Pelvic Health: Physical Therapy for Every Body

Pelvic pain, incontinence (loss of control of urine or feces), pelvic organ prolapse, and painful intercourse are a few examples of issues that most people are not aware can be treated with physical therapy.  Specialized treatment for the pelvic region, including the pelvic floor muscles, can help you achieve greater comfort and return to your desired level of function.

Our pelvic health specialists have attained specialized training through additional education and clinical practice to help them address these issues. While this is clearly an area that not all physical therapists chose to pursue with focus and passion, our pelvic health physical therapists have been inspired to provide excellence in this burgeoning field.

Specialized Training

Heather Holmes, DPT, OCS has completed continuing education through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute to treat the pelvic floor and has completed Pelvic Floor Level 1, 2A, and 2B. In addition, Heather has taken various other courses related to pelvic health and completed advanced orthopedic training through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) attaining Board Certification as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2014.

You’re invited to watch our brief video of an overview of Alpine’s Pelvic Health Program. Click the video player below to view.

Our pelvic health physical therapy specialists have expanded their careers to help meet the unique pelvic health needs of women and men. Their compassionate spirit and genuine care have infused our pelvic health outreach; Alpine continues to be recognized by doctors and clients as the leader in providing pelvic health services for everyone, regardless of gender or age.

Below is a list of information and frequently asked questions about pelvic health. Click on the topic to expand.

What Conditions do we Treat?
What should I expect from my First Visit?
Your pelvic health therapist will first discuss with you the primary reason for seeking physical therapy services. She will also review key elements of your past medical history. A thorough examination is done for the spine, hips and pelvis as appropriate. Your therapist will talk with you about your condition. 

Notably, pelvic health physical therapists are specially trained in an internal evaluation of the pelvic floor. In the event an internal pelvic floor examination is warranted, she will educate you on why this would be beneficial for treatment. An internal exam allows your therapist to ensure that you are correctly recruiting and activating the proper muscles. Based on the results, your home program is then individualized for optimal results. Additionally, the internal exam alerts your therapist to whether there is over activity or tension present in the muscles. If so, your treatment may require that you start out with relaxation or muscle retraining prior to muscle strengthening.

What is a Kegel?
A Kegel is synonymous with pelvic floor contraction. Its name comes from Dr. Arnold Kegel, a gynecologist whose research in the 1940’s led to the introduction of this set of exercises as an appropriate tool for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Activation of the key pelvic floor muscles is often done incorrectly, which can negatively impact the patient’s condition. Correct activation includes a squeezing and lifting of the perineal muscles inward without over working the gluteal or abdominal muscles. Working with your pelvic health therapist is critical to ensure that your technique is correct and finely tuned, resulting in successful resolution of your symptoms.
Do I need a referral?
This depends on your insurer. Montana allows direct access to physical therapy services, which means you may not need a prescription. Although many insurance companies do not require a prescription or referral for physical therapy, others do. Thus, it’s important to check and see whether this benefit is available prior to starting physical therapy. Our patient care coordinators are here to work with you and your insurer to help sort this out.
Get Started
    1.  To schedule an evaluation, call our Alpine North clinic at 406-541-2606.
    2.  Arrive 15 minutes early for your first session.