Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on evaluating and treating dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It is used to address concerns such as pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and postpartum recovery.
Pelvic floor therapy also supports postmenopausal changes and post-operative care for conditions like prolapse or diastasis recti. Treatment often includes manual techniques, neuromuscular re-education, breathwork, and targeted exercises to improve strength, coordination, and relaxation of the pelvic floor.
The goal is to restore optimal function and empower patients with tools to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Meet Dr. Caitlin Vespie
Dr. Caitlin Vespie has been treating Pelvic Floor conditions for nearly 10 years. The physical changes she faced after having her first child led to her interest in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. She has experience treating both male and female patients with pelvic pain, bowel and bladder symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. She also enjoys treating patients for pregnancy and postpartum care, as well as during menopause and recovery from surgery.
Her favorite patients have been those with chronic pain, urinary leakage, and constipation, as these usually demonstrate the most life-changing results. She is passionate about a more holistic approach and aims to impart hope to each patient she treats.
Caitlin is a Nashville native, who graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (GO VOLS!) and then went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Tennessee State University. She lives in Nashville, where she loves getting outdoors, baking, gardening, and most of all, spending time with her husband and four children.
Dr. Caitlin Vespie
Chief Goals: compassionate care, honest communication, and thorough education to empower patients.
How Do I Know If I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Commonly Treated Pelvic Floor Issues:
Pelvic floor therapy can address a wide range of symptoms and life stages, including:
- Bladder Symptoms of leakage, frequency, urgency, or straining
- Bowel Symptoms of straining, irregularity, urgency, or leakage
- Painful intercourse
- Pregnancy & Birth Preparation
- Postpartum Care & Recovery
- Prolapse and strengthening after prolapse repair
- Post menopause Care
- Cancer Rehabilitation, as it relates to bladder, bowel, and sexual health
Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Answering “yes” to any of these questions could warrant a Pelvic Floor Consultation:
- Do you have chronic pelvic pain or pain with sex? (Chronic pelvic pain could be vaginal, testicular, penile, rectal, or tailbone pain.
- Do you empty your bladder more than once every two hours during the day or get up more than once per night?
- Do you have any difficulty with chronic constipation: straining, incomplete bowel movements, or irregularity?
- Are you leaking with exercise, coughing, sneezing, or daily activities?
- Do you have chronic low back, hip, or abdominal pain that has not been resolved with Orthopedic PT?
Help Videos & Tips
Explore our collection of helpful tips and videos to discover how they can assist you. Learn GOATA moves, McKenzie Method techniques and more!
