Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Specialized Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for Women in Bellingham, Washington

At Lumina Physical Therapy, we provide specialized female pelvic floor physical therapy designed to help women reduce pain, restore function, improve movement, and feel more confident in their bodies. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at every stage of life, from adolescence through postpartum recovery and menopause. Symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, pressure, constipation, painful intercourse, and core weakness are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with. Our approach combines orthopedic physical therapy and pelvic health rehabilitation to address the whole body rather than focusing on isolated symptoms.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, connective tissue, and nerves that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles also play an important role in core stability, posture, breathing, bowel and bladder control, sexual function, and movement. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles become weak, overactive, uncoordinated, painful, or unable to function properly. Female pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on improving muscle coordination, mobility, strength, relaxation, and overall function through individualized treatment and education.

Conditions We Treat

At Lumina Physical Therapy, we treat a wide range of pelvic health conditions affecting women, including:

• Urinary incontinence

• Urinary urgency and frequency

• Pelvic pain

• Pain with intercourse

• Pelvic pressure or prolapse symptoms

• Constipation and bowel dysfunction

• Tailbone pain

• Low back pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction

• Hip pain and pelvic instability

• Pregnancy-related pelvic pain

• Postpartum recovery concerns

• Diastasis recti

• Core weakness

• Painful bladder symptoms

• Endometriosis related pain

• Scar pain after abdominal or pelvic surgery

• C-section recovery

• Hypermobility-related pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant physical demands on the pelvic floor, abdominal wall, spine, and hips. Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, prepare for labor, and support postpartum recovery. Postpartum pelvic floor therapy can help address: Urinary leakage, Pelvic heaviness or pressure, Core weakness, Diastasis recti, Pain with movement or exercise, Scar mobility after C-section, Return to exercise and activity, Pelvic pain after delivery

Whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section, postpartum rehabilitation can help support healing and long-term function.

What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation focused on your symptoms, movement patterns, posture, breathing mechanics, strength, mobility, and goals. Treatment may include: Orthopedic movement assessment, Pelvic floor muscle coordination training, Breathing and pressure management strategies, Manual therapy, Strength and mobility exercises, Core rehabilitation, Postural training, Education about bladder and bowel habits, Return-to-exercise guidance

Every treatment plan is individualized to your body, symptoms, and goals.

Why Choose Lumina Physical Therapy?

• One-on-One Personalized Care

  • Each session is focused entirely on you and your recovery goals.

• Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Expertise

  • We integrate orthopedic physical therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation to address the entire movement system.

• Whole-Body Approach

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction is often connected to the hips, spine, breathing mechanics, nervous system, and core function. We focus on treating the body as a whole.

• Evidence-Based Treatment

  • Our care is grounded in current research and individualized clinical decision-making.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

You may benefit from female pelvic floor physical therapy if you experience: Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, or exercise, Pelvic pain or pressure, Pain with intercourse, Constipation or difficulty emptying bowels, Persistent postpartum symptoms, Difficulty returning to exercise, Low back, hip, or tailbone pain, Abdominal weakness or separation, Frequent urgency to urinate, Painful bladder symptoms. These symptoms are common, but they are treatable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need pelvic floor therapy after having a baby?

  • Many women benefit from pelvic floor therapy postpartum, even if symptoms seem mild. Physical therapy can help improve healing, restore strength, and reduce long-term dysfunction.

• Is pelvic floor therapy only for postpartum women?

  • No. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women of all ages and life stages, including athletes, adolescents, and menopausal women.

• Is an internal pelvic floor examination required?

  • Treatment is always patient-centered and based on comfort level and consent. Internal assessment is only performed when appropriate and with patient permission.

• Can pelvic floor physical therapy help with urinary leakage?

  • Yes. Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction.

Start Your Recovery with Lumina Physical Therapy

Lumina Physical Therapy provides compassionate, evidence-based female pelvic floor physical therapy to help women move better, feel stronger, and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, urinary leakage, postpartum symptoms, core weakness, or pelvic floor dysfunction, we are here to help. Contact Lumina Physical Therapy to schedule your evaluation and begin your recovery journey.