FAQ
Common Pelvic Floor PT Appointment Questions
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Your first physical therapy visit will include a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation, (which may include an internal pelvic floor examination if appropriate), functional movement assessment, hands-on treatment, education about your condition and an initial home program with self treatment strategies to help you continue to make progress at home.
After your evaluation we will focus on a treatment plan that is realistic and fits in your life. Your follow up visits will include a cohesive and customized combination of manual therapy techniques, corrective exercises, functional movement training, and self treatment strategies.
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Expecting Pelvic Health, LLC is an Out-of-Network (OON) Provider for all insurance companies and we are not preferred providers for any insurance plan.
Payment is due at the time of service by check or cash preferred or by credit card, HSA debit cards. Check with your insurance company for out-of-network and home based physical therapy coverage.
We will provide the appropriate documentation needed for you to pursue billing directly through your insurance company. Physical Therapy services do qualify for Health Care Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Please contact your insurance company to inquire about your Out-of-Network benefits.
Virtual wellness visits outside of NH or ME, are not eligible for insurance reimbursement, as they are NOT Physical Therapy.
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The traditional insurance model prevents us from giving you the best possible treatment. The Out-of-Network provider structure allows us to provide you with patient focused, quality based, and highly personalized care.
You will have your therapist’s undivided attention, never have treatment by aides or assistants and you will never have any surprise bills for services.
Your therapist will be accessible to you in between your sessions for communication and will provide you with education and resources to manage your condition with confidence in between your visits.
As a result, most of our clients are seen for as few as 1-3 visits per month. This model ultimately results in fewer visits, faster outcomes, and decreased overall cost of co-pays and unnecessary visits.
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No. New Hampshire & Maine are direct access states meaning you do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy. However, some insurance companies require a referral to approve reimbursement to you for PT services.
Virtual wellness visits for clients outside of NH & ME are NOT considered Physical Therapy and as such do not need a referral.
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Expecting Pelvic Health, LLC accepts cash, check, Venmo, debit or credit card at the time of service. Physical therapy services do qualify for Health Care Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
You will be expected to keep a credit card on file for purposes of late cancellations or no show appointments.
If you plan to submit to your insurance for office or home visits, you will be given a super bill which has all of the codes and information needed for reimbursement.
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As of January 1, 2025 the fees are as follows:
Home Visits
90 minute initial home visit is $335
60 minute follow up home visit is $225
For any appointments located more than 30 minutes from Durham, NH, an additional fee of $25 will be applied for each subsequent 15 minutes of travel time.
Virtual Visits
60 minute virtual visit is $180
30 minute virtual visit/consult call is $100
Please feel free to reach out to us at ryan@expectingpelvichealth.com with questions.
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Your appointment time has been reserved exclusively for you; any change in appointments greatly impacts your healing progress and availability for other clients.
In the event of an appointment cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged 50% of the cost of the missed appointment.
Since life and illness happens (especially as a mom) you get one free pass to a late cancellation.
In the event you do not attend your session and do not notify our office, you will be charged for your full session.
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You are welcome to wear whatever you would like, however it is ideal if you wear clothing that I can see the shape of your body, can be easily removed or shifted, stretches, is comfort and you can easily move in.
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Dr. Bailey business hours are T-Th from 9-3 ET.
Dr. Bailey is also a full time mom and tries her best to respond within a timely manner to emails, calls and Facebook/Instagram messages outside of normal business hours.
Common Pelvic Floor Questions for Pregnancy
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Your pelvic floor supports your growing baby, bladder, bowel, and uterus. It also helps manage bladder and bowel control and contributes to core stability.
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Pregnancy adds extra pressure on your pelvic floor, leading to potential issues like bladder leakage, heaviness, or discomfort due to the extra weight and hormonal changes.
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Yes! Pelvic floor exercises, when done correctly, are safe and recommended to maintain muscle strength and prevent dysfunction during pregnancy.
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Stay active, perform regular pelvic floor exercises, avoid constipation, and practice good posture. Seeing a pelvic floor therapist for personalized guidance is also helpful.
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Common signs include leaking urine, feeling heaviness or bulging in the vaginal area, or experiencing pain in the pelvis, hips, or lower back.
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You can start pelvic floor exercises at any time during pregnancy, but it’s never too late to begin, even if you're close to delivery. The goal and style of the pelvic floor exercise will change, though, depending on when you start.
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Absolutely! Pelvic floor therapy can relieve common pregnancy pains such as pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and lower back discomfort.
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Yes! Regular pelvic floor exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine can help reduce leakage.
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Pregnancy stretches and weakens the pelvic floor, which can increase the risk of tearing, but strengthening and preparing the muscles through therapy can help reduce this risk.
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Yes, straining with constipation puts additional pressure on your pelvic floor, which can weaken it and increase the risk of issues like prolapse or hemorrhoids.
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Healthy weight gain is normal, but excessive weight can put added strain on your pelvic floor, leading to symptoms like leaking or discomfort.
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Yes, many women experience this as their pregnancy progresses, but it’s important to monitor these symptoms with your healthcare provider or pelvic therapist to rule out pelvic organ prolapse.
Common Pelvic Floor Questions for Birth Prep
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Prepare with pelvic floor exercises to keep your muscles strong but also learn how to relax them for labor. Perineal massage and breathing techniques are also great tools.
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Yes! Pelvic floor exercises that focus on both strengthening and relaxing improve muscle awareness and pliability, which can help with pushing and overall birth recovery.
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Perineal massage involves gently stretching the perineum to prepare for delivery, which may help reduce the risk of tearing. It’s typically recommed you start around 34 weeks of pregnancy, however a pelvic PT may suggest you start sooner based on your needs.
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Kegels are helpful for muscle strength and awareness, but as you get closer to labor, it's crucial to focus on relaxation rather than just strengthening.
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Absolutely! A pelvic floor therapist can teach you how to relax the muscles during labor and prepare your body for a smoother birth.
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An epidural can numb the area, making it harder to feel the urge to push. Practicing awareness of your pelvic floor beforehand can help you work with your body during delivery.
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While a C-section avoids vaginal tearing, your pelvic floor can still be affected by pregnancy's pressure, so pelvic floor rehab is still important post-birth.
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Your pelvic floor helps guide your baby’s descent, so learning to relax and open those muscles during pushing can make the process easier and reduce trauma.
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Prolapse is less common during delivery itself but can develop postpartum. Taking care of your pelvic floor before, during, and after birth can help reduce the risk.
Common Pelvic Floor Questions for New Moms
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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowels. After childbirth, these muscles can weaken or stretch, leading to issues like leaking or pelvic discomfort. Supporting your pelvic floor is key to healing and avoiding long-term problems.
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Healing time varies, but generally, the pelvic floor begins to recover in the first 6 weeks postpartum. However, it can take months, especially if you’ve experienced tearing or other trauma. Consistent care, like pelvic floor exercises, can speed up your recovery.
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Yes, leaking is common after childbirth, but it’s not normal after 6 weeks. This is a sign that your pelvic floor needs attention. With the right exercises and guidance, you can regain control and prevent long-term issues.
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Signs of a weak pelvic floor include leaking when you laugh, cough, or sneeze, pelvic pressure, or difficulty holding in gas or stool. If you're experiencing these symptoms, pelvic floor therapy can help restore your strength.
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Prolapse happens when pelvic organs drop due to weakened support. You may feel pressure, a bulge, or heaviness in your vagina. You can reduce your risk with proper breathing, avoiding strain, and strengthening your pelvic floor postpartum.
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It's best to wait until your 6-week postpartum check-up before resuming exercise. However, gentle pelvic floor exercises, like diaphragmatic breathing, can start sooner. Once cleared, focus on low-impact activities and slowly build up.
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Kegels can help, but they’re not the only solution. Over-reliance on Kegels can actually cause tension. A balanced approach, focusing on both strengthening and relaxing your pelvic floor, as well as coordinating with your whole body, is more effective.
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Pain during sex is common but shouldn’t be ignored. It could be due to scar tissue, tightness, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Working with a pelvic floor therapist can help release tension, soften scar tissue, and restore comfort.
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Yes, many women successfully have vaginal births after a tear. With the right preparation—like targeted pelvic floor exercises and relaxation techniques—you can reduce the risk of tearing again and have a smoother recovery.
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Ideally, you should see a pelvic floor therapist at 6 weeks postpartum or sooner if you have concerns. Early intervention can help prevent long-term issues like incontinence or prolapse.
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Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich cooked foods, and consider using a stool softener if necessary. When going to the bathroom, use a stool under your feet to align your pelvis and avoid pushing hard.
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Yes, but be mindful of your body mechanics. Use proper lifting techniques, engage your core, and exhale when lifting to protect your pelvic floor and prevent strain.
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Untreated pelvic floor issues can lead to long-term complications like incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or chronic pain. Addressing problems early with physical therapy can improve your quality of life and prevent more serious issues down the road.
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Breastfeeding keeps estrogen levels lower, which can cause vaginal dryness and slower healing for some moms. It’s important to stay hydrated, focus on nutrition, and work with a pelvic floor therapist to support your recovery.
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Your core and pelvic floor work together, and strengthening one supports the other. Start with gentle core exercises that focus on deep breathing and gradual activation of your lower abs. Avoid crunches or sit-ups early on, as they can put too much pressure on your pelvic floor.