Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I expect at my first appointment?

A: You and your physical therapist will spend time talking about what made you seek out pelvic floor physical therapy. Your therapist will ask you questions about your bladder and bowel health, any discomfort or pain you are having, and activities you enjoy doing or want to get back to.

Q: What happens after my first visit?

A: Your individual plan and treatment will depend upon what you and your therapist talk about and what you want to achieve with physical therapy. You can expect hands on care specific to your body which may include soft tissue and scar mobilization, visceral manipulation, and dry needling. Your home program may include breath work, strengthening and stability exercises, stretches, and modifying some of your day to day activities. 

Q: How long does each session last?

A: Sessions typically last 60 minutes. If you and your provider decide that longer sessions would be beneficial, session time may be increased. 

Q: How long will I need to come to physical therapy?

A: The number of visits you need will vary based on your specific pelvic floor problems, how long you’ve had these problems, your overall health, consistency with your home program, and what you want to get back to doing! The average person will start to notice an improvement in just 3-4 visits.

Q: How often will I need to come to pelvic floor physical therapy?​

A: You will see the most progress if you attend physical therapy once a week for the first few weeks. From there, sessions may continue at a once a week frequency or decrease to every other week for hands on care and progressions to your home exercise program based on your progress and needs. ​

Q: Is it necessary to do an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam?

A: There are many ways to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles. They can be assessed externally over clothing, externally, or internally (vaginally or rectally). Assessing the pelvic floor muscles internally gives us a full picture of how your pelvic floor is functioning and takes the “guess work” out of what your pelvic floor muscles are doing and how they are functioning. This assessment is performed to assess the strength, endurance, symmetry, mobility, and tone of the pelvic floor muscles.

An internal exam is not required, but may be recommended at or after your first visit in order to provide the best possible treatment options. External and internal pelvic floor muscle assessments are performed based on your symptoms and only with continuous informed consent.

Q: Do You Accept My Health Savings Account (HSA) Or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A: Yes! We do accept both HSA and FSA and can provide you with the necessary documentation needed.

Q: Will pelvic floor physical therapy be covered by my insurance?

A: Physical therapy is covered under your out-of-network benefits. We can give you a detailed receipt so you can submit to your insurance for direct reimbursement.

Q: What is Mercier Therapy?

A: Mercier therapy is a safe, gentle, non-invasive natural and holistic fertility program offered at Pelvic Health and Wellness. It is a visceral pelvic manipulation technique that optimizes health and wellbeing within the pelvic by addressing scar tissue and decreased mobility of the reproductive structures. Mercier therapy can help to bring about better organ mobility, restore blood flow in the pelvis, and optimize the health and function of the pelvic organs.

Q: What types of fertility challenges does Mercier Therapy help address?

Mercier therapy is beneficial for anyone facing fertility challenges due to endometriosis, PCOS, scar tissue from abdominal or pelvic surgeries, failed assisted reproductive attempts such as IVF, or unexplained infertility. It can also help those struggling with pelvic pain or recovering from gynecologic surgery, C-section, or a traumatic birth.