Frequently Asked Questions

What is pelvic floor physical therapy? And who is it for?

First, let’s start with the question: What even is the pelvic floor? Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a supportive sling at the bottom of your pelvis—your “down there” area. It plays an important role in bladder and bowel function, sexual function, core and postural support, and more.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialty focused on evaluating and treating problems involving the pelvic floor and the surrounding areas of the body. Unfortunately, pelvic floor concerns often go undiagnosed or undertreated because they can feel uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to talk about. But the less we talk about these problems, the more isolating they can feel. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common—and it can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, whether or not they have been pregnant or given birth. But common does not mean normal, and you do not have to simply live with symptoms that are affecting your life.

Pelvic floor PT may be helpful for people experiencing:

Abdominal, pelvic, or genital pain, burning, or discomfort
Urinary or fecal leaking
Urinary frequency or urgency
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowel
Sexual pain or dysfunction Pelvic floor or core weakness
A feeling of pelvic pressure, heaviness, or “something isn’t right”
Changes that leave you feeling “not like yourself”

Pelvic floor physical therapy also extends beyond the pelvic floor itself. Treatment may be appropriate for certain abdominal, hip, low back, sacroiliac, or tailbone concerns, as well as movement and postural dysfunction. Because the body is interconnected, pelvic floor function can also be relevant to symptoms in other areas—including, in some cases, the jaw.

If something feels different, uncomfortable, or just not like you, it is worth talking about.

Do you treat males or patients with male anatomy?

Not at this time—but stay tuned!

If you are looking for pelvic health care and need support now, there are other specialists in the Anchorage area who have the training and experience to help. If you need help finding the right provider, feel free to reach out.

Will I see multiple therapists?

Nope! You’ll work exclusively with Dr. Morgan.

Her work as a solo practitioner allows you to have consistency and continuity throughout your care—from your first evaluation through your final visit.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can call to schedule your evaluation directly.

You do not need to obtain a referral from your physician before beginning physical therapy. If you would like your physician or other healthcare provider to be kept in the loop, notes can be shared with them at your request.

That means one less appointment to schedule and one less hoop to jump through before getting started.

How long are appointments?

Physical therapy appointments are approximately 50–60 minutes.

Your visit will be focused on your individual needs, with time built in at the end of each session to answer questions, review your home program, and make sure you know what comes next.

How do I schedule?

Physical therapy appointments are scheduled by phone.

Call [PHONE NUMBER] to schedule your evaluation, or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. Dr. Morgan will return calls as quickly as possible, with a goal of returning all calls within 48 hours.

You can register for group classes online.

Is an internal exam required?

No it is not required, but may be suggested.

Internal pelvic floor exams are extremely beneficial and often recommended in order to determine how these tissues are functioning and contributing to symptoms, however, it is not necessary to have an internal exam to be treated. All exam and treatment techniques will only be performed with express informed consent.

I’ve tried physical therapy before and it hasn’t worked. Will this be any different?

It certainly could be.

Every physical therapist has a different approach, and sometimes finding the right provider, treatment style, and plan makes all the difference.

As a solo practitioner, Dr. Morgan has the flexibility to approach your care as an individual—not simply as a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. She takes the time to understand the whole picture and works with you to determine what approaches make sense for your goals.

You are an active participant in your care, not just someone following a treatment plan. Dr. Morgan will explain the “why” behind recommendations, talk through the “why nots,” and help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions about your own body.

And if something isn’t working? You don’t have to keep doing it just because it was the original plan. Your care can change as you learn more about your body and what works for you.

The goal isn’t to force you into someone else’s idea of what physical therapy should look like. It’s to work together to find an approach that makes sense for you.