Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy

We love labor and delivery prep for you and your birth support person.

I'll never forget when my husband literally started moo-ing (yes like a cow) to help me keep my sounds low and long during labor. It's amazing what the right support can do to help you progress and maintain your strength! Come in and learn more during our birth prep sessions.

We treat people of all backgrounds and gender identities (everyone has a pelvic floor, after all)! We will never dismiss your concerns. If something is important to you, then it’s equally important to us.

If you feel like you haven’t been taken seriously elsewhere, contact us at [email protected] and we’ll see if we can help.

Intimate Rose is a pelvic floor health product company founded by a fellow physical therapist, Dr. Amanda Olson. We recommend Intimate Rose products to many of our BPPT patients (& use them ourselves)! These tools are a great complement to what we work on together in our PT sessions and can help with pelvic pain, pain with s*x, tailbone pain and urgency and frequency.

For a limited time, you can use the promo code ALEXANDRA1 for a 20% discount on all devices and bundles! Learn more at their website www.intimaterose.com and DM us with any questions.

My instagram has been hacked.

Almost every activity associated with taking care of your baby, from diaper changing to car seats, is done in a forward-leaning position. Coupled with overstretched abdominal and pelvic muscles from pregnancy and delivery, it's not unusual for your lower back to feel painful and tired.

Try these 3 exercises to help strengthen, stretch, and lengthen your lower back and pelvic floor muscles and alleviate your pain.

This problem is so common during pregnancy and postpartum that we made a course about it! Check it out at the link in our bio or go to www.thehealthypelvisproject.com
•
•
•

Don't put off making an appointment to see a pelvic floor PT!

So many men and women are living with uncomfortable and even disruptive pelvic floor dysfunctions symptoms such as incontinence, leaking, and chronic pain. This is your reminder: make an appointment sooner rather than later! Just because it's common, doesn't mean it's
normal.

Both Rachel and I love helping people optimize their core and pelvic health! To book an appointment, click the link in my bio or visit www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor PT near you.
•
•
•
*e *eingyourpants

S*x after childbirth is often (always) different than it was before childbirth.

There can be many reasons why you may not be in the mood emotionally or physically such as a lack of sleep, changes in your relationship, distractions, body image, scar tissue pain, or just a generally low libido. Those who are breastfeeding and have lower estrogen levels may feel even less interested in s*x and will experience increased vaginal dryness and thinning of walls.

If you're ready to explore pleasure and intimacy solo or with your partner, try these 6 tips for having better s*x after birth.
•
•
•
*x *xlife *xeducation *xforeveryone *x

Sometimes, it's more than just the "baby blues."

Even under the best circumstances, up to 90% of women will experience the “baby blues.” It's primarily a response to the hormonal changes of childbirth. You may feel sad, irritable, weepy, or moody, but within the first several weeks after delivery, these feelings should subside. Remember to be patient with yourself!

Approximately 15% of mothers will develop ​postpartum depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder​. Unlike the “baby blues”, these feelings intensify with time and may not go away on their own.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms or having intrusive or unwanted thoughts, please don’t hesitate to seek support.

We cover postpartum mental health more in-depth in my Postpartum Essentials Course! If you'd like to learn more, click the link in my bio to check it out!

Also, head over to Psychology Today and search for pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum therapists in Massachusetts to find a mental health provider near you.
•
•
•

Your pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in your body and can benefit from regular exercise in order to strengthen them.

These muscles help control bowel, bladder, and s*xual function and can sometimes be underactive which means they can’t hold or fully contract when they have to. This makes them incapable of performing proper urinary, bladder, and s*xual functions.

An underactive pelvic floor is most common in women and birthing people who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth due to the immense pressure of the baby and trauma from labor and delivery, as well as people nearing menopause. It's also often seen in those who have experienced prostate cancer treatment or chronic constipation.

Before performing these exercises yourself, I highly encourage you to visit a pelvic floor physical therapist in order to determine the cause of your symptoms. Strengthening your pelvic floor is not a solution for all pelvic floor-related ailments and in some cases can actually do more harm than good.

To learn more or book an appointment, click the link in my bio or visit www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor PT near you.
•
•
•

Did you know that diastasis recti affects over 60% of birthing people?

Diastasis recti is a separation of the re**us abdominis or your abdominal muscles. It's most commonly due to pregnancy but can also result from improper exercise or movements that put excessive pressure on your abs. Common side effects of diastasis recti (DR) are back pain, urinary stress incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you think you may be experiencing DR, I can help! Through gentle and specialized physical therapy, we can work to improve your core strength and control, reduce the length and depth of your gap, improve your pelvic floor's strength and flexibility, and reduce leaking and back pain!

To learn more or book an appointment, click the link in my bio or visit www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor PT near you.
•
•
•

Now that the bun is out, it's time to focus on the oven!

The postpartum period can be one of the most challenging parts of having a baby. It's also one of the least talked about, and many women report feeling unprepared and unaware of what to expect during this time.

That's why my colleague Julianna of and I developed the Postpartum Essentials Course! We wanted to fill the void in access to postpartum healthcare for birthing people so we combined our passions for pelvic health to create a complete virtual guide to healing your body after birth. We talk about the messy stuff and how to manage it!

If you'd like to learn more about what to expect after birth, as well as how to prepare and deal with postpartum challenges, click the link in my bio to learn more and register!
•
•
•

One of the most common scenarios I see in my practice is patients who are treated for a UTI even when urinalysis does not come back positive. A lot of the time, pelvic floor dysfunction is to blame and it's frequently misdiagnosed!

Pelvic floor dysfunction is often overlooked as the cause of several different conditions, most often UTI's, Endometriosis, or Interstitial Cystitis. The symptoms of PFD are very similar to these ailments and typically include the frequent urge to p*e, a burning sensation during urination, pain during s*x, and pressure or pain in the pelvic area.

It never ceases to amaze me how powerful your pelvic floor muscles are and I hope to bring more awareness to issues like these so that my patients can stop suffering and start living pain-free!

Think you may have been misdiagnosed or are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction? DM me and let's chat!
•
•
•

The pelvic floor is one of the least talked about muscle groups in the body but we need them to function in so many ways!

Although they're not often talked about, pelvic floor dysfunction is common with roughly one-quarter of women in the U.S. suffering from it.

If you're curious about what the pelvic floor does exactly, as well as what I can help with as a pelvic floor physical therapist, here are the four S's of Pelvic Floor PT.

To learn more or book an appointment, click the link in my bio or visit www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor PT near you.
•
•
•

Tension in the pelvic floor doesn't equal strength. Often times tight muscles are actually weak. ⁠
⁠
Learning how to lengthen and release excess tension and then working on strengthening can help build a healthy pelvic floor!⁠
⁠
If you're not sure whether your pelvic floor muscles are holding excess tension, a pelvic floor PT can help you figure it out! ⁠
⁠
Signs of this include; difficulty initiating the stream of p*e, pain during in*******se, and straining for a bowel movement.⁠
•
•
•

Pelvic Floor physical therapy can be particularly useful for those in recovery or remission from certain types of cancers.

Those with gynecological cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, men with prostate cancer, as well as anyone with bladder or a**l cancer, are most at risk for experiencing problems with bowel, bladder and/or s*xual function due to treatment.

Primarily, treatment that includes surgery such as tumor removal, a hysterectomy, or removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes can affect pelvic floor function drastically. Chemotherapy and radiation can also impact the pelvic floor by causing fibrosis (hardening) of the pelvic floor muscles which may lead to shortening or narrowing of the vaginal ca**l, incontinence, urgency, pelvic pain, and s*xual dysfunction.

If you've recovered from any of the types of cancers listed here and experience pelvic floor dysfunction or pain, make an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist to develop a treatment plan. Pelvic floor PTs are specifically trained in these specialized muscles and are qualified to help you minimize or eliminate your symptoms and discomfort with gentle therapy.
•
•
•

What should you expect at your first appointment?

Some people can feel awkward when talking about pelvic floor health as it seems like a personal or embarrassing topic, however, I always strive to make sure my patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible!

Your first visit with me will take place one on one in a private treatment room. I will begin by listening to your concerns, determining what brought you in to see me, and asking more about your health history.

Once I have a good understanding of your goals, I'll do an initial assessment. This includes looking at your posture, pelvic alignment, strength and mobility and, with your permission, may include an internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles.

The purpose of the internal examination is to assess the muscle strength, tone and function of your pelvic floor muscles. We will only perform the internal examination with your informed consent and all assessment and treatment can be modified based on your comfort level.

Have additional questions about what an appointment with me is like? Let me know! 👇🏻
•
•
•

You probably know by now that Pelvic Floor PTs can help with a range of issues, especially for those who have had children or are managing pelvic pain. But did you know that we can also help with preparation and recovery from top or bottom surgery?

We are specially trained in normalizing scar mobility post operatively by using manual therapy techniques to reduce discomfort and increase range of motion and mobility. We can also aid in allowing the muscles to function optimally and teach you proper dilator training.

Have questions? DM me and let's chat!
•
•
•

Your pelvis is home to more than just your pelvic floor muscles!

That's right! It's actually comprised of multiple bones and organs that are heavily affected by your pelvic floor muscles and work together to function properly.

That's why pelvic floor physical therapy isn't only beneficial for people suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction or pain, but also those who are experiencing common issues such as constipation, incontinence, pain with s*x, lower back pain, and much more.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's worth making an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist to assess and determine the cause. Pelvic floor PTs are specifically trained in these specialized muscles and are qualified to help you minimize or eliminate your symptoms and discomfort with gentle therapy.
•
•
•

What is nocturia?

Nocturia is a condition that causes you to wake up during the night to urinate. It can be thought of as nocturnal urinary frequency or having to urinate more often at night. If you wake up more than once overnight to p*e, you might be suffering from nocturia.

It can be caused by the inability of your bladder to fully empty or the inability of the bladder to fill completely before developing the urge to urinate (low bladder volume) which can be a result of an enlarged prostate, overactive pelvic floor muscles, a bladder or urinary tract infection, or Interstitial Cystitis.

If you think you may be suffering from nocturia, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help! After conducting an assessment and examination, we can pinpoint the cause of your nocturnal urinary frequency and develop a plan to help alleviate your symptoms.

To learn more or book an appointment, click the link in bio or visit www.pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor PT near you.
•
•
•

Almost every activity associated with taking care of your baby, from diaper changing to car seats, is done in a forward leaning position. Coupled with overstretched abdominal and pelvic muscles from pregnancy and delivery, it's not unusual for your lower back to feel painful and tired.

Normally, these aches and pains are minor and will resolve with rest and proper care, however, prolonged poor posture coupled with poor lifting mechanics can result in muscle strains, herniated disks, or other injuries.

Knowing the best way to carry, lift and feed your baby can help keep your back in its best shape.
•
•
•

Your pelvic floor is a "hammock" of muscles that run from your p***c bone to your tailbone. These muscles help control bowel, bladder and s*xual function. They are under your conscious control meaning you can contract and relax them and you often do so when p*eing or pooping, probably without even realizing.

These muscles can sometimes be underactive which means they are weak and can’t hold or fully contract when they have to. This makes them incapable of performing proper urinary, bladder, and s*xual functions.

An underactive pelvic floor is most common in women and birthing people who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth due to the immense pressure of the baby and trauma from labor and delivery, as well as people nearing menopause. It's also often seen in those who have experienced prostate cancer treatment or chronic constipation.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's worth making an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist to assess your pelvic floor and determine the cause. Pelvic floor PTs are specifically trained in these specialized muscles and are qualified to help you minimize or eliminate your symptoms and discomfort with gentle therapy.
•
•
•
*xualhealth *******se

NO is the answer.

Peeing while coughing or sneezing is a form of stress incontinence: when a person performs a physical action or activity and they unintentionally leak urine. Many people experience this and believe it is completely normal and unavoidable when in reality, there are treatment options available that can help!

Stress incontinence happens when the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and control the urinary sphincter weaken. When this happens, the muscles will be unable to support the bladder and urinary sphincter properly, and urine will leak out.

Everyone can experience stress incontinence, however, it is most common in women and birthing people who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth. Men can experience stress incontinence as well, particularly after prostate removal surgery.

If you experience stress incontinence, consider making an appointment with me or another pelvic floor physical therapist. You don't have to live with the discomfort of leaking p*e and there are ways we can help improve or even eliminate your symptoms!

To find a pelvic floor PT near you, click the link in bio or visit pelvicrehab.com
•
•
•
*e *eingyourpants *ewhenyousneeze

In the age of the internet, it's tempting to try and Google your symptoms and DIY a remedy for them. However, when it comes to your body, it's best to seek expert help!

The pelvic floor is tricky because it's hard to reach and impossible to see. Although you may think you understand the underlying cause of your pain or symptoms, treating it yourself or improperly can cause it to worsen and make recovery more difficult.

Instead, seek out the advice of a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist! In pelvic floor physical therapy, we focus on conditions effecting bowel, bladder and s*xual function. This type of therapy is beneficial for everyone. We aim to restore healthy function through manual therapy techniques, exercise, and muscle re-education.
•
•
•

C-Section scars are much deeper than what you can see on the surface.

A cesarean birth goes through 6 layers of tissue and can cause scar tissue adhesions, which is when the scar sticks to the layers underneath your skin. This can result in postpartum pain and sensitivity which is why massaging your c-section scar is highly recommended.

You can begin scar tissue massage once the scar is closed and the stitches are gone, which is typically 3-6 weeks after the procedure. As the scar is massaged it will become smaller, more elastic, and less tender. It's best to wait until your OBGYN gives you the go ahead. Here's how to do it 👇🏽

First, wash your hands. Make sure your bladder is empty and you are propped up comfortably with pillows for support. You may find that a bath/shower or using a warm compress first to help soften the skin. Try desensitizing the scar by rubbing the scar with a q-tip, cotton ball or washcloth if it's uncomfortable to touch.

There are several ways you can massage the scar tissue: with the grain, against the grain, or rolling. Scar tissue has much less tensile strength than regular tissue and this is because scar tissue forms itself in a haphazard way. If left alone, can be very restrictive and immobile. As the scar is massaged, it will become smaller, more elastic, and less tender as well as prevent any pain with s*x or interference with your ability to p*e.
•
•
•

Tiny Dreaming Tiny Dreaming provides pediatric sleep consulting services for singles & multiples; babies, toddlers & preschoolers, and kids with special needs.

I recently had a patient who went to the ER thinking she had a UTI that had moved to her kidneys due to her experiencing pelvic floor pain and urinary urgency and burning.

An exam revealed excessive tension, trigger points and areas of tenderness throughout the abdominals and pelvic floor.

The patient returned two weeks later with the revelation that she had been clenching her abdominal muscles for years to look thin and when she actually relaxed her abdominal muscles and allowed herself to fully let go and take a deep belly breathe, her symptoms improved by 75%!

Further PT treatment included abdominal, pelvic floor, adductor (inner thigh muscles) trigger point release and down training coupled with yoga and diaphragmatic breathing exercise and use of a pelvic wand.
•
•
•
*******se

Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause lower back pain? Yes!

The pelvic floor is a "hammock" of muscles that run from your p***c bone to your tail bone. In other words, the pelvis and the pelvic floor muscles are key in supporting the lower back. If these muscles are overactive, tension and spasms can transfer pain up and down the lower back. It can often be misdiagnosed simply as lower back pain by doctors who are not aware of the pain referral patterns of the muscles.

So what can you do? Before trying to self-diagnose or correct your possible pelvic floor dysfunction, make an appointment with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist first to confirm the problem as well as develop a plan to address your pain. Pelvic floor PTs are specially trained in these specialized muscles and are qualified to help you minimize or eliminate your pain and discomfort with gentle therapy.
•
•
•