Getting Started: Women’s Pelvic Health

Physical therapy services are typically initiated once you have discussed your condition with your healthcare provider. Physical therapy is a conservative treatment approach for pelvic muscle dysfunction. If your health care provider is not familiar with this treatment we would be happy to provide information to them regarding our treatment protocols. In the state of New York, you have limited direct access to treatment by a physical therapist without a physician referral. However, insurance guidelines may require a prescription for reimbursement. If you come to therapy without a previous medical assessment, we may request a visit to your healthcare provider if the therapist feels it is in your best interest. Discuss your condition with your healthcare provider and ask for a referral.

To schedule an appointment, call (914) 552-9639, or complete the contact form. Once you have scheduled your appointment, please read and completed the appropriate patient information and determine what your out of network insurance benefit is prior to your first visit.

What to expect at your initial visit

We believe in treating the whole patient. Prior to your first visit, your therapist will ask you to fill out a 3 day diet/bladder/bowel diary. At your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will take a detailed description of your medical history and current concerns. A comprehensive physical examination will be performed including a musculoskeletal assessment. A pelvic floor muscle visual evaluation will then be conducted to observe the integrity of your skin, ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles correctly, and to check for normal sensation/reflexes of the anus with a light external touch. An internal exam of the pelvic floor muscles may be performed to obtain information regarding strength, muscle symmetry, muscle tone, trigger points, and specific ability to contract/relax your pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist may choose to perform a biofeedback evaluation to assess the muscle activity of your child’s pelvic floor. This involves the use of external muscle sensors near the rectal opening which enable you to see how your muscles are responding on a computer. All initial visits are 60 minutes long. After the initial evaluation is completed, you and your therapist will discuss a plan of care.

How long will I need therapy?

While total length of treatment varies from person to person, a course of treatment may last 6-8 weeks. Follow up visits are 60 minutes.