Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic Health Specialist & Orthopedic Physical Therapist in Lake Nona, FL

Quick, clear answers to your most common questions about working with Connect PT.

FAQs

What if I've already been to pelvic floor physical therapy and didn't get the results I hoped for?

Every pelvic floor physical therapist has a different approach.

Many patients come to Connect Physical Therapy after trying pelvic PT elsewhere. Often they've been given a few exercises, told to do Kegels, or received treatment that focused only on the pelvic floor itself.

At Connect Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach that looks at the entire body—not just your pelvic floor. Your breathing patterns, core function, posture, hips, spine, nervous system, movement habits, and lifestyle all play an important role in your symptoms.

Treatment is always individualized, and every session is one-on-one with Dr. Julia Connor. If something isn't working, we adjust the plan rather than expecting you to "push through."

Do I have to have an internal pelvic floor exam?

No.

An internal assessment is often helpful, but it is never required.

Your comfort always comes first. Treatment can begin with movement assessment, breathing, posture, orthopedic evaluation, education, and external techniques. If an internal exam becomes appropriate, we'll discuss it together and only proceed with your full consent.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your initial evaluation is much more than a quick assessment.

We'll spend time discussing your symptoms, medical history, goals, pregnancy or birth history (when applicable), lifestyle, exercise routine, and anything else that may be contributing to your symptoms.

From there, we'll evaluate movement, strength, breathing mechanics, posture, mobility, and, if appropriate and with your permission, perform a pelvic floor examination.

You'll leave your first visit with a better understanding of what's contributing to your symptoms, along with a personalized treatment plan and exercises designed specifically for you.

How is Connect Physical Therapy different from a traditional physical therapy clinic?

Care here is intentionally different.

  • One-on-one appointments with the same physical therapist every visit

  • Full 60-minute treatment sessions

  • No aides or technicians

  • No double-booking

  • Treatment plans tailored specifically to you

  • A private, calm environment where you have time to ask questions and truly understand your body

The goal isn't simply to manage symptoms—it's to identify and address why they're happening.

How many visits will I need?

Every patient is different.

Your plan depends on your symptoms, goals, how long you've been experiencing them, and how your body responds to treatment.

Some patients achieve their goals in just a few visits, while others with more complex or long-standing symptoms benefit from a longer course of care.

After your evaluation, we'll discuss our recommendations so you know what to expect.

Do you only treat women who are pregnant or postpartum?

Not at all.

While pregnancy and postpartum care are a large part of the practice, we also help women experiencing:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pain with sex

  • Endometriosis

  • Bladder leakage

  • Urinary urgency or frequency

  • Constipation

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Tailbone pain

  • Menopause-related pelvic health concerns

  • Core weakness and diastasis recti

  • Hip and low back pain connected to pelvic floor dysfunction

Is pelvic floor physical therapy only for people who have had children?

No.

Many pelvic floor conditions have nothing to do with pregnancy.

We regularly treat athletes, college students, women preparing for pregnancy, women in menopause, and those experiencing pelvic pain, bladder or bowel symptoms, or core dysfunction.

I'm nervous or embarrassed. Is that normal?

Absolutely.

Many people feel anxious before their first appointment, especially if they've never talked about these symptoms before.

Pelvic health concerns are incredibly common, and you've likely spent a long time trying to manage them on your own.

Our goal is to create a comfortable, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, respected, and in control throughout every step of your care.

Is it ever too late to start pelvic floor physical therapy?

Not at all.

Whether your symptoms began during pregnancy, after childbirth, following surgery, or many years ago, it's never too late to improve how your body moves and functions.

Many patients tell us they wish they had started sooner—but they're glad they finally did.

I've been told my symptoms are "normal." Should I just live with them?

Many pelvic health symptoms are common—but that doesn't mean they're something you have to accept.

Leaking urine, pain with sex, persistent pelvic pain, pressure, or ongoing core weakness are often treatable with the right evaluation and plan.

Our goal is to help you understand why you're experiencing your symptoms and create a plan that addresses the root causes—not just the symptoms themselves.

Why do your appointments last a full hour?

Because meaningful progress takes time.

Pelvic health is complex. It often involves the interaction between muscles, joints, nerves, breathing, movement patterns, and daily habits—not just the pelvic floor itself.

Longer, one-on-one appointments allow enough time to thoroughly assess what's contributing to your symptoms, provide hands-on treatment when appropriate, answer your questions, and progress your care without feeling rushed.

That's one of the reasons many patients choose Connect Physical Therapy after feeling like they didn't get the time or attention they needed elsewhere.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

No, you do not need a referral or prescription from a physician for physical therapy.

However, if your physical therapist feels further medical assessment or treatment is necessary, they will encourage you to follow up with your physician or refer you to an appropriate provider.

How soon should I see a pelvic health physical therapist after giving birth?

We recommend seeing a pelvic health physical therapist as early as 2-4 weeks postpartum to reconnect to your body while caring for your baby. We will work on lifting techniques, baby holding posture, and return to exercise when appropriate.