If you’ve ever experienced urinary urgency, leaking pee, constipation, painful sex, or stubborn low back and hip pain, you’re not alone. According to Dr. Kayla Borchers, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor health expert, these are all signs your pelvic floor could be calling for attention.
Episode 06 | Holistically Well Podcast: When Should I See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist?
In the most recent episode of The Holistically Well Podcast, Dr. Kayla tackles the question too many women don’t even realize they should be asking:
“What is a pelvic floor physical therapist, and when should I see one?”
Spoiler alert: it’s not just for postpartum moms.
Prefer to listen or watch? Listen in on the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast available on your favorite platform!
🎧 Holistically Well Podcast on Apple
🎙️ Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify
💻 Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, uterus, rectum, spine, and hips. They play a crucial role in your everyday functioning—from urination and bowel movements to sexual activity and core strength.
“Most women don’t realize how deeply connected the pelvic floor is to their overall well-being,” says Dr. Kayla. “We’re talking about everything from leaking with laughter to recurring tailbone pain.”
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Actually Do?
A pelvic floor physical therapist (PT) is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy who has undergone advanced training to assess and treat the muscles, fascia, and nerves of the pelvic floor. Unlike traditional PTs, pelvic floor specialists are trained to:
- Evaluate internal and external pelvic structures
- Address core coordination and breathing patterns
- Treat chronic issues like incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain
Dr. Kayla emphasizes a holistic approach. “It’s not just about doing more Kegels,” she shares. “In fact, I’ve never once prescribed Kegels. Most of my patients are dealing with muscles that are already too tight—what they need is better coordination and the ability to relax.”
Common Signs You Should See a Pelvic Floor PT
- Leaking pee (with coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping)
- Pain with sex, tampon insertion, or pelvic exams
- Chronic constipation or urgency
- Tailbone or low back pain that won’t go away
- Core weakness or diastasis recti
- Orthopedic pain of the hip, SI joint, or pelvic girdle pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse or feelings of pressure
- Frequent nighttime urination (more than once per night)
What’s Normal When It Comes to Peeing?
Here’s what Dr. Kayla Borchers wants every woman to know:
- Peeing 6–8 times in 24 hours is considered normal
- Going every 2–3 waking hours is ideal
- Waking up once or not at all at night to pee is expected
- Urine stream should last 8–12 seconds
- There should be no leakage during physical activity
“If you’re peeing ‘just in case’ every hour, that’s a sign of bladder dysfunction—not prevention,” she says. “And we see this behavior start young, often because we’ve been told to use the restroom ‘just in case’ before leaving the house.”
Why Education Around the Pelvic Floor Matters
Dr. Kayla Borchers takes pride in meeting patients where they are, offering evidence-based treatment that doesn’t rely on outdated advice or one-size-fits-all exercises. She helps women reclaim their confidence, strength, and connection to their bodies—on their terms.
Whether you’re preconception, pregnant, postpartum, perimenopausal, or simply tired of peeing your pants when you laugh, it might be time to get curious about your pelvic floor.
At Holistically Well, we provide personalized orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapy, available both in-person and virtually, to support women on their long-term health journey. Our aim is to go beyond symptom management to guide you toward lasting healing and optimal health.
Not sure if you need to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy for your pelvic pain? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kayla or Dr. Lauren. We’ll talk through your questions, your goals, and how we can support your healing journey, whether it’s centered on recovery, fertility, or your overall well-being.
✨ Book your complimentary consult. No Kegels necessary.
