Pelvic Floor Health: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How Physical Therapy with Grace Yarnal at Southside PT Can Help

When most people think about physical therapy, they picture rehab for injuries, joints, or muscles. But there’s an important group of muscles that often gets overlooked, and play a huge role in daily life: the pelvic floor.

Every person has pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowels, reproductive organs, core, and spine.  Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening these muscles to help aid in stability, posture, breathing, continence, and sexual function.

At Southside Physical Therapy, Grace Yarnal, DPT, specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunctions with compassionate, individualized care in a calm and supportive environment where patients feel safe to discuss sensitive concerns without fear or embarrassment. 

Grace takes the time to listen, educate, and empower clients with practical strategies and exercises to regain confidence, comfort, and control. She begins all of her sessions by educating patients about pelvic floor functions and answering any questions they may have. Treatment is done one-to-one in a private room, prioritizing patient comfort and discretion.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles are responsible for key functions such as bladder and bowel control, core stability, posture, and sexual health.

When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, whether it’s too weak, too tight, or not coordinating well, it can lead to symptoms that disrupt daily life. Many people assume these symptoms are “normal” or something they just have to live with. The truth is, these symptoms are not normal, but the good news is we can learn how to strengthen the pelvic floor to achieve proper function.

Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor issues can affect people of all genders and ages. Some common reasons patients seek pelvic floor physical therapy include:

• Urinary leakage or urgency

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Pain with intercourse

• Core or hip instability

• Lower back, hip, or tailbone pain

• Postpartum or post-surgical recovery

• Difficulty relaxing or engaging core muscles

If any of these sound familiar, pelvic floor physical therapy may be a valuable part of your care.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on improving how these muscles function; not just strengthening them, but helping them work correctly and in coordination with the rest of the body.

Treatment may include education, guided exercises, breathing strategies, posture and movement training, and hands-on techniques when appropriate. Care is always private, personalized and centered around comfort, trust, and your individual goals.

Meet Grace Yarnal, DPT

Grace Yarnal is a physical therapist at Southside Physical Therapy specializing in women’s health and pelvic floor therapy. A graduate of Oregon State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Grace brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care.

Grace was drawn to physical therapy by the meaningful connections it allows between provider and patient. She values taking the time to understand each person’s lifestyle, goals, and concerns, and tailoring care to support daily movement and build confidence and control.

“As a physical therapist, I love empowering people through education and movement,” Grace shares. “Pelvic floor health is such an important part of overall well-being, and I want patients to feel supported, informed, and comfortable every step of the way.”

What Patients Can Expect at Southside PT

Patients seeking pelvic floor therapy at Southside Physical Therapy can expect a welcoming, respectful environment where their concerns are taken seriously. Grace works closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans designed to help them feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of their bodies.

Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, managing pelvic discomfort, or just want to better understand your body, pelvic floor physical therapy can be a powerful tool for improving quality of life and seeing what your body is capable of at any age.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Pelvic floor symptoms are common, but they’re not something you have to accept as “normal.” With the right care, many people experience lasting improvement and relief.

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Grace, contact Southside Physical Therapy today at (541) 388-2681 or visit southsidept.com.