.

Your evaluation may involve:

• Postural and alignment assessment
• Full-body movement analysis
• Assessment of pelvic floor muscle tenderness or restriction
• Evaluation of core strength, flexibility, and coordination

Based on your findings, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, stretching, and education. The goal is to help you understand your condition, reduce symptoms, and regain confidence in your movement.

Restoring Comfort, Strength, and Control

Pelvic health physical therapy provides a respectful, individualized approach to treating complex and often overlooked conditions. By addressing the root causes of dysfunction, we help patients return to daily activities, exercise, and life with greater comfort and confidence.

Active Marin Physical Therapy
421 Miller Avenue (see map)
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Phone: (415) 388-8166
Fax: 415-388-8169
Email: activemarin@gmail.com

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 7:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sunday Closed