No matter your age as a woman, if you leak a little urine when you laugh, sneeze, or jump — you’ve probably just accepted it as normal. Maybe you’ve been living with pelvic pain for years and just told yourself it was either a normal process of a woman’s body, or maybe you just felt too embarrassed to bring it up with your women’s health or primary care provider. We want you to know that you are not alone, and there are providers right here in Artesia to listen to, advise you, and offer solutions for these common women’s health issues. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a proven, nonsurgical treatment option that helps women of all ages get relief, often within just a few weeks, and is now available to women across southeastern New Mexico.
Medically reviewed by Crystal Rhoades MSN FNP-C — Vibrant Women’s Health, April 2026
At Artesia General Hospital, pelvic floor physical therapy is offered through our Vibrant Women’s Health clinic — giving patients across southeastern New Mexico access to specialized, personalized pelvic care right here in Artesia. The clinic is headed by Dr. Scott Beard MD FACOG FPMRS — one of the region’s only fellowship-trained urogynecologists for when symptoms require surgical evaluation or advanced pelvic reconstructive care.
The clinic’s pelvic floor physical therapy services are led by Crystal Rhoades MSN FNP-C, whose women’s health clinical focus includes pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation for women at every stage of life. She works alongside Laurie Crockett FNP who provides comprehensive women’s health care to many women in our community and surrounding areas and is extremely knowledgeable in several areas of women’s health. Crystal, Laurie, and Dr. Beard work together to coordinate more consistent, comprehensive patient care and pelvic floor physical therapy their patients. Patients are no longer forced to drive to Albuquerque, El Paso, Lubbock or larger cities to receive this level of coordinated women’s health care and expertise.
Dr. Scott Beard
What Is the Pelvic Floor — And Why Does It Matter?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a hammock-like base at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs. They work every time you cough, lift something heavy, or go to the bathroom — which means they’re in use all day, every day.
When those muscles become too weak, too tight, or poorly coordinated, the result is pelvic floor dysfunction. That dysfunction can look very different from person to person. For some, it’s urinary incontinence. For others, it may be pain during intimacy or chronic, persistent pelvic, vaginal, or back pain.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, pelvic floor conditions are among the most common — and most undertreated — health issues affecting women. The good news is that most of these conditions respond extremely well to pelvic floor physical therapy — especially when treatment begins early.
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
This is one of the most important things to understand about pelvic floor PT at Vibrant Women’s Health: it isn’t just for women who’ve recently had babies. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects women at every stage of life — from young adults and new mothers to women navigating perimenopause and beyond. At AGH, we see patients from across Eddy County, Carlsbad, Roswell, and the surrounding communities for a wide range of conditions.
Pelvic floor physical therapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following:
- Urinary leakage when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise (stress incontinence)
- Sudden, urgent need to urinate that’s hard to control (urge incontinence)
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness — a feeling that something is falling out
- Pain in the pelvis, tailbone, hips, or lower back
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Interstitial cystitis
- Postpartum recovery — especially after a difficult delivery or C-section
- Preparation for or recovery from pelvic surgery such as hysterectomy or prolapse repair
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms qualify, the best first step is a conversation with your primary care provider — or a visit to AGH’s Vibrant Women’s Health clinic, where one of their women’s health care providers can provide a detailed consultation and exam to determine if pelvic floor PT is an appropriate treatment option for you. We are beyond thrilled that pelvic floor PT is now offered alongside comprehensive women’s health services right here in Artesia.
| Ready to talk to someone about pelvic floor symptoms? → Call Vibrant Women’s Health Clinic at 575-736-8394 to connect with the team → Or ask your primary care provider at your next visit — they can refer you directly to one of the Vibrant Women’s Health providers to discuss possible pelvic floor PT |
What Actually Happens During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
This is the question we hear most often — and it’s completely reasonable to want to know before you book. A lot of people put off calling because they’re not sure what a pelvic floor PT appointment involves. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.
Your First Appointment
Your first appointment will be a visit with one of the Vibrant women’s health providers who will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms, obtain a thorough medical history, including pregnancies, surgeries, bathroom habits, diet, and daily activities. They’ll also look at how you move — your posture, gait, how you sit, and how your core and hips function alongside your pelvic floor. This visit will also include a thorough pelvic exam by one of their certified providers to evaluate the pelvic floor muscle function, tone, and presence of any pain within the pelvic floor muscles on manual exam. An internal pelvic exam is a crucial part of pelvic floor dysfunction evaluation and is needed to diagnose and treat appropriately. Of course, they always do this with patient consent, and it is fully explained to you step-by-step
It’s completely normal to feel nervous, anxious, hesitant, and maybe even embarrassed about discussing such personal issues with a provider and be examined. The Vibrant Women’s health team is highly aware of how intimidating this can be for women, and their providers are extremely sensitive and compassionate about providing a safe, comfortable experience for all their patients. It is also normal to feel nervous and emotional during your pelvic floor therapy sessions— especially if you’ve been living with symptoms for a long time, or if the condition is connected to childbirth, trauma, or chronic pain. Therapists who specialize in pelvic health are accustomed to this and approach every session and each patient with sensitivity and discretion.
Follow-Up Sessions
Pelvic floor PT with Crystal Rhoades, FNP-C at the Vibrant Women’s Clinic is done in a private treatment room within the clinic. It involves a weekly session for 8 consecutive weeks for the best patient outcome. Sessions typically run anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes and are always one-on-one — not a group gym class, not a rotation through machines. Crystal tailors every session to your specific goals and progress.
Treatment sessions include therapeutic exercises, biofeedback (which uses sensors to help you better understand, isolate, and control your pelvic floor muscles), e-stimulation, and education about lifestyle changes that can support your recovery — like posture, hydration habits, regular exercise, and techniques to help manage and improve symptoms.
Home exercises are a key part of the process. Your therapist will teach you targeted movements to practice between sessions. And yes — this may or may not include Kegel exercises. As research and clinical guidelines confirm, Kegels are not the right treatment for every type of pelvic floor dysfunction. For patients with hypertonic (overly tight) pelvic floors, Kegels can actually make symptoms worse. This is exactly why a proper evaluation matters before starting any pelvic floor exercise program.
Crystal Rhoades, FNP-C
Conditions Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Treats
Pelvic floor PT is a versatile treatment tool. While it’s frequently associated with postpartum recovery and incontinence, the scope is much broader. Here’s a closer look at conditions the Vibrant Women’s Health clinic at AGH can help address:
Urinary and Bowel Dysfunction
Urinary incontinence — including urgency and urgency — are common presentations for pelvic floor PT. Therapy helps retrain the pelvic floor muscles and nerves to help restore normal function, often reducing or eliminating symptoms without the need for medication.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When pelvic organs shift downward due to muscle weakness or connective tissue changes, pelvic floor PT can help strengthen the supporting structures, manage symptoms, and in some cases reduce the progression of prolapse. PT is often recommended before or after surgical repair.
For patients whose prolapse symptoms require a higher level of evaluation or surgical consideration, AGH’s own Dr. Scott Beard, MD FACOG FPMRS — a urogynecologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery — is available right here in Artesia. Pelvic floor PT and urogynecological care work hand-in-hand, and having both available under one roof means your providers are able to coordinate your care from day one.
Postpartum Recovery
Childbirth — whether vaginal or via C-section — places significant demands on the pelvic floor. Physical therapy helps new mothers rebuild core and pelvic strength, address diastasis recti (abdominal separation), manage C-section scar tissue, and return to activity safely.
Pelvic Pain and Sexual Dysfunction
Chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and conditions like vaginismus (involuntary muscle tightening) are often rooted in hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction. Targeted exercises, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and e-stimulation therapy can significantly reduce pain and restore function.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Preparation
Strengthening the pelvic floor before procedures like hysterectomy, bladder sling placement, or pelvic reconstruction can lead to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery. Post-surgical PT helps restore function and manage scar tissue formation. At AGH, patients working with Dr. Scott Beard on surgical pelvic floor repair can transition seamlessly into physical therapy — or begin PT as prehabilitation before their procedure — without leaving the AGH system.
Menopause and Hormonal Changes
One of the less-discussed drivers of pelvic floor dysfunction is the hormonal shift that comes with perimenopause and menopause. Declining estrogen levels cause the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues to lose tone and elasticity — which is why many women first notice leakage, pelvic pressure, or painful intimacy in midlife, even if they’ve never had children or had no issues after childbirth.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can address the physical manifestations of these changes directly. And when hormonal management, contraception, or broader menopause care is part of the picture, both Laurie Crockett FNP and Crystal Rhoades, FNP-C at the Vibrant Women’s Health clinic can work on a plan to ensure your care addresses the full picture — not just the symptoms.
Laurie Crockett FNP
How Effective Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? What the Research Shows
This is the question that matters most to patients who’ve been managing symptoms for years and aren’t sure if treatment is really worth it. The short answer, backed by clinical evidence, is that pelvic floor physical therapy works — and works well.
A Cochrane systematic review of 31 clinical trials concluded that pelvic floor physical therapy can cure or significantly improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and other types of urinary incontinence and recommended it as a first-line conservative treatment. Research consistently shows a 70–80% success rate in symptom reduction for women completing a standard course of treatment.
For incontinence specifically, patients in research programs report dramatic reductions in leakage frequency, urgency, and daily life interference — often within the first few weeks. For pelvic pain conditions including vaginismus and myofascial pain, manual therapy and neuromuscular retraining show similarly strong outcomes. Postpartum patients consistently see improvements in core strength, pelvic muscle tone, and return-to-activity timelines.
Success rates vary by condition, severity, and — critically — how consistently patients complete their home exercise program between sessions. The research is clear that adherence matters. Patients who follow through with their full course of treatment achieve the best results. That’s why the relationship between patient and therapist, and the quality of the education provided throughout treatment, directly affects outcomes.
At AGH’s Vibrant Women’s Health clinic, your road to improved pelvic floor function starts with a consult with one of their providers, who will then determine if you are a good candidate for pelvic floor PT and feel you would benefit from it. For women whose symptoms also involve hormonal changes, menopause, or contraception needs, both Crystal Rhoades FNP-C and Laurie Crockett FNP can work in combination with pelvic floor PT to make sure the full picture is addressed — not just the physical therapy component. And when surgical evaluation is warranted, Dr. Scott Beard is close by. It’s a level of integrated women’s health care that southeastern New Mexico hasn’t had access to locally — until now.
What Happens If Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Goes Untreated?
This is one of the most important questions to answer honestly — because many women in southeastern New Mexico, and in general, are living with pelvic floor symptoms right now and have decided to just manage them quietly. The urinary incontinence, pain, and urgency even may control where they go and what they do.
Pelvic floor dysfunction rarely resolves on its own. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen gradually over time. Urinary leakage that’s occasional becomes frequent. Mild pelvic pressure progresses toward prolapse. Pain during intimacy deepens into avoidance. The muscles that aren’t properly rehabilitated continue to weaken or tighten, compounding the problem.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s quality of life, and at any age. These negative effects, devastating in some cases, don’t get talked about enough. People stop exercising because movement triggers leakage. They stop socializing because urgency is unpredictable. They pull back from intimacy. Over time, pelvic floor dysfunction affects sleep, self-confidence, relationships, and mental health in ways that extend well beyond the physical symptoms.
The good news — and this is worth saying clearly — is that pelvic floor physical therapy works!! Most patients see significant improvement within four to eight weeks. Some women even report complete resolution of symptoms following the full treatment plan. The earlier treatment begins, the faster and more complete the recovery tends to be. If you’ve been waiting, now is a good time to stop.
Do You Need a Referral for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, patients generally have direct access to physical therapy — meaning you do not need a physician referral to schedule an appointment. However, your insurance plan may have its own requirements, so it’s worth a quick call to your insurer before your first visit. A prior authorization is submitted for every patient with health insurance, and they are then notified of coverage or non-coverage and any out-of-pocket costs or deductibles they will be responsible for before their first session. They do offer a cash pay price per session if you are not covered by health insurance.
At Artesia General Hospital, pelvic floor physical therapy is offered through the Vibrant Women’s Health clinic. The easiest path is to mention your symptoms to your primary care provider at Memorial Family Practice or any AGH provider — they can refer you directly. You can also call the Vibrant clinic at 575-736-8394 to ask about getting started and discuss any other questions or concerns about pelvic floor PT you may have.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Artesia and Southeastern New Mexico
One of the most common barriers to care we hear about in our community is distance. Patients across Eddy County and the broader Pecos Valley region have historically had to travel long distances for specialized rehabilitation services. At Artesia General Hospital, we’ve worked hard to change that.
Our Vibrant Women’s Health clinic provides pelvic floor physical therapy services right here in Artesia — no referral to a separate facility required. Lab, imaging, and specialty care are all available in one place, which means your care team communicates in real time rather than across disconnected health systems.
For patients in Carlsbad, Roswell, and the surrounding communities, AGH represents accessible, high-quality specialty care without the major metro drive. Our 91 out of 100 CMS patient satisfaction score — the highest in southeastern New Mexico — reflects a standard of care that our community has come to rely on.
| 📞 Talk to someone about pelvic floor physical therapy today. → Call the Vibrant Women’s Health Clinic: 575-748-3333 → Ask your AGH provider for a referral to our Vibrant Women’s Health clinic. Se habla español. Nuestro equipo puede ayudarte en español — llámanos al 575-748-3333. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
The following questions are answered in a format designed for Yoast’s FAQ block. Please implement using the Yoast FAQ block in WordPress — not an accordion. This structure is optimized for Google featured snippets and AI Overview capture.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that evaluates and treats dysfunction in the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. It uses a combination of exercise, manual therapy, biofeedback, and education to reduce pain, improve muscle control, and restore normal function of the bladder, and reproductive organs.
Who needs pelvic floor physical therapy?
Women at any age or life stage may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy through AGH’s Vibrant Women’s Health clinic. Common reasons to seek PT include urinary leakage, pelvic pain, pressure or heaviness in the pelvis, painful intercourse, postpartum recovery, pre- or post-surgical preparation, and symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy painful?
Pelvic floor physical therapy should not be painful. You may experience some mild discomfort during muscle assessment, particularly if your pelvic floor muscles are tight or tender. Your therapist will always explain what to expect beforehand, work within your comfort level, and adjust treatment based on your feedback. You are in control at every point during your sessions.
Do I need a referral for pelvic floor physical therapy in New Mexico?
New Mexico generally allows direct access to physical therapy without a physician referral. However, your insurance plan may require one for reimbursement purposes. At Artesia General Hospital, pelvic floor physical therapy is offered through the Vibrant Women’s Health clinic. Your primary care provider at Memorial Family Practice or any AGH specialist can refer you directly, ensuring coordinated care from the start.
How many sessions of pelvic floor physical therapy will I need?
At Vibrant Women’s Health Clinic, your therapy will consist of 8 consecutive weekly sessions that last less than 1 hour. The key to the best patient outcomes is patient adherence to weekly sessions, lifestyle changes, and home exercises.
Does pelvic floor physical therapy only involve Kegel exercises?
No. Kegel exercises are just one tool in a much larger toolkit. Pelvic floor PT may include core strengthening, biofeedback, breathing techniques, posture training, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases — particularly when the pelvic floor is overly tight — Kegel exercises are not appropriate and can worsen symptoms. Proper evaluation determines the right approach for each patient.
Can pelvic floor physical therapy help with incontinence?
Yes. Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective first-line treatments for both stress urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong urges to urinate). Therapy helps retrain the muscles and nerves involved in bladder control, often reducing or eliminating leakage without medication or surgery.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is typically covered under the physical therapy benefits of most insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurers. Coverage details vary by plan, so it’s recommended to contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm your specific benefits and any referral requirements.
What should I wear to pelvic floor physical therapy?
No special clothing is required, just wear whatever you are comfortable in. You don’t need to bring anything special to prepare for your therapy sessions. Your therapist will guide you through everything at your appointment.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy awkward or embarrassing?
It’s normal to feel nervous or self-conscious before your first appointment — these are parts of the body we’re not used to discussing openly. Pelvic floor therapists are specially trained to make patients feel at ease, and all sessions take place in a private room. Most patients find that any awkwardness fades quickly once the conversation starts. Many describe their sessions as a relief — finally having somewhere to talk openly about symptoms they’ve been managing alone.
Can my partner or a support person come with me?
This may vary by location due to space issues and facility or clinic policies, so please check with Crystal at the Vibrant clinic about this. Accommodations can always be made for patients that physically or emotionally require a supportive person to be present with them. Some patients find it helpful and feel more secure to have someone with them, and some want complete privacy during their sessions.
What are the symptoms of a weak pelvic floor?
Common signs of pelvic floor weakness include leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise; a frequent or urgent need to urinate that’s hard to control; difficulty fully emptying the bladder; a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis; lower back or tailbone pain; and pain during or after intercourse. Not all of these symptoms appear together, and severity varies widely. If you’re experiencing any of them, pelvic floor physical therapy is worth discussing with your provider.
At what age does pelvic floor dysfunction start?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop at any point in a woman’s life. Younger women may experience it after childbirth or due to hypermobility or connective tissue differences. Middle-aged and older women often see symptoms emerge or worsen during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decline. There is no age threshold — if symptoms are present, evaluation is appropriate.
What happens if pelvic floor dysfunction goes untreated?
Without treatment, pelvic floor dysfunction typically worsens over time. Occasional leakage can become frequent and unpredictable. Pelvic organ prolapse can progress. Pain conditions can deepen and spread. Many people also experience secondary effects — withdrawing from exercise, social activities, or intimacy — that significantly affect quality of life. Early treatment leads to faster, more complete recovery. Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective interventions available, and most people see meaningful improvement within a few weeks of starting.
Where can I get pelvic floor physical therapy in southeastern New Mexico?
Pelvic floor physical therapy at Artesia General Hospital is offered by Crystal Rhoades, FNP-C through the Vibrant Women’s Health clinic, serving patients from Eddy County, Carlsbad, Roswell, and surrounding communities throughout the Pecos Valley region. Contact their clinic directly at 575-736-8394 to learn more or ask your AGH provider for a referral.
Medical Disclaimer
The content in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pelvic floor conditions vary significantly from person to person. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific symptoms and treatment options. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergency care in southeastern New Mexico, contact Artesia General Hospital at 575-748-3333.
Clinical review: Crystal Rhoades MSN FNP-C — Vibrant Women’s Health, Artesia General Hospital
Nota bilingüe: Si prefiere recibir atención médica en español, el equipo de Artesia General Hospital puede atenderle. Llámenos al 575-748-3333 para más información sobre terapia de piso pélvico y nuestros servicios de rehabilitación.