Our approach to pelvic health

Pelvic health physical therapy is a highly specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on dysfunctions that can arise within the muscles, nerves and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. These structures form a sling that runs from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They help support your abdominal and pelvic organs, maintain stability of your spine and pelvic girdle and play a key role in bowel, bladder and sexual function.

Pregnancy, surgery, menopause, radiation and/or chemotherapy, inactivity, obesity, heavy lifting, medications, chronic constipation and persistent cough are just some of the many factors and conditions that may produce changes in the pelvic floor musculature. Weakness or tightness of these muscles can contribute to the development of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Patients with chronic constipation or incomplete bowel emptying, fecal or urinary incontinence (leakage), urinary urgency and frequency and symptoms associated with menopause, as well as women looking to optimize their musculoskeletal health and function during and after pregnancy, can all benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy.

Absolutely!  In pelvic health, many physical therapy interventions are based in education, changing behaviors and patterns, lifestyle management and exercise instruction … in other words, giving you all the knowledge, tools and strategies necessary to achieve change.  And although physical therapy has traditionally been a hands-on profession, evidence-based research has indicated that a virtual platform is an effective way to deliver high-quality care and oftentimes, enhance outcomes due to improved attendance and compliance.  Virtual visits can ease the logistical challenges associated with in-person therapy such as lengthy wait times for appointments; office closings due to inclement weather; travel time and associated expenses and need to juggle work and childcare. More time to devote to therapy, fewer distractions. It’s that simple! 

Although very similar, there are some distinct and important differences between these two effective treatment models.  Although both are conducted by a licensed, certified and highly specialized pelvic health physical therapy practitioner, telehealth physical therapy can only be provided to patients located in the state of New York due to licensing restrictions. Virtual coaching and consultation services are available to New York and out-of-town patients and are education, prevention, maintenance and wellness based. You will receive self-management options, strategies for adjusting behaviors and lifestyle that may be contributing to your issues and personalized, one-on-one guidance. This is your forum for learning about your pelvic floor anatomy and function, and asking any questions you may have about your pelvic health. 

For many patients, virtual “check-ins” are all that may be necessary to effectively address their concerns. This is a popular treatment option for out-of-town patients or for those patients looking for a second opinion to help optimize their current plan of care.  Pelvic health coaching does not require that sessions occur within a specific time frame, and sessions may be scheduled as a reduced-price package. In fact, it is likely that you may require fewer visits than with in-person sessions. If it is determined that you would benefit from manual therapy or other hands-on interventions in order to achieve your best outcomes, you will be referred accordingly. 

If you have ever wondered if you could benefit from consulting with a pelvic floor specialist, consider the questions listed below.  Oftentimes, symptoms that have existed for a long time become part of “who you are” and no longer seem out of the ordinary to you.  A “YES” answer to any of these “common, but not normal” statements would be reason to seek guidance:

• I leak urine when I cough, sneeze, lift, exercise or perform another activity

• I feel like I need to urinate frequently and/or with urgency

• It takes many attempts to complete just one bowel movement

• I have fewer than 3-4 bowel movements each week

• I must assist with my finger vaginally or rectally to have a bowel movement

• I leak stool with no awareness that it is happening

• I wake from sleep to urinate more than twice nightly

• I feel bulging and/or heaviness in my vagina

• I have pain with tampon use, pelvic exams and/or intercourse

• I have chronic vaginal, rectal pain, lower back or abdominal pain

That’s OK … just provide a brief description (form below) of what you are looking to accomplish through online pelvic health coaching, and we can take it from there!

Winuk Pelvic Health does not accept insurance. At WPH, you receive one hour of undivided attention by a highly skilled, experienced and specialized Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner and a provider Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. Without the pressure to see high volumes of patients due to the constraints placed on therapy services by third-party payers, WPH can provide the highest quality of patient-centric care, catered to your unique needs.

We accept FSA/HSA,Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and UnionPay.