Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Woman lying in bed with her arms crossed over her face while she smiles happily representing someone who has found relief from pelvic pain through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Washington, DC.

Have you ever said any of these to yourself?

I peed my pants again!
This painful sex must be my fault. If I stop having sex how will my partner know I love them?
My mother and grandmother said that this was normal…
Your painful menstruation caused you to make that “I’m sorry, I can’t come to work today” phone call…again.
There has to be a better way!

You are not alone. I get it. In fact, I’m so passionate about these issues that I have dedicated my life to serving people with pelvic floor issues as a DPT at my practice, Restore Hope Physical Therapy.

Woman with her hands on her abdomen as she struggles with pelvic pain representing someone who would benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Washington, DC.

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region. It aims to address issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction by using exercises, manual techniques, and education to improve pelvic floor function and overall quality of life.

Why You Should Do Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Washington, DC

Getting help for pelvic floor issues is an important step toward your overall health and well-being. Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is taking care of some of our most sensitive parts. Pelvic floor physical therapy can make your life better by helping with problems like pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual issues. This includes sexual organs, bladder, bowels, hips, low back, and core. This can give you relief, better control, and make your life more comfortable and enjoyable.

Here is a list of just a few issues and their common symptoms:

Pelvic Pain – chronic pain or acute pain. This can be sharp, dull, and painful when you pee, when you poop, when you have sex, during menstruation, when you walk, when you are pregnant, or something else.
Urinary Incontinence – this is typically the INVOLUNTARY peeing in your pants. It might be when you sneeze or laugh or sometimes when you just move too quickly. This isn’t only for people who have had a child.
Constipation – when it is hard to poop this can be because of muscle weakness, nerve damage, or other factors, like dehydration and diet.
Sexual dysfunction – this can be lack of desire or low libido, difficulty achieving orgasm or never having achieved one, pain, dryness, or erectile dysfunction.
Urinary frequency – this is when you need to pee frequently. Think about waking up multiple times at night or having to interrupt meetings so you can pee.
Low back pain – This probably isn’t just because you hit your gym session hard this week. Did you know that over 90% of women with low back pain demonstrate pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

Female doctor holding a model of the female pelvic region as an education tool for explaining Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Washington, DC.

Restore Hope PT’s Approach to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

The age-old joke is “How many Kegels Dr. Hope?!?” The world of bodybuilding makes us think that we need to do 3 sets of 10 reps to get better. But that isn’t true.

I treat the whole person not the number of reps you do. I specialize in treating pelvic pain. I have advanced training in this because I love it. There is high-quality research indicating that Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is very effective in treating pelvic pain diagnoses.

Treatment for pelvic pain includes hands-on work as well as working on breathing, stress management, stretching, etc.

I often work closely with doctors, chiropractors, and psychologists to coordinate your care. You can start physical therapy without a doctor’s referral. And I always want to know who else is on your healthcare team so we can all work together to support you.

Yes, I Did Say Hands-On

This is scary for many people. And when I was starting my career, it was scary for me too. That fear connects us because now I can see the joy and relief pelvic floor physical therapy brings so many people.

One reason why hands-on pelvic floor physical therapy is so scary for people is psychological and physical trauma to our pelvic floor. I take a trauma-informed approach because fear shuts us down but empathy can bring joy and relief.

What I mean by hands-on

I mean that in some cases, and with your full consent and permission, internal work is really the best and fastest way to recovery and health. This is not required in all cases and it is something that I want to talk with you about. But it is important to say it upfront so there are no surprises and the expectations are shared.

Other Hands-on Applications for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Hands-on can mean other things too. I have advanced training in myofascial release, visceral mobilization, and craniosacral therapy. I was a massage therapist for about 10 years. My colleagues in my doctoral program sought me out because they knew I had “magic hands.” It was a source of pride for me to have developed this skill.

Begin Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Washington, DC

Live embodied. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help you live embodied.

Contact us for a free consultation to start the process. Restore Hope offers free consultations so that we can help you navigate this confusing healthcare process. We also want to build a relationship with you right from the start.

To schedule the consultation, you can call or text me at 202-990-7177 or send an email to DrHope@restorehopept.com.