How to Choose the Right Pelvic Floor Specialist for YOU.

With the rise of fitness professionals and influencers taking online certifications to become “pelvic floor specialists,” it’s becoming harder to know who the right provider truly is. Many trainers and coaches are learning how to incorporate pelvic floor-friendly movements, which is fantastic—but there’s a big difference between someone trained to exercise with the pelvic floor in mind and a provider trained to evaluate and address the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. A true pelvic floor specialist must be able to assess both the internal and external factors contributing to dysfunction. If a provider does not have the training to physically assess the pelvic floor, they are missing a huge piece of the puzzle.

So how do you know who’s actually qualified to help? Here’s what to look for when choosing a pelvic floor PT—and a few red flags to watch out for.

1. Education & Credentials Matter

Your pelvic health is too important to trust just anyone. A qualified PFPT should have:
✅ A Doctorate or Master’s in Physical Therapy (or Occupational Therapy!)
✅ Specialized training in pelvic health (continuing education courses, certifications, or residency)
✅ Experience treating your specific condition (pregnancy/postpartum, pelvic pain, incontinence, etc.)

2. Your Evaluation Should Be Thorough

Your first session should never feel rushed or like a “one-size-fits-all” experience. A good PFPT will take a detailed history and assess:

✔️ Your posture, breathing mechanics, and movement patterns – because pelvic health is a full-body issue and it matters!
✔️ Your core and hip function – since they work together with your pelvic floor
✔️ Pelvic floor muscle coordination, strength, and endurance – (if you’re comfortable and consent to an internal assessment) While internal work is based on patient comfort, a provider who lacks the training to assess the pelvic floor internally is missing critical information.
✔️ Daily habits and lifestyle factors – like bladder/bowel habits, exercise, and stress levels
✔️ Your history – previous injuries, accidents, chronic constipation, childbirth experiences, and even past emotional or sexual trauma can all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. A thorough provider will consider these factors when determining the root cause of your symptoms and the best path forward.

3. Treatment Should Be More Than Just Kegels

If your therapist’s solution for every issue is “just do Kegels,” run. 🙅‍♀️ A great PFPT will provide:

💡 Hands-on manual therapy to release tightness or improve mobility
💡 Functional exercises that go beyond the pelvic floor (think core, glutes, and full-body movement)
💡 Education on how to integrate pelvic health into daily life (lifting, running, sneezing without leaking—because that’s the goal, right?)
💡 A progressive plan that evolves as you get stronger and more confident, and ends with success of your BIG goals (like that half marathon or crossfit competition that you want to complete without leakage or heaviness).

4. Beware of These Red Flags

🚩 You feel dismissed or unheard. Your symptoms are real, and you deserve a provider who listens.
🚩 They only focus on symptoms, not root causes. Pelvic health isn’t just about isolated muscles—it’s about how your whole body functions. A singular focus usually yields lackluster results.
🚩 You’re only doing kegels, or some form of biofeedback, with no integration into your day to day life and activities. Your pelvic floor is responsible for and capable of so much more than kegels. Understanding what YOUR body needs is important for long term success.
🚩 You’re not given a clear plan. You should leave sessions knowing what to work on and why.
🚩 They promise a “quick fix.” Healing takes time! A good therapist guides you through a realistic recovery process.
🚩 They guess but don’t assess. If your specialist is making assumptions about your pelvic floor symptoms, but hasn’t actually assessed whats happening down there, they aren’t able to give you the full picture. While a lot can be “guessed” based on your history and symptoms, it’s important to actually understand what the muscles of the pelvis are doing, so we can treat in line with your goals and struggles.

5. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, you should feel comfortable, respected, and supported by your therapist. You’re trusting them with an intimate part of your health, and that relationship should feel empowering—not intimidating.

If you’re working proactively with a fitness or wellness professional to support your pelvic health, that’s fantastic! But if you’re experiencing symptoms—like leakage, heaviness, or pelvic pain that isn’t improving (or has plateaued)—and your current provider isn’t trained to assess internally, they should be referring you to someone who can take a deeper dive into your care. We value and respect the role of fitness professionals and general PTs in pelvic health, but it’s important that both the provider and the client recognize scope of practice. More awareness in this field is a win, but true pelvic health care means getting the right level of assessment and treatment when needed. You deserve care that fully addresses your concerns.

If you’re looking for expert, compassionate pelvic floor therapy, we’d love to support you. Book a consultation and let’s create a plan that helps you feel strong and confident again! 💪✨

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Have questions about pelvic floor PT? Drop them in the comments or send us a message—we’re here to help! 👇

If you are located in Miami, book a session at EM Pelvic Health to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist who understands exactly what your body needs. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and pain-free—let’s get you there!