What to Expect: FAQs

What can I expect at my first appointment?

All patients will experience an extensive 90 minute evaluation. The initial evaluation provides a valuable interaction between both of you and your physical therapist. This allows you the opportunity to tell your story from everything leading up to your symptoms to where you are in life now. This will lead to an extensive orthopedic assessment to analyze your movements and determine if there are external contributors to your internal symptoms. An orthopedic assessment can include, but is not limited to, range of motion, strength, flexibility and functional mobility assessment. If indicated, a pelvic floor assessment will be performed. If not indicated, the remaining time allotted for the evaluation may be used for answering questions, training in a home exercise plan and beginning treatment.

What do you learn from a pelvic floor assessment?

If indicated, an external and internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues will be performed. This allows for an increased understanding of your areas of tenderness or pain, the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles, and the mobility of any scar tissue limitations you may have. This is usually the shortest part of the evaluation but provides critical information for the development of your plan of care. If you feel uncomfortable with the pelvic floor assessment at any time, please share this with your physical therapist immediately to reduce any negative response to the evaluation process.

Do I need a referral? 

No, Ohio is a direct access state and does not require a referral from your doctor to be seen by a physical therapist. Give us a call and the first evaluation opening on the schedule can be yours! 

Can I bring my child?

Of course! We are here to support you in any way we can to ensure you receive the care you need. Sometimes that means welcoming your little one into the session to make sure we continue making progress. We also offer telehealth sessions if you need to stay home when your kiddo is feeling under the weather. 

Do you see men for pelvic floor therapy?

We treat EVERYbody and everyBODY! No matter what your gender identity and expression is, we are here to help. So, YES, we treat men and penis-owners for pelvic floor physical therapy at Core Strong Physical Therapy.

How is pelvic floor therapy different from doing Kegels at home?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is different from doing Kegels at home because not all pelvic floors need strengthening. Some people have an overactive (too tight) pelvic floor, while others have an underactive (weak) one—and doing Kegels without knowing which you have can actually worsen pain, leaking, or pressure symptoms. A pelvic floor therapist performs a thorough evaluation to identify what your muscles truly need, since most people perform Kegels incorrectly or at the wrong time, leading to little improvement or increased symptoms. A personalized plan and expert guidance can help you heal safely and effectively. Schedule an evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call to get clarity and next steps.

Is it ever “too late” to address postpartum symptoms?

It is never “too late” to address postpartum symptoms. Many people don’t notice pelvic floor issues until months or even years after childbirth or after low-level symptoms show up, and that’s completely normal as our bodies continue to change over time. Pelvic floor physical therapy is personalized to your current stage of life and symptoms. Schedule an evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call to learn how treatment can help you feel better now.

Can pelvic floor therapy help with C-section recovery?

Yes—pelvic floor therapy can be extremely beneficial after a C-section. Treatment focuses on scar mobility, core and pelvic floor coordination, posture, and movement patterns to reduce pain, improve strength, and support long-term recovery. A personalized evaluation can help you heal more comfortably and confidently—schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute discovery call to get started.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause low back, hip, or tailbone pain?

Yes—pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to low back, hip, and tailbone pain because these muscles work closely with your core, spine, and hips for stability and movement. When the pelvic floor is tight, weak, or uncoordinated, it can place extra strain on surrounding muscles and joints, leading to persistent discomfort. A pelvic floor muscle evaluation can identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan—schedule an appointment or a free 15-minute discovery call to learn more.

How many sessions do I need for treatment?

The number of sessions you need depends on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds to care, which is why treatment is structured in clear phases. We use a four-phase approach—Figure It Out (comprehensive evaluation and root-cause identification), Fix the Things (hands-on treatment and symptom relief), Build Resilience (strength, coordination, and confidence with movement), and Confidently Independent (long-term strategies to prevent symptoms from returning). This personalized progression is designed to not only improve symptoms, but to empower you with lasting results—schedule an evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call to learn what phase you’re in and how we can help.

I’m experiencing pain and symptoms in multiple areas of my body—do I need to focus on just one area at a time?

Unlike traditional physical therapy clinics that often focus on one body part at a time, our holistic pelvic floor therapy approach treats the body as a connected system. Pelvic floor symptoms are influenced by posture, breathing, foot and hip mobility, core function, and even neck and jaw tension—so addressing only one area can limit results. By evaluating and treating the entire body, we uncover the true root cause of your symptoms and create lasting change—schedule a comprehensive evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call to experience the difference.

I have complex health issues, how will you be able to help me?

We specialize in helping people with complex health issues because pelvic floor dysfunction often involves multiple systems in the body. Our holistic pelvic floor therapy prides itself on collaborating with a variety of practitioners—such as physicians, nutritionists, and mental health specialists—to treat the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Even with complex health challenges, a personalized evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call can help you find a clear, effective path toward improved function, comfort, and quality of life.

I have done pelvic floor physical therapy before. I only improved a little bit. Why should I try it again?

Even if you’ve tried pelvic floor physical therapy before, it’s worth trying again—especially at our clinic. Often, we are the third or fourth provider patients see after other treatments haven’t provided lasting results. Because we specialize in holistic pelvic floor therapy, we know what it takes to create real, lasting impact. We go beyond symptom management to uncover and treat the root cause, and we feel confident working with even the most complex or chronic cases because we don’t stop until you are truly empowered. Schedule an evaluation or a free 15-minute discovery call to see what’s possible for you.

Will I need to buy special equipment?

No equipment is required to participate in physical therapy at Core Strong Physical Therapy. Throughout the course of your treatment and progress, recommendations may be made for tools that you may want to acquire which will allow you to continue your progress at home. These are always optional and never required, they are simply tools to make it easier for you to self treat and maintain your progress.

How do I get started?

Just give our office a call (614) 949-7328 or schedule your initial evaluation here!  We can answer any other questions you have and find a time for your initial evaluation.  You don't need a prescription or any testing to get started, we will do our own full evaluation of your case.