Pelvic Floor Therapy in Tampa, FL
Your Pelvic Floor Deserves More Than Just Kegels
Pelvic floor dysfunction can show up in many ways- leaks, pain, pressure, constipation, or just feeling like something isn’t right. While these symptoms are common, they’re not normal, and they’re treatable.
At Intuitive Therapies & Pelvic Health, we take a whole-body, personalized approach to pelvic floor therapy, helping you feel strong, supported, and confident again.
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, fascia, and nerves at the base of your pelvis. It supports your organs, controls bladder and bowel function, and plays a vital role in core stability and sexual health.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
1. Urinary leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise
2. Strong urgency or frequency (going more than 8 times per day)
3. Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels completely
4. Constipation or straining to have a bowel movement
5. Painful sex, tampon use, or pelvic exams
6. Pelvic pressure or heaviness (prolapse symptoms)
7. Tailbone, hip, or low back pain
Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t just about being “too tight” or “too weak.” In reality, many people have a combination of both, where their muscles are overactive (holding tension) but also underactive (unable to generate full strength).
1.) Overactive (Tight) Pelvic Floor
When your pelvic floor muscles are in a state of constant tension or guarding, they become less effective at their jobs. This is called “overactivity” or hypertonicity.
Signs of an overactive pelvic floor:
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Painful sex, tampon use, or pelvic exams
Urinary urgency, frequency, or incomplete emptying
Constipation or straining with bowel movements
Difficulty initiating urination or defecation
2.) Overactive (Tight) Pelvic Floor
When your pelvic floor muscles lack strength or endurance, they may not provide adequate support to your pelvic organs, leading to symptoms of instability.
Signs of an underactive pelvic floor:
Bladder leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise
Heaviness or bulging sensations (prolapse symptoms)
Feeling of “falling out” or pressure in the pelvic area
Difficulty controlling gas or stool
3.) Mixed Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (Tight and Weak)
Many people have pelvic floors that are both tight and weak at the same time. The muscles hold chronic tension and cannot fully relax, but they also lack true strength, coordination, or endurance when needed.
Signs of mixed dysfunction:
A combination of pain, leaks, urgency, or heaviness
Feeling “clenched” or unable to fully relax
Trouble generating power or stability during movement
4.) Poor Coordination
Your pelvic floor muscles need to work in coordination with your diaphragm, core, and hips. Poor timing or recruitment patterns can lead to symptoms even if the muscles are strong and flexible.
Signs of poor coordination:
Leaking despite doing Kegels
Bearing down instead of lifting during pelvic floor contractions
Difficulty connecting breath with pelvic floor and core activation
Why This Matters for Treatment
At Intuitive Therapies & Pelvic Health, we don’t just prescribe Kegels for everyone. Your pelvic floor needs to be able to:
Relax fully
Contract effectively
Coordinate with breath and movement
Your treatment plan will focus on restoring mobility, strength, and coordination to help your pelvic floor function optimally in your daily life.
What Contributes to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just happen in isolation. Many factors can contribute to the muscles becoming overactive, underactive, or poorly coordinated, including:
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Vaginal delivery, especially with tearing or episiotomy
Cesarean birth and abdominal scarring
Instrument-assisted deliveries (forceps, vacuum)
Prolonged pushing or rapid births
Chronic Postural Patterns
Rib flares or “open scissors” posture
Anterior pelvic tilt or swayback
Poor core engagement strategies
Breathing Patterns
Shallow breathing
Breath holding with movement or exertion
Lack of diaphragmatic breathing coordination with the pelvic floor
High Impact Activities
Heavy lifting without proper pressure management
High-impact exercise without pelvic floor control
Injury or Surgery
Abdominal or pelvic surgeries (C-section, hysterectomy, laparoscopy)
Orthopedic injuries affecting alignment or gait
Chronic Constipation or Straining
Frequent straining increases pelvic pressure over time
Hormonal Changes
Menopause-related tissue changes
Postpartum hormonal shifts
Trauma & Stress
Sexual trauma or injury
Emotional stress leading to pelvic floor guarding and tension
Hypermobile Connective Tissue Disorders
Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) can cause joint laxity, pelvic instability, and compensatory muscle tension.
Nervous System Dysregulation
Conditions like POTS, MCAS, or chronic pain syndromes can increase pelvic floor tension due to heightened nervous system sensitivity.
Why Identifying Causes Matters
Understanding what contributes to your pelvic floor dysfunction helps us treat the root causes, not just symptoms. Your therapy plan will address these contributing factors with:
Manual therapy
Breathwork and nervous system regulation
Movement and core retraining
Lifestyle and toileting strategies
Our Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy
At Intuitive Therapies & Pelvic Health, we go beyond just teaching Kegels. Your care will include:
Comprehensive Whole-Body Assessment
We evaluate your breathing patterns, posture, alignment, fascial mobility, and pelvic floor function to identify all contributing factors.
Manual Therapy & Release Work
Using myofascial release, Graston Technique, and visceral mobilization, we address tension and restrictions impacting your pelvic floor.
Functional Movement & Core Retraining
Learn how to integrate pelvic floor and core activation into real-life movements like lifting, squatting, and carrying kids.
Nervous System Regulation
Pelvic floor dysfunction is closely tied to the nervous system. We incorporate breathwork, somatic practices, and trauma-informed care to create a safe healing environment.
Personalized Home Program
We provide realistic, effective exercises and strategies to support your progress between sessions.
Why Choose Intuitive Therapies & Pelvic Health?
Dr. Nicole Woodruff, OTR/L, PCES, GTS, RYT, specializes in pelvic health, hypermobility, and chronic conditions. Her approach combines manual therapy, functional movement, and holistic wellness to address the root causes of dysfunction, not just symptoms
Client Success Story
“I thought I’d have to live with bladder leaks forever. Working with Nicole helped me reconnect with my pelvic floor and regain my confidence.”
– Client, Tampa, FL
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable. Let’s create a plan that works for your body and life.
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