Frequently Asked Questions (Pelvic Floor)
Q: What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
A: Pelvic floor PT is a specialized treatment focused on the muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It helps with pain, leakage, pressure, and other pelvic health concerns.
Q: Who can benefit from pelvic floor PT?
A: Anyone experiencing pelvic pain, urinary or bowel issues, painful intercourse, postpartum recovery needs, or pelvic organ prolapse can benefit—regardless of gender.
Q: What should I expect at my first visit?
A: Your first visit will begin with a thorough discussion of your health history, symptoms, and personal goals. A physical assessment will follow, which may include:
- An evaluation of your movement patterns
- Screening for diastasis recti and other conditions
- Gentle internal or external examination (always with your consent)
This information helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Q: Is an internal examination required when I am doing pelvic floor physical therapy?
A: Internal exams can provide valuable information, but they are always optional. Your comfort is our priority—if you hesitate or prefer not to, the answer is always respected as a “no.”
Your therapist will discuss your goals, explain why an internal exam may or may not be helpful, and explore alternative assessment options so you feel comfortable and supported throughout your care.
Other Concerns:
Q: Do I need an evaluation before dry needling?
A: Yes. At Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness, every patient is required to complete an evaluation before starting dry needling—even if you’re confident that needling is the treatment you need.
The evaluation allows your physical therapist to:
- Review your medical history
- Assess your condition and movement patterns
- Ensure dry needling is safe and appropriate for you
- Develop a personalized treatment plan for best results
This step ensures your care is both safe and effective.
Q: How long are sessions?
A: Initial evaluations are typically 55 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 45 minutes. Dry needling is 20-30 minutes. However everything is customizable depending on patient needs.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It varies by individual. Some feel relief in just a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing care. We’ll create a plan tailored to your goals.
Q: DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
A: Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness is IN Network With:
That depends on your insurance. If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield, MassGeneral Brigham, Aetna, and Medicare insurance we will bill your insurance directly. AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026- REVIVE PT & WELLNESS WILL NO LONGER BE IN NETWORK WITH BCBS OR AETNA. If you have another insurance provider we will give you a “superbill” that includes all the information needed to for you to submit to insurance for reimbursement. Many patients receive 60-90% reimbursement.
Not all services are covered by your insurance. Understanding what your insurance covers and doesn’t cover is really important.Give your insurance company a call and have this ready to fill out. It should provide a straight forward idea of your benefits.
We are considered an Out-of-Network Providers for all except Blue Cross Blue Shield, MassGeneral Brigham, Aetna, and Medicare.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan you don’t have Medicare, you have that commercial insurance (i.e.Blue Cross, tufts ). It’s confusing! But we’re here to help you understand.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S PRIOR-AUTHORIZATION OR REFERRAL?
That depends on your specific insurance coverage. Call your insurance to find out what is required before starting physical therapy. Generally you do need one for an HMO and you don’t for a PPO. Please find out before your visit, otherwise you may be responsible for full payment. A referral is not the same as Prior Authorization. You may require prior authorization. You personally are required to obtain your authorization before your scheduled visit.
Q: What should I wear to my appointment?
A: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please wear what is comfortable for you, a room is available to change in.
Q: Can I bring my baby or child?
A: Absolutely! We understand postpartum life and welcome you to bring your baby or child if needed.
Q: Do I need to be injured to come see you?
A: NO! We love it when people see us before they are injured, this is why we offer wellness services. Our goal is to help you proactively prevent pain and limitations.
Q: Is dry needling covered by insurance?
A: NO, insurance does not cover dry needling. Payment for dry needling is typically due at the time of service.
Q: Is dry needling the same as acupuncture? A: No, dry needling and acupuncture are not the same, although both use thin, sterile needles. Their philosophies, origins, and applications differ significantly:
- Origin & Philosophy: Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focusing on balancing the body’s energy flow (Qi) along meridians to promote overall wellness. Dry needling is a modern, Western medicine-based technique that targets musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.
- Purpose: Dry needling aims to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve movement by deactivating myofascial trigger points (tight knots in muscles). Acupuncture addresses a broader range of conditions, including pain, but also internal ailments, stress, and overall well-being by restoring energy balance.
- Application: Dry needling is highly site-specific, with needles inserted directly into trigger points in muscles. Dry needling can have both short term and long term effects.
- Practitioners: Dry needling is typically performed by licensed physical therapists with specialized training. We are trained via musculoskeletal system and neuro muscular system to utilize pathways in our body. Acupuncture is performed by licensed acupuncturists. While both therapies can offer pain relief, dry needling is generally integrated into a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan focused on restoring function and movement.
Q: What conditions do you treat besides pelvic floor issues?
A: Beyond pelvic floor rehabilitation, we treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, hip and knee pain, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, balance issues, and general muscle weakness. Our holistic approach aims to address the root cause of your pain and limitations.
Q: What is wellness training and who can benefit from it?
A: At Revive, we offer personal training aka wellness training for those individuals who have been to PT way too many times or just those looking to get stronger and maintain healthy bone structure and muscle mass.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can schedule an appointment for pelvic floor using the booking link. We also offer a no-cost 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and see how we can best help you.