Q: What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

A: Skilled, specialized pelvic floor physical therapy addresses several aspects of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles can present as weak, tight, asymmetrical between sides, or difficulty initiating a contraction. In our clinical practice, we integrate several styles of manual therapy, corrective exercise, biofeedback, yoga, and address pain with neuroscience education. Learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy.


Q: What is a pelvic floor physical therapist?

A: A pelvic floor physical therapist is an orthopedic therapist who has advanced training in the treatment of pain/weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Areas of treatment include bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual pain, and prenatal/postpartum musculoskeletal care.


Q: Do you only treat women?

A: No, we treat people of all genders and gender identities. Don’t let the nomenclature of the advanced board certification mislead you. It is confusing! Dustienne also treats children with orthopedic and pelvic health concerns. While Dustienne considers herself to be an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community, Alex has advance training, knowledge, and passion for treating this population. Alex was a co-creator of the first transhealth course for training other healthcare practitioners in pelvic health and special topics like optimal binding techniques.


Q: Do you only treat pelvic pain?

A: No, we work with the whole body. In fact, to be the best pelvic floor physical therapist you can be, you must be an excellent orthopedic physical therapist. It’s important to discover the non-optimal movement strategies the body uses and guide the client to retrain their brain to choose more ideal motor strategies. We look for what is the source of the movement dysfunction and how the viscera (organs) move in relationship to each other.


Q: What should I wear to the initial appointment?

A: Please bring a pair of shorts to the first session. We will evaluate your hips, spine, and abdomen. Basketball or running shorts are ideal to access these structures.


Q: Why is yoga useful as a home program?

A: Yoga is beneficial to connect the mind, body and spirit. A huge part of what we teach with pain neurophysiology education is increasing body awareness and mindfulness. Practicing yoga as a home program offers the client a chance to bring attention to muscular holding patterns and retrain the breath.


Q: Will physical therapy hurt?

A: In our clinical practice, it is our preference to work under the client’s pain threshold. Some manual techniques might be tender and uncomfortable, but the goal is to work in the direction of ease without increasing discomfort. The client is always in control about which techniques they are comfortable with.