Pelvic floor physical therapy is specialized hands-on care that addresses the muscles, connective tissue, and nerves of the pelvic region. At Sharp Ortho & Pelvic Physical Therapy in Hoover, Alabama, our pelvic PT treats conditions including urinary leakage, pelvic pain, prolapse, postpartum recovery, painful intercourse, and core weakness. Treatment is evidence-based and completely tailored to your body and goals.

Women at any stage of life can benefit. Pelvic floor PT is appropriate for:

• Women experiencing urinary leakage when laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising
• Postpartum women recovering from vaginal birth or C-section
• Women in perimenopause or menopause dealing with pelvic pain, dryness, or prolapse symptoms
• Women with painful intercourse or vaginismus
• Anyone experiencing pelvic pressure, heaviness, or core weakness
• Women preparing for or recovering from pelvic surgery

Pelvic floor PT should not be painful. Your comfort is the priority at every step. Some assessment techniques may feel unfamiliar, but your therapist will always explain what she is doing, check in throughout the session, and adjust based on your feedback. Most patients leave their first appointment feeling relieved — and informed about their own body in a new way.

We treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Urinary leakage (stress, urge, and mixed incontinence)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Postpartum recovery (vaginal and C-section)
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and vaginismus
• Interstitial cystitis and bladder urgency
• Hip, low back, and SI joint pain
• Gluteal tendinopathy
• Diastasis recti
• Menopause-related pelvic changes
• General orthopedic conditions (neck, shoulder, knee, and more)

We recommend an initial evaluation at 6 weeks postpartum following vaginal delivery, or once you have been cleared by your OB or midwife. For C-section deliveries, timing depends on your healing. Early postpartum guidance — breathing, posture, and gentle pelvic floor awareness — is often appropriate before 6 weeks. Contact us and we will advise based on your specific situation.

Postpartum PT at our Hoover clinic includes assessment of your pelvic floor, core, hips, and posture. We check for diastasis recti (abdominal separation), assess scar tissue if you had a C-section or tearing, address any urinary or bowel changes, and create a safe return-to-exercise plan. We follow evidence-based guidelines from leading researchers in postpartum rehabilitation.

Yes. Menopause causes significant changes in the pelvic floor — including muscle thinning, reduced elasticity, and shifts in bladder control. Kaye Sharp holds a Women's Health Coach credential from the Integrative Women's Health Institute and runs the Thrive Through Menopause 12-week program, which integrates pelvic PT, exercise, nutrition, and hormone health education to help women feel strong and in control during this transition.

Urinary leakage is common in menopause, but it is not something you have to simply accept. Declining estrogen affects the tissues of the bladder and urethra, while pelvic floor muscle changes affect control. Pelvic floor PT is highly effective for menopausal urinary incontinence — multiple studies show it outperforms medication for stress and urge incontinence with no side effects. We can help you regain control and confidence.

Many insurance plans cover pelvic floor physical therapy when medically necessary. We encourage you to call your insurance provider to verify your benefits before your first visit. We are happy to assist you in understanding your coverage. We also offer transparent cash-pay options for patients who prefer direct access without insurance. Call us at 205-515-0288 for details.

Alabama allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you do not need a physician referral to begin PT. You can schedule an evaluation directly with us. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage — please contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific plan's requirements.

Yes. Sharp Ortho & Pelvic Physical Therapy is located at 2481 Valleydale Road in Hoover, Alabama, conveniently serving women throughout the Birmingham metro area — including Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Pelham, and surrounding communities. Call us at 205-515-0288 or visit sharpphysicaltherapy.com to schedule.

Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 60–75 minutes. We will review your health history, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform an orthopedic and pelvic floor assessment. This may include an external exam and, with your full informed consent, an internal assessment. You will leave with a clear understanding of what is contributing to your symptoms and a personalized treatment plan — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Kaye Sharp, MPT, WHC has 30 years of orthopedic experience with advanced specialization in women's health and pelvic floor PT. As a Women's Health Coach, she integrates hormone health, nutrition, and lifestyle into PT care — going beyond symptom management to help women truly thrive. Our practice is women-centered, unhurried, and deeply personalized. You will always see the same therapist, never an aide or rotating staff.