One of the questions I often get asked on social media is, “If I don’t live near Indigo, how do I find a pelvic floor therapist that offers similar, high-quality care?” Pelvic physical therapy has changed a lot over the last ten years. Instead of seeing multiple patients at once, most clinics now offer private, one-on-one sessions that help patients feel comfortable and allow the therapist to give truly personalized care.
Finding the right pelvic therapist matters because you’re investing your time and money in getting better. When you have a therapist who spends enough time with you in a private setting, you’ll feel more comfortable and have a better chance of making progress. This guide will walk you through how to find a great pelvic floor therapist in your area, even if you can’t go to Indigo.
1. Identify Your Specific Needs
First, figure out what you’re looking for. The world of pelvic health is broad, and some therapists specialize in certain areas. If you’re not sure, call the clinic and ask for a short phone consultation with a physical therapist. They can help you figure out if they have someone who specializes in what you need.
Examples of specific needs:
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Care : Help with pelvic girdle pain, labor preparation, post-birth recovery, incontinence, and more.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain or Dysfunction: Treat issues like endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, or painful sex.
- Bowel and Bladder Symptoms: Such as incontinence, constipation, and more
- Fitness and Athletic Needs: Rehab for athletes managing pelvic floor stress (e.g. runners or weightlifters).
- Surgical or Post-Surgical Recovery: Recovery after gynecological surgeries like C-section or hysterectomy.
Read therapist bios on clinic websites and call to “interview” a few options. Indigo offers free 15-minute phone consultations to help with this step.
2. Look for Important Credentials and Experience
When choosing a therapist, pay attention to their credentials and experience. A good pelvic therapist should have either a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), a Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (tDPT), or a Master’s in Physical Therapy (MPT) with extra training.
Some certifications to look for include:
- Women’s Health Certified Specialist (WCS): Covers a wide range of pelvic health topics, including prolapse and sexual dysfunction.
- Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC): Focuses on various pelvic health areas and requires over 2,000 hours of practice.
If your chosen therapist doesn’t have these certifications yet, they may still be great! At Indigo, therapists go through a 12-week mentorship program to ensure all clients receive top-level care. Additionally, at Indigo, we have PTs that are certified in Dry Needling, certified Run Coaches, Pilates Instructors, and Certified Yoga Instructors in addition to being DPTs. Finding a PT whose interests or certifications match yours can help establish rapport and trust.
3. Make Sure You Feel Comfortable
Once you have a therapist in mind, it’s important to feel comfortable with them. Many clinics send you an online form before your first visit, asking about your goals and needs. Be as honest as possible, as this information helps the therapist personalize your care.
You should feel safe and respected during appointments. Indigo requires all therapists to complete training on trauma-informed care and trans-affirming care. In your first session, your therapist should explain the process, make eye contact, and ask about your goals. Ultimately, you are in charge of your own care, and the sessions should be personally tailored to meeting your goals, needs and lifestyle.
4. Consider the Service Offerings and Clinic Setups
After narrowing down your options, take a look at the clinic itself. Check if it has private rooms, comfortable spaces, and the equipment you need. For example, if you’re a runner, you might want a clinic with a treadmill for gait analysis. Additionally, check to see if they are equipped for specialized techniques like manual therapy, scar release, dry needling, or diagnostic ultrasound. Finally, ask if the clinicians are able to perform both internal and external assessments and treatments, as some pelvic health physical therapists are only trained to perform external pelvic floor care.
5. Practical Considerations
Choose a clinic that’s easy to get to, with convenient appointment times. Some clinics, like Indigo, offer full-hour sessions once a week, which can reduce how often you need to visit, saving you time and money.
A majority of states now have some level of direct access so no referral is required to start physical therapy.
Ask about payment options too. Many clinics now offer flexible payment plans, like cash options or out-of-network billing. Find out if they accept your insurance, what the co-pays are, and if they work with HSA/FSA plans. If the clinic does take insurance, inquire about your deductible, expected costs, and co-pays per session.
6. Questions to ask a pelvic floor therapist
When meeting with a potential therapist, come prepared with questions. Here are some ideas:
- What is your experience with my condition?
- What is your success rate treating my condition?
- How do you plan my treatment and set goals?
- What are the expected outcomes, and how will we measure progress?
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long?
- Do you provide home exercises or other resources?
Empower Your Decision
Trust your instincts. If you feel comfortable with the therapist and confident in their expertise, that’s a great sign. Don’t be afraid to try multiple therapists until you find the right fit. Your health is a priority, and choosing the right care will help you reach your goals faster and feel better.
Remember, just because your symptoms are common, does not mean you should consider them normal. There is help available to care for these conditions and finding the right pelvic physical therapist is a great step to feeling good in your body again.
