Why Regular Pelvic Floor Check-Ups Should Be Part of Your Routine in the New Year

As we step into the new year, many people make resolutions around health—whether that’s working out more, eating better, or finding more balance in daily life. But one important area of health that often gets overlooked is the pelvic floor. Just like you visit your dentist twice a year or schedule an annual physical with your primary care provider, your pelvic floor deserves regular check-ins, too.

Whether it’s quarterly, bi-annually, or once a year, pelvic floor check-ups can help you stay on top of your health, prevent problems before they begin, and ensure your body is moving and functioning at its best. Here’s what you can expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy check-up.

A Whole-Body Assessment

Your pelvic floor doesn’t function in isolation—it’s connected to the rest of your body. That’s why these check-ups always start with a full-body assessment. We look at your mobility, flexibility, and strength from head to toe. This helps us see how different parts of your body may be impacting your pelvic health.

Movement and Posture Patterns

How you move throughout the day matters. We’ll assess your movement patterns—how you walk, squat, lift, or even breathe—and evaluate your posture. These habits can place stress on the pelvic floor over time, so addressing them early can prevent problems down the road.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment

An internal pelvic exam may be performed to evaluate your pelvic floor muscles directly. This gives us valuable information about strength, coordination, and whether there’s any excess tension or weakness.

Counseling on Lifestyle and Habits

Your daily habits—hydration, nutrition, stress levels, exercise, even bathroom behaviors—all affect your pelvic floor. We’ll discuss your lifestyle and offer simple, sustainable strategies to better support your pelvic health.

Hands-On Treatment

Many sessions include manual therapy or hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, restore alignment, and improve mobility. These treatments help reduce discomfort and optimize pelvic floor function.

The Preventative Power of Regular Check-Ups

No two bodies are the same. Based on your assessment, you’ll receive individualized pelvic health tips and, if needed, a customized home exercise program to support your goals.

These sessions aren’t just about addressing current concerns—they’re also preventative. By identifying small imbalances, areas of tension, or early signs of weakness before they become bigger issues, you can minimize your risk of developing common pelvic health challenges like incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain. Regular check-ups give you the chance to stay ahead, so your pelvic health remains strong and resilient over time.

Why It Matters

Regular check-ups allow you to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting until symptoms like leakage, pain, or pelvic heaviness appear, you’ll already be working to keep your pelvic floor strong, flexible, and well-supported for years to come.

Your pelvic floor deserves the same level of care and attention as the rest of your body. Scheduling regular pelvic floor check-ups—whether every few months or once a year—not only supports your current health but also helps prevent problems from arising in the future.

At Empower Physical Therapy, we’re here to support you in making pelvic health a priority in the new year. Schedule your pelvic floor check-up today and step into the new year with confidence, comfort, and strength!