Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my pelvic floor therapy session?
Your session will be at our downtown Campbell office, so dress comfortably in clothes you can move in. A sports bra, t-shirt, and loose pants or shorts work well.
What should I expect during the first visit?
The first visit is a 75-minute initial evaluation. We’ll begin by talking through your health history, your concerns, and what you’d like to focus on. We aim to review posture, breathing, core, and pelvic floor function, but the pace depends on what’s most important to you. If there’s anything we don’t get to in the first visit, we’ll carry it over into future treatment sessions.
What should I expect from the pelvic floor therapy evaluation?
Is an internal assessment necessary?
How long does it take pelvic floor therapy to work?
What if I am on my period?
We typically start by looking at posture and how you perform functional movements (sit, stand, lift, floor transfers, etc.). From there, we may move to the table to assess breathing, core function, and any muscle tension or pain. With your consent, we can also include an internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment. Because your priorities guide the pace, not every piece of the assessment may be completed in one session. Anything we don’t cover will be included in future treatment sessions.
You are always allowed to change your mind.
Not necessarily as it depends on your concerns and comfort level. The internal assessment doesn’t have to happen at the first session and can be introduced at a later session.
However, the internal assessment gives us information on how your pelvic floor muscles are working together to keep your organs functioning and supported. The exam can tell us a lot about pain points, scar tissue, tightness, body awareness, strength and how your body is managing pressure that we may not be able to see on the outside. The internal assessment doesn’t have to happen at the first session and can always be introduced later on if/when you feel ready.
It depends on the person’s medical history, severity of symptoms, and what those symptoms are. On average, it may take 6-12 sessions as long as you are integrating the education and strategies in the home program.
For example, symptoms of leakage (incontinence) may improve within 4-6 sessions but issues around pain, strength, and everyday habits may need more sessions.
We provide internal pelvic floor therapy when you are on your period. It’s a normal part of your life and as long as you feel comfortable, we carry on with therapy that week. If you would rather decline internal work, that’s fine too. We can focus on external work, functional strategies and/or movement-based treatments.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage and how can it support me during pregnancy or postpartum?
Who offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage at Thrive?
Should I receive Manual Lymphatic Drainage as part of pelvic floor therapy or book it as a standalone session?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps reduce swelling, support circulation, and promote healing. It’s especially helpful for pregnant women experiencing fluid retention, and for postpartum healing — including after a cesarean birth. This calming treatment helps your body feel lighter, more balanced, and supported in recovery.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is offered exclusively by Angeliki, our pelvic health occupational therapist trained in this technique. She provides it both as part of her pelvic floor therapy sessions and as a standalone service, depending on your goals.
If you’re already working with Angeliki for pelvic floor therapy or are dealing with symptoms like pelvic pain, leakage, diastasis recti, or post-birth recovery, then Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be seamlessly integrated into your broader treatment plan. It adds another layer of support for healing and overall body function.
If your main concern is swelling (especially in pregnancy), cesarean scar tightness, or you’re simply looking for gentle support without addressing pelvic floor symptoms, then booking it as a standalone session is a great fit. You don’t need to be in ongoing therapy to benefit — this treatment works beautifully on its own when your body needs relief and restoration.