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What is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

When most patients first walk into my office, they’re hesitant. They avoid eye contact, their voices soft. They wonder if it’s okay to talk about things like bladder leaks, painful periods, or even discomfort during intimacy. It’s not the kind of thing you casually chat about, right? But here’s the truth: these conversations are not just okay—they’re necessary.

What you’re experiencing may be common, but it’s not normal. You don’t have to accept discomfort, pain, or embarrassment as part of your everyday life. And you’re not alone. Physical Therapy can help—without the need for medication or surgery—so you can get back to what you love.

Once we break the ice, something beautiful happens. My patients start to open up. They share their frustrations, their struggles, and the toll it’s taken on their lives—whether it’s missing workouts, struggling to care for their families, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Sometimes, there are tears. But what follows is a sense of hope and determination. Together, we create a plan tailored to their goals and dreams.

What Is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Your pelvic floor is more than just a group of muscles. It’s your foundation for stability, organ support, continence, and sexual function. When these muscles aren’t working as they should, it can impact your daily life in ways you never imagined.

Did you know? 1 in every 3 women will develop pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime.

While it is very common, it’s certainly not normal and not something that you have to live with.

Symptoms include:

  • Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.

  • Constantly feeling like you “have to go.”

  • Pain during intercourse or tampon use.

  • Pelvic or low back pain.

  • A heavy or full feeling in your pelvis.

The good news? These issues are treatable, and you don’t have to live with them.

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: Supporting You Before and After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative—beautiful, yes, but also physically demanding.

Prenatal Care: During pregnancy, your body undergoes incredible changes. Pelvic health physical therapy can help prepare you for these changes with exercises, hands-on techniques, and education. We can ease discomfort, improve muscle function, and set you up for a smoother labor and recovery.

Postpartum Recovery: After delivery, many women face challenges like incontinence, pelvic pain, or diastasis recti (abdominal separation). Physical therapy helps rebuild strength, promote healing, and restore confidence.

Why Choose Us for Pelvic Health?

Not every physical therapy clinic offers specialized pelvic health care—but we do. At Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our team is trained to provide compassionate, individualized care. We proudly serve Neenah, Appleton, and Ripon, WI, helping women reclaim their lives with confidence and strength.

Taking the First Step

We know it’s hard to make that first call. It can feel overwhelming to admit that you need help, let alone schedule an appointment. But we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your first visit is a chance to share your story and get your questions answered by a caring professional.

You are not alone. Taking that first step is the beginning of your journey toward healing and empowerment.

Call us at 920.991.2561 for Appleton locations, 920-251-6552 for Neenah and 920-896-0430 for Ripon to schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Madeline Kehler, PT, DPT, specializes in Pelvic Health at our Neenah clinic. Her passion is helping women of all ages navigate these challenges with expertise, compassion, and encouragement.

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Pelvic Health and You

May is Pelvic Health Month and here at Advanced, we are all about changing the narrative around symptoms/conditions that may be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.

Did you know that 1 in every 3 women will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in her lifetime and 1 in every 8 men* will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in his lifetime?

While very common, it’s certainly not normal.

Pelvic floor issues may be embarrassing to admit to and even harder to talk about, but they affect the quality of your life. We understand that you may have questions; that’s why we are here.

Not all physical therapy practices have a therapist who specializes in pelvic pain/dysfunction, but Advanced PT’s Autumn Pawlowski is a physical therapist with training and experience in the management of a wide range of issues (for both women and men) that occur with compromised pelvic floor muscles.

When you are ready, please call the Appleton North clinic (920.991.2561) to request an appointment with Autumn.

In the meantime, here are a few facts that just might be the inspiration for you to take action and get back to living the life you want. 

What are pelvic floor muscles?

●     Group of muscles in your pelvis that is kind of like a hammock between your sit bones

●      Support pelvic organs

●       Maintain continence

●      Role in sexual function

What happens if there is dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles?

●     Urinary incontinence

●     Urinary frequency and/or urgency

●     Pelvic pain

●     Heaviness/fullness feeling

●     Low back or hip pain


Are there other conditions that a pelvic health physical therapist could help out with?

●     After a prostatectomy

●     Prenatal and postpartum

●   Post-cesarean delivery care

What should I expect during my first pelvic health physical therapy visit?

Your pelvic health physical therapist has gone through extensive training in order to treat individuals who have pelvic floor dysfunction.

The first visit will allow you to discuss your concerns with the pelvic health physical therapist and they will ask you follow-up questions.

Then the provider will complete an assessment to help determine the root cause of your symptoms. The assessment may include an orthopedic screen (looking at your back/hips) to see if there are any significant findings that may be contributing to your symptoms.

If the pelvic health physical therapist feels like an internal pelvic floor assessment would be appropriate, they will explain what that would entail. The internal pelvic floor assessment would only be completed if you provide consent. Based on the findings, the pelvic health physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you.

Treatment may include modifying bathroom habits, modifying diet/fluid intake, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, breathing techniques, and discussing how the nervous system has a role in your symptoms.

How do I set up an appointment with a pelvic health physical therapist?

You are not alone with your symptoms.

We know how difficult it may be to pick up the phone and call to schedule an appointment, but we promise you you’ll be glad you did. The pelvic health physical therapist will be able to answer a lot of your questions during the first visit. 

Call our Appleton North clinic at 920.991.2561 to request an appointment with Autumn Pawlowski PT, DPT. 


*Data is limited for our populations that do not align with the above genders; however, we recognize that every population has unique pelvic floor needs and implications.*

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