Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Oakland, CA
Effective pelvic PT. Work with a pelvic physical therapist. Practice a somatic approach to movement.
Pelvic symptoms are common and treatable.
We offer pelvic floor PT services in Oakland, CA for all self-identified genders, and anyone may benefit from learning how to relax and coordinate their pelvic floor with movement.
Pelvic pain treatment and relief.
Do you experience hip and pelvic pain?
Do you have lower back and groin pain or chronic SI joint pain?
Do you get pelvic muscle spasms?
Are you afraid you are causing damage when you experience pelvic pain?
Are you afraid the pain will get worse?
Have you been told surgery and medication are the only options?
What A Pelvic Floor PT Care Plan Can Be Like With Bodyful:
If your therapist determines you are appropriate for pelvic floor physical therapy, you can expect meaningful results within six visits over a three-month timeline.
If you need additional support, you and your therapist will know within the first four weeks of working together.
We are trained to guide you toward appropriate care outside of PT when necessary to improve outcomes.
Unlike surgery or medication, there are no adverse risks with physical therapy. The doctors of physical therapy at Bodyful PT are licensed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. This means we meet national standards to:
triage your complaints
screen for symptoms not primarily muscular or functional
refer you to your medical doctor when needed
determine your prognosis and plan of care
Your physical therapist is also happy to help you find a trusted psychotherapist.
What Are The Options For Long Term Pelvic PT Care?
If you need ongoing support beyond three months, we may offer hands-on modalities at a reduced fee.
Virtual pelvic floor therapy is always an option, too.
You and your therapist can discuss flexible, long-term care options that best support your goals.
How Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy May Prepare Pregnant Bodies For Labor and Delivery
Is this your first pregnancy and are you afraid to give birth?
During pregnancy, pelvic floor muscle training can prepare your body for the stretch and pressure of active labor and pushing.
Diaphragmatic breathing resources can support:
your nervous system during labor
early postpartum recovery
Prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy can also help decrease risk for:
urinary incontinence
fecal incontinence
pelvic organ prolapse
pain with sex
We may use biofeedback to guide you in labor positions, breathing strategies, relaxation, and pelvic floor stretching.
If you are pregnant, we can practice all of the above together, within 2-4 visits before delivery.
Questions? Call us!
Postpartum Physical Therapy
Did you have a birth injuries?
Are you experiencing prolapse, leaking urine, lower back pain, tailbone pain, joint pain, knee pain, or pubic symphysis pain?
Options Weeks or Years After Delivery
We offer postpartum PT to reduce pelvic symptoms, strengthen postural muscles, mobilize scars, and rehabilitate the pelvic floor—even if you did not have a vaginal birth.
We typically recommend six visits within three months for postpartum rehabilitation.
We can help you integrate pelvic health into your busy life.
Bladder Symptoms
Have you been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis?
Do you want to know the causes of your bladder spasms?
Are you afraid or anxious to leave the house if there will not be easy access to a bathroom?
Do you struggle with bladder control issues?
Do you leak urine while jumping or running?
Do you leak urine when you are running to the bathroom?
How many visits?
If you are appropriate for pelvic PT, we may suggest a three-month commitment with capacity for daily home practice.
Frequency of visits varies per person’s needs.
Long Term Pelvic PT for Bladder Symptoms
If symptoms persist after three months, we may offer reduced rate visits for therapeutic exercises and manual therapy, scheduled every other week, or monthly, until you are content with your bladder function.
Pelvic floor therapy for painful sex
We offer pelvic floor PT and coaching for vaginismus, “hitting a wall” during sex, fear of penetration, or difficulty tolerating tampons or pelvic exams.
Virtual Pelvic Floor Therapy available.
We screen for dermatological, hormonal, inflammatory, and psychological contributors, and we can provide outside referrals to complement your treatment.
Expect a commitment of at least six visits within three months.
Your pelvic PT may also discuss options for virtual coaching, manual therapy, biofeedback, pelvic floor relaxation, and hip stretches.
If you are not ready for internal pelvic therapy, consider starting with somatic movement play and embodied touch wellness services.
Bowel Symptoms
Do you experience constipation or abdominal bloating?
Are bowel movements painful?
How We May Work Together
Breathing
Posture work
Core muscle training with pelvic floor coordination
Biofeedback as needed
How Many Visits?
Significant progress often occurs within six visits over three months, especially with commitment to your home practice.
Post-Surgical Pelvic Floor PT
Have you had abdominal or pelvic surgeries?
We provide trauma-sensitive, psychologically informed manual therapy to mobilize scars, improve function, and decrease pain.
Expect up to six visits within three months to experience significant improvement, supported by a home practice program.
Pelvic pain Treatment and Somatic Support
Breathing
Posture training
Hip strengthening
Virtual Pelvic Floor Therapy available.
Somatically supported therapeutic exercise program for established clients at a reduced rate.
Pelvic PT for transgender care
We offer skillful, competent, compassionate pelvic PT for transgender and gender-expansive clients.
Virtual Pelvic Floor Therapy available
We provide scar mobilization support, pain management resources, and coordination with your healthcare team for integrative, evidence-based care.
Frequently Asked Questions | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
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We are a cash-based pelvic floor physical therapy practice and are out-of-network with all insurance providers.
We can provide a monthly superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly.
We accept HSA and FSA.
Due to federal law, we are unable to work with patients using Medicare or Medi-Cal/Medicaid.
Ask us about our wellness services if this applies to you. -
You do not need to cancel. If you’re able to come in, we recommend keeping your appointment.
Pelvic therapy can help with cramping and discomfort, and internal work is still appropriate during your period.
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No. You do not need a prescription for a physical therapy evaluation in the state of California.
You may be seen for up to 12 visits or 45 days (whichever comes first). After that, a signed plan of care from an MD or DO is required.
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Call the toll-free customer service number on your insurance card.
Choose the option to speak with a live representative, not an automated system.Ask them to quote your OUTPATIENT, OUT-OF-NETWORK Physical Therapy benefits.
You may be asked for CPT codes:
97163, 97112, 97140, 97530, 97110 -
It depends. Every brain and body has a different history and responds differently to pelvic physical therapy.
Expect at least six visits over a three-month period with your pelvic PT.
Part of our role is to provide coaching, medical triage, and guidance if additional care outside of pelvic floor PT is appropriate.
Consider us part of your healthcare team. -
Appointments require 48 hours’ notice for cancellation.
Because your session time is reserved for you, a 50% fee will be charged if you cancel outside of the 48-hour window.
This fee is waived if you are able to reschedule within two weeks of your original appointment (subject to therapist availability).
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Your pelvic floor is a dynamic, spiraling, and fluid support system made up of muscles, ligaments, fascia, and fat. It moves and adapts within the pelvic space.
Your pelvis is your core.
The pelvic floor supports urinary, bowel, and sexual function, and also contributes to the support of your hips, sacrum, and low back. -
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialization of orthopedic physical therapy.
The therapists at Bodyful are pelvic health experts. Dr. Maryssa is a board-certified pelvic specialist, and both therapists have thousands of hours of clinical experience in pelvic floor care, including internal pelvic floor therapy.
Your embodied consent is a prerequisite for internal pelvic floor work.
Your pelvic PT will also tell you if internal therapy is appropriate for you. -
Please see our blog on internal pelvic floor therapy for more detail.
Internal pelvic floor therapy does not pathologize or determine what is “wrong” with you. Many clients are surprised by how comfortable, empowering, and demystifying this work can feel.
We attune to your signs of perceived safety.
Internal pelvic work is offered gently, slowly, and with lubrication, using a gloved finger.
Depending on your symptoms, this may be vaginal or rectal.The intention is to support pelvic floor awareness and integrate pelvic consciousness with breath and core support.
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Please see our blogs on Bodyful’s somatic pelvic physical therapy approach.
A somatic approach uses skillful, compassionate inquiry to support connection to body awareness. If you have a history of trauma, this awareness is cared for slowly, gently, and with presence.
Somatic work is a container for being fully present with yourself.
The therapeutic alliance with your pelvic PT becomes part of the healing process. -
We work with a wide range of pelvic health concerns, including:
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Pelvic pain
Low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, SI joint dysfunction, pubic symphysis pain, or tailbone pain
Pregnancy-related aches and pains
Birth preparation and postpartum recovery
Pain with penetrative sex
Leaking during exercise
Pelvic heaviness
Endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, menstrual cramping
Diastasis recti
Gut and bowel transit issues
Penis-bodied pelvic health concerns, including testicular pain, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or pain with ejaculation
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Yes. We treat the whole body as an integrated movement system.
Movement is interconnected with neurological, visceral, and fascial systems. The pelvis is central—your center of mass, home to vital organs, and rich in nervous system activity.
Foot pain may be related to pelvic dysfunction.
Jaw or neck pain may be connected to pelvic floor tension patterns. -
We are located at 2929 Summit Street, Suite 208, Oakland, CA.
Two-hour metered street parking is available nearby.
Unfortunately, there are no designated accessible parking spots directly in front of the building. -
Home visits may be an option if appropriate for your care.
An additional fee applies based on mileage and time.Please reach out to discuss details.
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