Pelvic Floor Therapy Check

You’ve just given birth, and now you might be feeling something “down there,” wondering how your scar is healing, thinking what if you have pain with intercourse, or just curious about how your body is recovering overall. No matter what you are experiencing, one thing is certain: pelvic floor therapy can help you understand and support your body’s healing after birth.

If you’ve ever wondered what pelvic floor therapy is or wanted to learn more, this guide is for you. We’re here to demystify postpartum symptoms and guide you toward optimal recovery. Read on to learn what to expect during your first session and the top 8 areas we screen for.

A Quality Initial Pelvic Floor Therapy Session Has Three Main Phases

Phase 1: Your Story (Subjective Assessment)

This phase is all about you. You’ll share your birth story, postpartum experience, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Your therapist will ask targeted questions about bowel, bladder, and sexual health to assess for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and to form a hypothesis about what may be contributing to your symptoms.

The top 8 areas we typically screen for, in addition to the symptoms you’re experiencing, include:
1. Emotional experience from birth – your feelings and mental well-being
2. Scar assessments – whether C-section or vaginal
3. Diastasis recti – separation of the abdominal muscles
4. Core strength
5. Prolapse – bladder, uterine, or rectal
6. Pelvic floor strength and coordination
7. Return to intimacy – sexual health and comfort
8. Return to fitness – goals for exercise and physical activity

You’ll also discuss your personal goals, whether that’s returning to a specific workout, rebuilding intimacy, reducing symptoms so you can comfortably hold your baby, or simply improving your quality of life.

Phase 2: Assessment (Objective Evaluation)

The assessment phase includes both movement screens and hands-on evaluations, divided into external and internal assessments.

External assessment: Your therapist will observe how your body moves during daily activities with your baby, such as breastfeeding, picking up and putting down your baby, lifting them into a car seat, and rocking or soothing them. We look for holding patterns that can cause aches, tension, leaking, or your symptoms.

We may also screen for:

• Diastasis recti and core activation
• Breathing mechanics
• Hip range of motion
• Muscle tension in the back, inner thighs, and glutes
• Scar and fascial integrity, including abdominal massage and C-section scar assessment

Internal assessment: Typically performed around week 6 postpartum, an internal pelvic floor assessment is always optional but can provide insight into your recovery.

During this assessment, one finger may be gently inserted into the vaginal opening above the perineal body to assess tissue healing, strength, and coordination. You may feel sensations such as burning, achiness, or rawness, which are normal due to tissue recovery or low estrogen levels. The goal is to map any tender areas and support your body in regaining proper function.

Phase 3: Summary & Plan

At the end of your session, your therapist will summarize findings and outline a plan for next steps. This may include:

• Exercises or techniques to start immediately
• Areas to explore in future sessions
• Guidance for gradual return to fitness and intimacy

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy is Essential Postpartum

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, an initial pelvic floor therapy session is valuable for supporting your recovery. We assess all aspects of your postpartum body to ensure you can heal safely, regain strength, and feel confident in your body again.

Remember: you are not alone in this postpartum journey. Pelvic floor therapists are here to help you reconnect with your body, restore strength, and support your overall well-being.