What is the Pelvic Floor?
Everyone has a pelvic floor! The Pelvic Floor is a group of muscles, tendons and ligaments that connect to the bones of the pelvis, creating a hammock or basket like support for the bladder, the uterus (womb), and the bowels. This support structure is designed to keep all of lower abdominal organs in optimal alignment.
The pelvic floor houses the openings of the urethra from the bladder, anus from the bowels and vagina from the uterus (in females). The pelvic floor helps to close these openings to prevent leakage and relax them for emptying.
In women, during sexual activity, the pelvic floor muscles help to increase blood flow to the genitals to promote arousal, lubrication, ease of penetration and orgasm. In men, the pelvic floor muscles help manage blood flow to the genitals by compressing the penile veins, trapping blood in the penis, creating an erection.
The pelvic floor is also activated in conjunction with the abdominal muscles and muscles of the back for activities like lifting, bending and carrying. These activities increase the pressure in the abdomen. The pelvic floor is particularly important in keeping the lower abdominal organs from being pushed downward and prolapsing.
Signs your body needs support…
urinary frequency, urgency, leakage or incontinence
bowel frequency, urgency or incontinence
hemorrhoids
pain during sex or pain on orgasm / ejaculation
lack of sensation during sex
recurring infections (bladder, urinary tract, kidney)
interstitial cystitis
endometriosis
fibroids
vulvodynia
yeast infections
pudendal neuralgia
prostatitis
erectile dysfunction
Peyronie’s Disease
pregnancy and postpartum
We provide comprehensive pelvic care for long term relief.
Dr. Krystal Couture, PT, LAc has designed a 3 pillar approach to Pelvic Care that provides sustainable results! Through the utilization of Biomedical Systems and the lens of the Physical body, we identify patterns of pain or dysfunction. Within the Scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we locate disharmony within the Body Kingdom which includes how each organ functions itself, but also in relation to each other and the whole. Finally, we connect with the emotional body and the spirit, or Shen, to address the deep patterns and pathways contributing to the disharmony of the system.
Physical Alignment
Posture
Structural Alignment
Muscle Imbalances (Abdomen, Back, Buttocks, Hips, Pelvic Floor)
Sinews (tendiomuscular channels)
Viscera
Fascia
Breath
Systemic Unity
The Body Kingdom
Organs
Organ Systems
Meridians (Energy Highways)
Tan Tiens (Energy Centers)
Energetic Flow
Craniosacral System
Deficiency / Excess
Heat / Cold
Spiritual Emotional Harmony
Somatic Patterns
Emotions Held in the Pelvis
Trauma
Body Awareness
Consciousness
Myths versus Facts about Pelvic Health
Myth #1: Pelvic pain and dysfunction are normal parts of aging that I just have to accept.
Fact: Pelvic pain and dysfunction are NOT normal and you absolutely don’t have to accept them as your new way of life!
Myth #2: There’s nothing that can be done about pelvic health.
Fact: You can get pelvic care support with acupuncturists, physical therapists and holistic gynecologists. Interventions may include trigger point needling, acupuncture, moxa, cupping, gua sha, exercises, breathing activities, qi gong, diet and more.
Myth #3: Pelvic floor problems only occur in women who’ve given birth.
Fact: Pelvic floor problems can occur for a number of reasons in both men and women, including pregnancy, birth, gynecological conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, orthopedic issues or injuries, repetitive lifting, hormonal changes, obesity, physical trauma or emotional discord.
Pelvic Care Offerings
Pelvic Care Evaluation
PelvicCare+ is for all new pelvic care client sessions. All PelvicCare+ sessions include full evaluation, initial treatment and infrared body treatment. Appointments run from 65-85 minutes.
$265
Pelvic Care Follow Ups
Pelvic Care allows for up to 20 minutes of consulting, acupuncture and modalities as indicated. All sessions include infrared body treatment. Appointments run from 55-75 minutes.
$175
Pelvic Care Transformation Package
Our Pelvic Care Package includes 10 total sessions beginning with your evaluation and first treatment to be used within 3 months. This package is designed to maximize results.
$1600
Our Evaluation Includes a comprehensive history combined of allopathic and eastern medical assessments, a physical assessment which includes posture, range of motion, muscle strength, external palpation of the concomitant structures and pelvic floor, pulse taking, tongue assessment, and an internal exam if appropriate and consensual. Treatments include, as indicated, brief consultation, reassessment of physical structures, acupuncture, dry needling (muscle specific ashi point needling), cupping, moxa, manual therapy, craniosacral therapy, gua sha or graston, exercises / stretches, breath work, nutritional recommendations and/or lifestyle recommendations.
FAQs
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We accept only private pay and HSA/FSA payments. This allows us to be guided by your body’s needs rather than general protocols, to take a much time per session as needed and to achieve results faster based on your individual goals.
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I treat all genders and ages with respect and honor.
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No! Kegel’s aren’t enough. In fact, Kegel’s aren’t the answer to some pelvic health concerns and can make these conditions worse, especially when there is increased tension in the pelvic floor. Assessing what is happening front to back, right to left and within the whole body system will help us determine the right exercise prescription for YOU!
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No. Everything we do we do with your consent, which means if you don’t want an internal exam, internal work or anything else, you don’t have to have it. We do internal exams when they’re indicated and consensual.
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Honestly, we see clients on both ends of the spectrum. With great awareness to pelvic health, more and more young women in popartum or perimenopause are seeking preventative support. However, pelvic health has only just started to become more mainstream, thus lots of clients are coming in with pain, symptoms or dyfnction of the pelvic floor.
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YES! While pelvic floor weakness leading to urinary leakage is most commonly talked about, there are LOTS of other things that could be going on. There may be tightness of the pelvic floor on one side or both, there could be an issue with your surrounding structures like you back or hip, or there could even be an emotional block from miscarriages, fertility trials, or abuse. That’s what we do best is gently working into the pelvis to find out the source of its disharmony.
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Unfortunately, pelvic health, reproductive health and sexual health have been associated with shame and confusion. I’m not here to judge you. I want to listen, support, educate and offer help. We can go through this process at whatever speed is comfortable for you.
Dr. Krystal’s Pelvic Care Video Series
Feel free to dive into these videos to learn about Pelvic Care and the experience at Pure Balance.