Pelvic floor
Pelvic floor
Pelvic Floor Therapy

What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialization within the profession of physical therapy that focuses on the function of the pelvic floor muscles, bladder, urinary tract, bowel, rectum, and sexual function with a holistic and mind-body approach to overall health and well-being. Techniques that are utilized to help attain an optimum level of pelvic health include: individualized patient education and therapeutic exercise programs, manual therapy, breathing awareness and retraining, pelvic floor muscle re-education, bladder retraining, posture education and awareness, individualized strength and conditioning, return to sport assessment and program development, and ergonomic analysis and advice.CMPT therapists have completed extensive postgraduate and continuing education coursework pertaining to all aspects of pelvic health.

What are the conditions that will respond to Pelvic Floor Therapy?

CMPT therapists are trained to treat a variety of both female and male pelvic health complaints including:

  • Pelvic Pain
  • Prenatal Discomfort
  • Postpartum Discomfort & Reconditioning
  • Post-Cesarean section Rehabilitation
  • Diastasis Recti
  • Painful Intercourse
  • Urinary Incontinence and Frequency
  • Vaginal Pain
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Low Back/Sacroiliac Joint Pain
  • Coccyx/Tailbone Pain
  • Perimenopausal and Menopausal concerns
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prostate Conditions
  • Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Pelvic floor therapy

After you contact CMPT requesting an appointment, you will be scheduled with one of our experienced physical therapists who will conduct an interview and physical examination. All sessions are conducted in a safe, quiet and private environment. Your initial appointment will consist of a 60- minute 1-on-1 session. Follow-up sessions are scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to complete a number of written forms for reimbursement reasons so please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your first scheduled appointment.

Once your actual appointment begins, your physical therapist will ask you about your current complaints, your reason for seeking PT, your goals and anything else that you would like to share. Your therapist will ask you about your medical history and current medications and other treatments that you have received. All of this information is important to your care!

After the interview, your physical therapist will conduct a physical examination to help identify the issues that are related to your complaints. Please wear loose-fitting clothing or shorts. Because you are experiencing pelvic complaints, your therapist will speak to you about possibly including an internal examination at some point in your treatment plan. If an internal examination is included in your first visit, it will be conducted only with your permission, in a secure and private room and with appropriate draping to respect your modesty. You are welcome to bring a trusted family member or friend who can be present during the entire consultation if this would make you feel more comfortable.

How much does a Pelvic Floor Therapy session cost?

All pelvic floor therapy services can be billed under your insurance.

Who are the CMPT physical therapists that offer Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Jacqueline Shakar

Jacqueline Shakar

Physical Therapist DPT, MSPT, OCS, CMT

Jackie has been a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer for over 38 years. She has been on staff at CMPT since its first year of operation. Her clinical specialties include the treatment of persistent pain  pelvic health (both male and female), treatment strategies for older adults, osteoporosis and manual therapy for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.

Jackie received her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1983 and she completed a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute Of Health Professions in 2010. She is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association and she completed a certificate in Massage Therapy from the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2011. Jackie prides herself on staying current in her field and takes numerous continuing education courses that compliment her clinical specialties each year.

Teaching and mentoring others is one of Jackie’s passions. She is a tenured full time professor at Mount Wachusett Community College and has been instructing in the Physical Therapist Assistance Program for over 25 years. Jackie is a Senior Clinical Advisor and Lead Instructor for the Graston Technique, LLC. In her roles with this internationally known company, she develops educational courses and has taught throughout the United States, Italy, Taiwan and Canada.

When Jackie is not treating patients, teaching or taking a course, she can be found running through the hills of Central Massachusetts. The Mount Washington Road Race is one of her favorites and she has completed it 28 times.

Robyn Hillard

Physical Therapist Assistant PTA, GTS

Robyn graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College with a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2019. Since then, Robyn has continued her education, becoming specialized in the Graston Technique, Postural Restoration and Pelvic Floor Therapy. 

Previous to this career change, Robyn worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the YMCA for 13 years. Robyn also volunteered as the race director for the Holland 5K for 10 years working very closely with the Team Hoyt Foundation and Team Hoyt chapters from around the world to raise money for the elementary school. 

Robyn is an avid runner with marathons and Ragnar’s being some of her favorite events. She also enjoys hiking, camping and yoga. Above all, Robyn loves spending time with her husband and 3 children and is always ready for a new adventure with them. 

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