Pelvic floor issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting everything from bladder and bowel function to menstrual and sexual health and emotional well-being. At our practice, we offer a comprehensive approach to supporting those with pelvic floor concerns, though it's important to note that Dr. Beth Anne is the only provider trained to perform internal work (inside the vaginal canal or rectum - she does not work internally with males, so we refer out for that). Instead, we focus on a blend of external manual techniques, body awareness, and lifestyle adjustments to help improve pelvic health. Our work is rooted in the understanding that the pelvic floor doesn’t exist in isolation; it's part of a larger system of muscles, organs, and tissues. That’s why we aim to address the entire area around the pelvic floor, including balancing pressures above the pelvic region. Here’s how we can help:

The pelvic organs work together with the pelvic floor muscles, so limited movement of the pelvic organs can affect the pelvic floor muscle tension patterns. Therefore, it is often wise to work with the local organs (bladder, uterus, prostate, rectum, etc), which can be done externally, influencing the level of baseline tension in the pelvic floor muscles. This can often be a missing piece in conventional pelvic floor therapy and where we can be most helpful. The pelvis often is only responding to something occurring elsewhere in the system.

When working on pelvic floor-related issues, we focus on several key external contact points. This external work can help release tightness, improve circulation, and restore balance to the pelvic region, supporting the overall health of your pelvic floor. These areas include:

Pelvic floor dysfunction often doesn’t originate solely within the pelvic region. Tension in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thorax, and cranium, can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor, leading to imbalances and increased tension. For this reason, we believe in a holistic approach that includes balancing the pressures above the pelvic floor.

An imbalance in these areas can contribute to ongoing pelvic floor tension. By working to release restrictions and improve movement in the torso and upper body, we aim to reduce the strain placed on the pelvic floor. We often find that by addressing these areas, we can help alleviate tension in the pelvic floor without needing internal work. This is why we sometimes receive referrals from pelvic floor physical therapists when internal techniques haven’t fully resolved a person’s issues.

The baseline pelvic floor muscle tension can also be affected by the autonomic nervous system, meaning that more stress can equal more pelvic floor muscle tension. Just like our respiratory diaphragm, the pelvic floor diaphragm also has conscious and unconscious inputs from our nervous system. So, working with the overall nervous system health, as well as addressing specific nerves and nerve centers, in collaboration with breath, awareness, and engaged curiosity, can also be an important piece of restoring healthy tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor trauma can have profound effects on both the body and the mind. Whether the trauma is physical, emotional, or a combination of both, it often creates a sense of disconnection or tension in the pelvic region. When working with individuals who have experienced trauma to the pelvic floor, we take a deeply holistic approach to healing. This includes not only addressing the physical aspects of tension but also working with the brain, nervous system, and breath to help create a sense of safety around this sensitive area. Our goal is to help the body release any stored emotions or memories that may be contributing to the tension and discomfort. By incorporating visualization techniques and breathwork, we guide patients through the process of re-establishing trust in their own bodies, allowing the pelvic floor to relax and heal. This approach supports the nervous system in shifting from a state of fear or hypervigilance to one of calm, facilitating deep, restorative healing. It’s a process of gently unlocking and releasing the emotional and physical layers of trauma, promoting both emotional and physical recovery.

One of the valuable tools we incorporate into our practice is self-awareness. When our patients are comfortable, we encourage them to learn how to do a vaginal self-internal exam using their own finger or a partner’s finger. While this self-exam is not meant to replace the work of a pelvic floor trained physical therapist, it can be a valuable tool for gaining insight into your body. The idea behind this practice comes from the teachings of Tami Lynn Kent in her book Wild Feminine, where she emphasizes the power of self-awareness and gentle exploration. A self-exam can help you gauge whether there is any pain or tension in the pelvic region that might need attention. It’s an empowering tool for learning more about your body and understanding your pelvic floor health.

There is a misconception when talking about the pelvic floor that only people with vaginas have one, so we wanted to remind you all that everyone has a pelvic floor....even if you don't have a vagina! The pelvic floor can vary in definition, but in general, it includes the muscles and other tissues that cover the bottom of the pelvis. If you're looking at the bottom of the pelvis it's everything between your sit bones and between your pubic bones + tailbone. If you have a penis/prostate, pelvic floor health is just as important. Internal work for those without vaginas will include working the rectum, which we will also only work externally as described about. Please check out the podcast below for all the things we can do to support the prostate, penis, urethra & testicles.

We strongly believe that posture and movement play an essential role in maintaining the health and longevity of the pelvic floor. Our approach isn’t just about addressing symptoms—it's about fostering a deeper awareness of your body and how it moves throughout the day. That’s why we incorporate posture assessments and movement retraining as part of our holistic approach.

Body awareness and movement patterns are key factors in pelvic health. We teach patients to move with mindfulness, paying attention to how their body aligns and moves throughout daily activities. By making small changes to posture and habitual movements, we can help reduce unnecessary stress and strain on the pelvic floor.

Additionally, we take your lifestyle and movement goals into account. Whether you are an athlete, a desk worker, or someone recovering from injury, we’ll customize our guidance to your unique needs. The goal is to help you move more efficiently and with less tension, promoting pelvic floor health as part of an overall healthy body.

While we specialize in a unique approach to the pelvic floor, we fully support traditional pelvic floor physical therapists. In cases where our methods aren’t enough, we refer our patients to highly skilled pelvic floor physical therapists who provide additionalinternal work (for males & females). These specialists are trained to assess and treat issues within the vaginal canal and rectum, helping address tension or dysfunction that cannot be fully resolved with our techniques alone.

We believe that collaborating with pelvic floor specialists ensures a comprehensive, well-rounded approach to healing. Traditional internal pelvic floor therapy can be a critical component of recovery for many people, and we are happy to guide you toward practitioners who are experts in this area.

Our approach to pelvic floor support is rooted in a belief that true healing comes from addressing the whole body—not just the symptoms. By focusing on whole-body manual therapies, teaching body awareness, and offering referrals to pelvic floor physical therapists when necessary, we provide a holistic support system for those struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Whether you're dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, or general pelvic tension, we are here to help guide you through the process of healing. Our goal is not only to relieve symptoms but also to provide the tools and knowledge you need to maintain pelvic health for the long term. If you’re ready to explore a new approach to pelvic floor support, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s work together to create a balanced, healthier you.