Common Questions About Pelvic Floor PT &
What to Expect at Gaia
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor PT is a unique approach of physical therapy where we consider how the pelvic floor relates to all other body functions. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles centrally located within our pelvis and contributes to all movements and impacts how our bodies manage pressure (cough, sneeze, pee, poop) and respond to activity (jumping, running, breathing). It is essentially the foundation of the "core". This part of our body is also specifically important for intimacy, during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
What to expect during my first session?
The session begins with allowing you to tell your therapist your story and details you feel are important to your symptoms and care. We often encourage discussion on your health history, birth story, and/or symptoms you are experiencing. A typical physical therapy evaluation includes the therapist evaluating your mobility, strength, posture, walking or other patterns. Although we are specialists in the pelvic region we frequently asses many other areas and regions of the body depending on your concerns. An internal assessment may be performed in order to determine how the pelvic floor muscles are working. The exam uses one finger to assess muscle strength and tissue integrity. It does not include stirrups or speculum and you are in total control during the entire exam. Pelvic exams are not performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and only with full informed consent.
do I have to have an internal exam
An internal assessment may be indicated in order to determine how the pelvic floor muscles are working and their role in your current complaints. The exam uses one finger to assess muscle strength and tissue integrity. It does not include stirrups or speculum and you are in total control during the entire exam. Pelvic exams are not performed in the first trimester of pregnancy and only with full informed consent. You are not required to consent to an internal exam in order to receive care.
What is virtual physical therapy, and is it worth my time?​
Virtual physical therapy maintains an exceptionally high level of care, in a 1:1 setting, provided by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The appointment is scheduled and held using a HIPPA complaint platform. Through live video we are able to assess posture, movement, flexibility, range of motion, abdominal function, and other aspects without limitations. Pain and symptom management is provided through education and movement strategies based on extensive orthopedic and pelvic floor background. This is an incredibly valuable tool if you are not local to Martinsburg, WV.
Do you accept insurance?
Pelvic Floor Therapy services at Gaia Women's PT are typically covered by your insurance's out of network physical therapy benefits. Fees are paid at time of service and a super bill is provided which you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement, if you choose to do so.
Why are you out of netowrk?
Being out of network allows us to serve YOU, and not your insurance company. Here are few differences between us and traditional therapy practices:
1. We are able to see you for a full 60 minutes, individually. Traditional PT settings often 2-3 people at a time. That model doesn't work well in pelvic therapy, due to the time and intimate nature of the issues we are working on.
2. Fees are transparent. You will get full cost of each session upfront, without mysterious bills later, after you are already seen.
3. We are able to treat you as a whole person, rather than just a body part. If you are tired or have a headache, we can direct treatment to that area (without it being fraudulent to the insurance company)
4. We have the time, experience, and specialized education to provide a truly holistic and root-cause directed treatment. We consider your stress, sleep, home support, past experiences, work commitments, nutrition, brain health, and so much more into treatment