What a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Visit at Origin is Really Like

I’m no stranger to physical therapy. I’ve been to the PT gym and done workouts….for my ankle injuries, at least. But never did I think a physical therapist would be checking out my private area.

In fact, I didn’t even know pelvic floor physical therapy was a thing. The extent of my knowledge of vagina-related workouts was kegels.

I was dealing with a couple of annoying ailments and struggling to find doctors who could give me answers about what was going on or what I could do to feel better. First, I was experiencing “urinary retention,” which basically means I couldn’t pee properly. Second, I was having on-and-off chronic pain in the lower left side of my abdomen that doctors couldn’t explain.

After seeking a few medical opinions from both urologists and OB-GYNs, a doctor looked at some test results and said, “It could be pelvic floor dysfunction.” I had no idea what that meant, nor did I know what she meant by: “The treatment would be pelvic floor physical therapy.”

And so, I did a bit of research and came across Origin, booking the soonest available slot.

I always dread OB-GYN appointments: the painful metal speculum, the super rushed feeling, and the seemingly omnipresent medical gaslighting.

Going into the appointment, I had no idea what to expect. I always dread OB-GYN appointments: the painful metal speculum, the super rushed feeling, and the seemingly omnipresent medical gaslighting. Those offices always feel so clinical and unwelcoming. Would pelvic floor physical therapy be the same?

On the day of my appointment, I was feeling super nervous. I barely knew anything about pelvic floor PT, and the fear of the unknown was hitting me. I had no idea what the appointment would entail or what my physical therapist would be like –– but my biggest concern was not being understood. Would she get what I meant when I talked about my symptoms and struggles? And even worse, would she know how to help me?

Stepping through the door of Origin’s West Hollywood location, I could tell this wasn’t going to be a typical medical experience. The vibe was much more casual, and not to mention, well decorated. They even had sex toys for sale. What!? The icing on the cake: the waiting area’s bathroom had a Squatty Potty.

I barely had to wait. I was quickly called in by my physical therapist, Dr. Rachel McCarthy-Moya, who was warm and welcoming off the bat. My anxiety level was already decreasing.

She believed me, knew what I was talking about, and didn’t make it seem at all like she thought the problem was in my head.

She asked me tons of questions, honestly…probably more than any general doctor, specialist, or OB-GYN has. It felt like she genuinely wanted to get to the bottom of my symptoms so she could help me. When I explained what was going on with my pee problem and chronic pain, I didn’t feel crazy. She believed me, knew what I was talking about, and didn’t make it seem at all like she thought the problem was in my head like other providers had. The real problem was in my pelvic floor.

After the Q&A portion of the visit, I had a personal anatomy lesson. Dr. McCarthy-Moya got out a handy 3D model of the pelvic floor and explained all the different parts. I had no idea there were so many muscles that were part of the pelvic floor –– muscles that could be causing my problems.

Next, it was time for the exam. She asked if I was comfortable with her conducting an external and internal exam, and I said yes, but I was stressing over one thing: I had my period. Luckily, she assured me that this is totally fine and won’t stop a PT from getting the job done!

There were no stirrups, thank goodness!

There were no stirrups, thank goodness! Instead, the doctor had me lay back, legs butterfly style, with a sheet over me. She asked for consent and explained what she was doing and where she would be touching every step of the way. The purpose of the exam, she explained, was to feel for any abnormalities around my pelvic floor. She would press on specific spots, ask how it felt, and then move on. This allowed her to pinpoint any regions of my pelvic floor that could contribute to my symptoms. In case you’re wondering: the exam was a whole lot less invasive and painful than speculums and OBGYN exams! Phew.

After the exam, she explained her findings, letting me know that some of my pelvic floor muscles were very tight –– which could be to blame for my urinary retention and even contributing to some of the chronic pain I was experiencing.

She walked me through a breathing technique I could use to help relax my muscles, and told me that she would add multiple stretches and exercises into my Origin portal to do regularly at home. With time, doing my physical therapy “homework” would help relax my tight pelvic floor and relieve my symptoms.

The whole visit was way less awkward than I imagined it would be.

I profusely thanked the doctor for being so patient, caring, and thorough, and she told me I could email her if I had any questions or needed extra help with my exercises. I realized I had never spent so much 1:1 time with a medical provider when I was seeking help for any issue. Not to mention, the whole visit was way less awkward than I imagined it would be. I barely felt awkward at all.

I left the exam room feeling cared for, validated, and optimistic –– sadly rare for post-doctor emotions –– and set up my follow-up appointment. I knew that next time, I’d actually look forward to my appointment rather than have anxiety about it.

So, if you need pelvic floor physical therapy, but you’re nervous about going, I have some advice. It’s normal to feel nervous for new things, especially when they’re doctor-related. But take it from me: your Origin experience will be nothing like the doctor's office experiences you’re used to. These providers are friendly, patient, and will make you feel at ease in no time. Plus, there are no dreaded medieval torture-style speculums or stirrups.

Your PT will explain everything, every step of the way, and you won’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable doing. You don’t have to put off getting help due to fear, and there are providers out there that truly want to help you feel better.