Physical Therapy
- Restoring strength, comfort, and confidence.
Leaking when you laugh, pelvic pain or pressure, or a belly that hasn’t felt the same since pregnancy are common. But they are not something you simply have to live with.
At Women’s Health Group in Chicago, we offer physical therapy for pelvic floor disorders and abdominal separation, with care tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your goals, so you can feel strong and confident again.
- 30+ years caring for women
- Pelvic floor and core recovery
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Tailored exercise programs
Our Services
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Medically reviewed by Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your bladder, uterus, and bowel. When these muscles are weak, tight, or not working together, you may have leaking, pain, or pressure.
Pelvic floor physical therapy uses targeted exercises, education, and techniques such as biofeedback to help these muscles work the way they should. It can also help with diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that is common after pregnancy.
Common does not mean normal.
Bladder leaks and pelvic discomfort are very common, especially after childbirth, but they often improve with the right treatment.
Pelvic Floor Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Talk with us if you notice:
- Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate, or trouble making it to the bathroom in time
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling that something is falling out
- Pain during sex, or pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
- Trouble controlling gas or bowel movements
- A bulge or gap in the middle of your belly after pregnancy
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out at (773) 992-1555. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Comfort at Every Step
Strategies for Comprehensive Care
Individualized Assessment
Before therapy begins, a thorough assessment looks at how your pelvic floor and core are working, so your plan targets your specific needs.
Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback shows how your pelvic floor muscles are working in real time, helping you learn to contract and relax them correctly.
Tailored Exercise Programs
Exercises are chosen to strengthen or relax the right muscles without adding strain, and they progress as you do.
Education for Lasting Results
We teach breathing, posture, and daily habits that protect your pelvic floor, so the benefits last long after therapy ends.
Healing After Pregnancy and Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth put real strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Leaking, pelvic heaviness, or a gap between your belly muscles can linger for months if they aren’t addressed.
Physical therapy can help you rebuild strength and core stability after a vaginal or cesarean birth. Learn more about recovery on our postpartum care page.
- Care That Fits You
The Personal Nature of Pelvic Health
More Than Muscles
Leaking or pain can affect confidence, intimacy, and daily life. We address the emotional side of pelvic health with patience and respect.
Your Plan, Your Pace
Some women see improvement in weeks, while others need more time. Your program is adjusted as you progress.
Your Physical Therapy Journey:
Assessment
We talk about your symptoms, history, and goals, then assess your pelvic floor and core to understand what's causing your symptoms.
Therapy
Sessions include guided exercises, breathing techniques, and biofeedback when helpful, with a home program to continue between visits.
Maintenance
As you improve, we give you the knowledge and exercises to keep your muscles strong and your results lasting.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a range of conditions affecting the bladder, bowel, pelvis, and core.*
*Every woman’s needs are different. Talk with Dr. Awad about whether physical therapy is right for you.
Urinary leakage
Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise, or a frequent, urgent need to urinate.
Pelvic pain and painful sex
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles can cause pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Strengthening the pelvic floor can help ease the pressure and heaviness of mild prolapse.
Diastasis recti
Separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, which can affect core strength, posture, and back comfort.
Common Physical Therapy Questions We Hear Most
Is pelvic floor therapy only for after childbirth?
No. It can help women of any age with leaking, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms, or recovery after surgery.
What happens during a session?
Sessions usually include an assessment, guided exercises, and education. Biofeedback may be used to help you see how your muscles are working.
How long until I see results?
It varies. Many women notice improvement within several weeks of consistent therapy and home exercises.*
*Your plan and timeline will depend on your symptoms.
Can physical therapy help diastasis recti?
Yes. Targeted core exercises can help close the gap between the abdominal muscles and improve core strength and posture.
Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
Dr. Mike Awad is a second-generation OB-GYN whose areas of focus include pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and abnormal bleeding. He favors conservative, minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. His philosophy is simple: meet every patient where she is, listen carefully, and make sure she feels understood and confident in her care.
Your comfort, privacy, and dignity come first
Talking about leaks, pelvic pain, or intimacy can feel embarrassing. You deserve care that is patient, private, and respectful. Here is our promise to you.
Your comfort is our priority
We move at your pace and never rush an exam or session.
We explain first, then proceed together
Before every step, we walk you through what to expect and why, in plain language and at your pace. You can ask us to pause at any time.
Your choice is respected
Whether you start therapy now or want more time to decide, the decision is always yours.
Your information stays private
Your conversations and records are protected, and follow-up messages go through our secure patient portal.
Feel Strong and Confident Again
Pelvic floor physical therapy for women across Chicago’s Southwest Side, including Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, and Summit. New patients are welcome. Most major insurance accepted.
