What is Holistic Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Authored by Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness

Holistic pelvic floor physical therapy centers the whole person—not just symptoms. At Bodyful, you can expect deep listening, detailed education, and a consent-based, somatic pelvic therapy approach grounded in trauma-informed care.

This is not rushed care. This is relational, body-aware, cash-based pelvic PT designed to meet you where you are.

Step One: Establishing Reciprocal Relationship

(Trauma-Informed PT Begins Here)

Our one-to-one, private treatment space allows you and your pelvic floor physical therapist to meet energetically, clarify needs and expectations, and decide together whether it feels like the right fit.

For many people seeking trauma-informed pelvic therapy, this step alone can be resourcing. It establishes safety, familiarity, and choice throughout the care plan.

Step Two: Deeply Hearing Your Story

At your first visit, you are given time and presence to be fully heard. This means:

• Honoring what you share

• A thorough review of relevant medical history

• Being witnessed by a grounded physical therapist who is actively resourcing their own nervous system

With a somatic pelvic therapy approach, your lived experience, beliefs, and body history matter. Your story informs both diagnosis and outcomes. This is foundational to trauma-sensitive physical therapy.

Step Three: A Comprehensive Movement Assessment

Physical therapists are movement specialists. Your evaluation includes:

• Postural habits

• Functional movement patterns

• Breathing patterns

• Special tests to rule in or out contributing factors

Pelvic floor symptoms are rarely isolated. Posture, loading patterns, breath holding, and movement patterns all influence pelvic health. A whole-body assessment ensures care is precise and effective.

Step Four: Consent-Based, Hands-On Assessment

Pelvic physical therapists are trained in skilled, hands-on techniques to assess and treat fascial and neuromuscular restrictions.

At Bodyful, therapists are trained in visceral fascial mobilization, so assessment may include the diaphragm, abdomen, and other relevant areas outside the pelvis.

Internal pelvic floor assessment (intravaginal or intrarectal) is optional, never assumed. With informed consent, a pelvic PT may use embodied touch to assess specific pelvic floor muscles and coordination—without stirrups, or rushed pacing.

Consent is ongoing. You can pause, redirect, or stop at any time.

Importantly, many clients receive meaningful improvement without internal work at all. Our training in somatic movement therapy and trauma-informed PT allows us to treat pelvic dysfunction through external, movement-based, and fascial approaches when that feels safer or more appropriate.

Step Five: Detailed, Collaborative Education

Education is a cornerstone of holistic pelvic floor PT.

Once your assessment is complete, your therapist will clearly explain:

• What was found

• What it means for your symptoms

• A realistic plan of care and timeline

Care plans blend skilled manual therapy with individualized somatic movement practices. This is collaborative—you have a voice in pacing, goals, and priorities.

Step Six: A Personalized Movement Plan

You will always leave your first visit with:

• At least one meaningful movement or practice

• Greater clarity about your diagnosis

• Tools you can begin integrating immediately

Research shows that understanding your body and reclaiming agency can begin shifting symptoms—even before physical changes occur.

What Clients Often Experience

Many clients notice meaningful changes within 2–4 visits, though healing timelines vary. What we consistently offer is:

• Trauma-informed physical therapy

• Somatic pelvic therapy grounded in evidence

• Cash-based pelvic PT that prioritizes depth over volume

Clients often describe a new relationship to their pelvis, reduced urgency for “fixes,” and increased curiosity about what their body is communicating.

Curious about our approach to trauma-informed pelvic physical therapy?
Book a free discovery call to learn more.

Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness is a cash-based pelvic floor physical therapy practice located in Oakland, CA.

Live outside the Bay Area? Telehealth services are available for clients in California.