Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions across the U.S., yet many people remain undiagnosed for years due to limited awareness and access to treatment.
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Cross licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy and cancer rehabilitation at Renown.
At Renown, we’re expanding access to this important care area with the addition of a new therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy on our Outpatient Therapy team.
Outpatient therapy refers to rehabilitation and therapeutic services provided in a clinical setting without an overnight hospital stay. Outpatient therapists work closely with patients to support recovery, manage pain and improve function, all with the goal of helping people move, feel, and live better. Here’s what you should know about how it works and who can benefit from it.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the muscles at the base of the pelvis that support bladder, bowel, and reproductive function, while also helping keep posture and core stable.
When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, too weak, or not working in sync, it can lead to uncomfortable or even disruptive symptoms. A pelvic floor therapist uses targeted exercises, manual therapy and patient education to help restore muscle function and relieve symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Therapy – How to Get Started
If you have pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort, we’re here to help with safe, supportive care in a private setting.
Referral Required – Ask your provider for a referral before scheduling your appointment.
What the Referral Should Include:
“Pelvic floor occupational therapy”
Symptoms (e.g., frequent urination)
Duration of symptoms
Who Can Send a Referral:
Primary care
Gastroenterology
Urology
Gynecology
Oncology
Any licensed healthcare provider
Who Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?
Pelvic floor therapy is often associated with postpartum recovery, but it’s not just for women. People of all ages and genders may benefit from this type of therapy if they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Urinary incontinence or frequent urination
Chronic pelvic pain or pressure
Constipation or bowel dysfunction
Pain during or after intercourse
Pelvic organs prolapse (a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area)
Recovery from pelvic or abdominal surgery
Postpartum pelvic floor weakness
Why It Matters
Pelvic floor issues can impact not just physical health but emotional well-being and quality of life. Many people live with discomfort or frustration for years without realizing that help is available.
Meet Our New Therapist
We’re proud to welcome Jennifer Cross, a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy and cancer rehabilitation, to the Renown Outpatient Therapy team. Jennifer has over 17 years of experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunction. She completed advanced pelvic floor training through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and has expertise in cancer rehabilitation through the physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute.
Nov. 3-7 is National Compliance & Ethics Week! Celebrate with us by getting to know the Audit & Compliance team at Renown Health and Hometown Health.
Take a moment to think about the complex web of healthcare beyond the frontlines. More specifically, let’s zero in on the long list of regulations and processes that every hospital and health system across the country needs to follow. Sounds a bit intimidating to the average person, right? And as the only not-for-profit academic health system in the region, integrity and ethics is not something we cut corners on. So, who can make sense of it all so that our health system stays strong, transparent and trustworthy?
This is our Audit & Compliance department’s time to shine. This intelligent, fast-acting group of compliance specialists and analytics, coding and internal auditors and audit managers, billing compliance coordinators, special investigators, oversight coordinators and more help bridge the gap between ethical practices and the constant demands of a large health system like Renown. Although their work often takes place behind the scenes, the impact of this team can be felt throughout every corner of our network.
Injuries. Pain. Loss of speech or voice. Trauma. Muscle weakness. For the average person, these issues are often thought of as setbacks – and when you experience these setbacks, basic tasks of daily life can become a struggle.
Think of it this way: what if you could no longer pick something up off the floor without intense back pain? What if your joints start getting stiff and you can’t move your knees the same way? What if you suffer a brain injury and need to re-learn how to swallow?
All of these hypothetical situations can happen to anyone. But at Renown Health, there is one team dedicated to intervening at the right time, in the right place.
That team is Renown's Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy department, where setbacks become breakthroughs.
A Therapist's Tips to Prevent and Manage Osteoporosis
Want to know more about osteoporosis and osteopenia? We'll dive into these conditions and give you some handy tips on preventing future problems and taking care of your bones.
