Where, Oh Where, Is My Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist?

You have decided that you want to pursue some care for your pelvic floor problems, whether it is leaky bladder, erectile dysfunction, or pain. But how do you find a physical therapist (PT) that specializes in the pelvic floor? First of all, I applaud you for seeking care! Yay, you! Now, let’s get started with how to go about finding a PT.

First, ask your doctor for suggestions

First, ask your doctor. Start with your urologist or surgeon, and find out if they work regularly with someone. Yes? Well then, thank your lucky stars and call them up for an appointment.

If you get a blank look and shoulder shrug, don’t dismay! This just means we will put on our detective hat and start looking.

How to find a pelvic floor PT on your own

I want to start with how to locate a pelvic floor PT, and then I will get into questions to ask and how to know if this is the right PT. If you would like to find a pelvic floor PT, try one or all of these methods:

• Google "Pelvic floor PT near me."
• Look at local hospitals' outpatient PT departments to find out if they list pelvic health as a specialty.
• Look at regional specialty hospitals' PT departments to find out if they list pelvic health as a specialty.
• Ask an in-person or online support group if anyone in your area has a recommendation.

Looking for a reputable provider

Another option is to look for a specific provider. These organizations offer great resources to find PTs specialized in pelvic floor:

• Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
• Global Pelvic Health Alliance
• International Pelvic Pain Society

Questions to ask when looking for a PT

Next, let’s start calling these places. Start with the one closest to you just for convenience. Here are the questions to ask the person who answers the phone:

1. Tell them how you found them. "I found your PT listed on the APTA pelvic health site, so I believe that you treat pelvic floor issues. Is this true?" If yes, then . . .
2. Ask about treating your specific condition. "Do you treat men with pelvic health issues?" You may want to be more specific here, such as listing your concern (post-prostatectomy incontinence). If yes, then . . .
3. Get more information about first appointment logistics. "Do I need a referral from my doctor?"
4. Ask about insurance coverage. "Do you take my insurance? Do I need to contact my insurance for benefits, or do you?"
5. Set up an appointment.

You may need to drive some distance and pay out of pocket

There is some good news and some bad news. Let’s start with the bad.

You may need to make several of these phone calls to find a place that answers yes to at least the first two questions. Sadly, we do not have enough PTs who have chosen to specialize in pelvic health, so you may have to do some searching. You may have to drive a distance.

You also may have to pay out of pocket and then submit to your insurance for reimbursement, depending on the type of practice it is. Some PTs choose to be out of network so they can provide more individualized care and avoid dealing with insurance.

Pelvic floor PT can make a huge difference

Now here is the good.

Pelvic PT for post-prostatectomy incontinence usually requires only a few visits. You should learn a lot and be able to do the majority of your exercises at home! Many of my patients express extreme gratitude and tell me that PT has made a huge difference in their speed of recovery.

Wishing you well on your search for your PT!