Pelvic Health Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy

How to Find The Right Help

Hundreds of thousands of women globally trust our evidence-based online system to rebuild core and pelvic floor function. At MUTU, we’re here to support you — and we’re also honest about what an online program can and can’t do. 

MUTU provides everything needed to restore strength, confidence, and function for women dealing with mild to moderate pelvic and core symptoms.

Ideally, everyone would have access to one-to-one support from a specialist women’s health physiotherapist or pelvic health physical therapist. While this can be beneficial for anyone, it’s often most important if your symptoms are more severe, persistent, or not improving with rehab alone.

If you’re experiencing symptoms and want extra support, this guide will help you understand when to seek help, what to look for in a specialist, and how to find the right care.

Getting Help with Pelvic Health

đź©ş Using MUTU Alongside Physio or PT Care:

You can continue to use MUTU as your foundation, but if you’re struggling with symptoms or unsure about your pelvic floor condition, it’s worth speaking to a qualified clinician to get a personalised assessment. Talk to them about using MUTU alongside their care plan.

When Should You See a Women’s Health Physiotherapist or Pelvic Health PT?

You don’t need to be at a crisis point to get support. The earlier you seek help, the better. Consider seeing a specialist if you’re experiencing:

  • Leaking urine (with exercise, coughing, sneezing, or just because)
  • A heavy or bulging feeling in your vagina (possible pelvic organ prolapse)
  • Painful sex (dyspareunia), pelvic pain, or vaginismus
  • Ongoing lower back, pelvic, or hip pain
  • Postnatal core and pelvic floor weakness
  • Difficulty returning to exercise or activity postpartum
  • Scarring or discomfort after C-section or perineal tearing
  • Menopause-related changes such as vaginal dryness or discomfort
  • Prep for labour/birth or recovery after gynaecological surgery

How to Access Pelvic Health Help – Referral or Self-Referral

Here’s how to navigate the process in the UK and US, whether you’re using public healthcare or private insurance.

Via the NHS (public healthcare):

  • You can ask your GP (family doctor) for a referral to a women’s health physiotherapist through your local NHS trust.
  • Many NHS hospitals or community health services offer pelvic health physiotherapy for symptoms like incontinence, prolapse, or postnatal recovery.
  • Waiting times can vary depending on your area, but care is free at the point of access.
  • In some regions, self-referral to a physiotherapy service is possible — check your local NHS trust’s website to see if this is available.

Private Care:

  • You can also book directly with a private women’s health physiotherapist without needing a GP referral.
  • Search through directories like POGP, CSP, or Physio First (links listed below).
  • Some private health insurance policies (e.g., Bupa, AXA, Vitality) may cover physiotherapy, but you’ll need to check:
    • Does your policy cover specialist physiotherapy or pelvic health rehab?
    • Do you need a GP referral or pre-authorisation before booking?
    • Are you limited to a specific provider list?

Always call your insurer’s helpline to confirm what’s included and what documentation is required.

Via Insurance:

  • Many pelvic health physical therapists (PTs) are covered under medical insurance, especially if your symptoms are linked to pain, postpartum recovery, or functional issues (e.g., incontinence or prolapse).
  • Start by checking your insurance provider’s directory or call them to ask:
    • Is pelvic health physical therapy covered?
    • Do I need a referral or pre-authorisation from my primary care provider or OB-GYN?
    • How many sessions are covered per year?
    • Are there any in-network providers, or can I choose out-of-network?

Some providers may be out-of-network but offer superbills you can submit for reimbursement — so it’s worth asking!

Self-Pay / Private Options:

  • You do not need a referral to book directly with a pelvic health PT — especially in Direct Access states where you can self-refer.
  • You can find highly specialised PTs through directories like APTA Pelvic Health, Pelvic Guru, or Herman & Wallace, then contact them directly to book (links below!).
  • Some clinics offer package rates or payment plans if you’re paying out of pocket.

What to Ask When Choosing a Therapist

To find the right fit, don’t be afraid to ask:

  • What’s your specific training in pelvic health/women’s health?
  • Do you offer internal pelvic floor assessment?
  • Have you worked with my specific condition before (e.g., prolapse, postpartum healing, sexual pain)?
  • Can you coordinate care with other providers (e.g., OB-GYN, menopause specialist, GP)?

Resources and Directories

POGP Directory
Find specialist pelvic and women’s health physiotherapists through the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) network.

CSP Find a Physio
Locate HCPC-registered Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) members by specialty.

Physio First Directory 
Access private physiotherapists, including women’s health specialists, via Physio First’s verified directory.

NHS Sexual Health Services
Find NHS sexual health clinics for STI care, pelvic pain support, and clinical referrals.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
Professional body offering information and links to accredited specialist sexual health clinics.

British Menopause Society Directory
Locate menopause-aware clinicians experienced in addressing sexual and pelvic health concerns.

COSRT Directory
Find psychosexual and medically trained sexual health therapists through the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).

APTA Pelvic Health Directory
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers the PT Locator™, a directory to help patients find licensed physical therapists specializing in pelvic and abdominal health.

Pelvic Guru Directory
Pelvic Guru provides a global directory dedicated to helping individuals find pelvic health professionals, including physical therapists and other specialists

Herman & Wallace Practitioner Directory
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute maintains a directory of practitioners who have completed their pelvic rehabilitation courses, assisting patients in locating therapists trained in advanced pelvic rehab techniques.

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization providing a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services, including pelvic exams, STI testing and treatment, contraception, and referrals. ​

North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Directory
NAMS offers a directory of certified menopause practitioners, assisting individuals in finding healthcare professionals specializing in menopause management

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
ACOG provides resources and clinical guidance on various aspects of women’s health, including the management of female sexual dysfunction.

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Directory
ISSWSH offers a provider directory of members whose professional activity includes the practice of women’s sexual health, assisting patients in finding qualified clinicians.

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Directory
AASECT provides a referral directory to locate certified sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists for education, counseling, or therapy purposes. 

Assurance of Credibility:

All listed resources connect users with licensed, accredited professionals in the UK and US who follow evidence-based practice and national clinical guidelines. They offer safe, trusted, and effective care across pelvic, sexual, and reproductive health.

Remember — You Deserve Specialist Care

Your symptoms are valid. Your discomfort is not “just something to live with.” You don’t need to “just get on with it” or “bounce back” alone.

You deserve care that’s expert, evidence-based, and holistic.

At MUTU, we’re here to support you and champion multidisciplinary care that meets women’s needs. MUTU System can be a powerful part of your recovery and strength journey. But sometimes, you need a human, hands-on specialist too — and that’s okay. That’s what this guide is for.

Disclaimer

The MUTU System is an evidence-based online exercise program designed to support core and pelvic floor health. It is not a replacement for individual medical care or diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pain, or other health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional or pelvic health specialist.

See full disclaimer here.