Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? A Simple Self-Screen

Pelvic floor symptoms are far more common than most people realize—but they’re also some of the least talked about. Many people assume what they’re experiencing is “normal,” something they just have to live with, or something only related to pregnancy, aging, or surgery.

Here’s the truth: pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for a specific group of people, and it’s not only for severe symptoms. Often, it’s most effective when issues are addressed early—before they become chronic or start limiting your daily life.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is pelvic floor PT for me?” this self-screen can help you decide.

First, a Quick Reminder: What Does the Pelvic Floor Do?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that works closely with your diaphragm, core, and hips to:

• Support bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs

• Control continence

• Assist with sexual function

• Help manage pressure during lifting, exercise, coughing, and movement

• Contribute to posture and spinal stability
  

When this system isn’t working well—whether due to tension, weakness, poor coordination, or overload—symptoms can show up in ways that aren’t always obvious.

Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic Floor PT Self-Screen: Check All That Apply

You do not need to have every symptom below to benefit from pelvic floor PT. Even one or two can be enough to warrant an evaluation.

Bladder & Bowel Signs

• You leak urine when you cough, laugh, run, lift, or jump

• You feel a strong urge to urinate and struggle to hold it

• You go “just in case” more often than you’d like

• You have difficulty starting or fully emptying your bladder

• You deal with chronic constipation or straining
  

Pain or Discomfort

• Pelvic pain, pressure, or heaviness

• Pain with sitting for long periods

• Tailbone pain

• Pain with intercourse or penetration

• Testicular, vaginal, or perineal discomfort without a clear cause
  

Core, Back, or Hip Clues

• Ongoing low back pain that doesn’t fully resolve

• Hip pain that keeps coming back

• A feeling of core weakness despite exercising

• Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)

• Difficulty returning to running, lifting, or impact activities
  

Male-Specific Symptoms

• Pelvic pain or “prostatitis-type” symptoms without infection

• Urinary frequency or urgency

• Pain with ejaculation

• Erectile dysfunction related to muscle tension or coordination
  

Performance & Daily Life Signals

• You avoid certain movements or activities due to fear of symptoms

• You feel disconnected from your core or breathing

• You’ve been told to “just do Kegels,” but symptoms didn’t improve—or worsened

• You’ve adapted your life around these issues rather than addressing them
  

If several of these resonate, pelvic floor PT may be an appropriate next step.

What If My Symptoms Are Mild?

Mild does not mean insignificant.

Small symptoms often progress quietly over time, especially when combined with:

• Stress

• High activity levels

• Prolonged sitting

• Heavy lifting

• Hormonal changes

• Past injuries or surgeries

  
  

Early evaluation can prevent compensation patterns, chronic pain, or worsening dysfunction later on.

What Pelvic Floor PT Is (and Isn’t)

Pelvic floor physical therapy IS:

• Evidence-based

• Individualized

• Focused on movement, function, and coordination

• About restoring balance—not just strengthening
  

Pelvic floor physical therapy is NOT:

• Only for pregnancy or postpartum

• Always internal work

• Just Kegels

• Something you should wait years to try
  

Treatment is always guided by your comfort, goals, and specific presentation.

Do I Need Imaging or a Physician Referral First?

In most cases, no.

Tennessee allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can start care without a physician referral. For many pelvic floor conditions, conservative management with PT is recommended before medications, injections, or invasive procedures.

If anything outside PT’s scope is suspected, your therapist will help guide next steps.

Why a Cash-Based Model Often Works Better for Pelvic Floor Care

Pelvic health requires time, trust, and consistency. A cash-based, one-on-one model allows for:

• Full 60-minute sessions

• Private treatment spaces

• Continuity of care with the same therapist

• No visit caps or rushed appointments

• Space for education, questions, and real problem-solving
  

For many patients, this leads to better outcomes—and a more comfortable experience.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been:

• Working around symptoms

• Unsure who to ask

• Told “everything looks normal” but still don’t feel right

• Wondering if what you’re experiencing is just part of life
  

Pelvic floor physical therapy may be exactly what you need.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we provide evidence-based pelvic health care for women and men, focused on restoring function, confidence, and long-term movement health.

If you’re unsure, an evaluation doesn’t commit you to a long plan—it gives you clarity.

References

• Bo, K., et al. (2017). Pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 36(3), 755–760.

• Fitzgerald, M. P., et al. (2009). Pelvic floor physical therapy for pelvic pain. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 201(5), 485.e1–485.e9.

• Anderson, R. U., et al. (2005). Pelvic floor muscle training in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The Journal of Urology, 174(1), 155–160.