PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

Hey there, happy momma! Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy changed my life, and I truly believe it can change yours too. After having kids—two beautiful girls—I realized just how much education, resources, support, and guidance are missing for women throughout the journey to motherhood. Everywhere I go, I meet mommas who are uncomfortable or in pain during pregnancy, or who feel like their bodies never fully recovered after having children. I can relate. While your life goals may have changed, I believe your body is resilient—and with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible through pelvic floor physical therapy.

I’m Dr. Christy Martin, the pelvic floor physical therapist behind Happy Core Happy Floor PT in Buffalo, NY. I’ve been rehabilitating and helping people return to function for over 13 years, and I’m deeply driven to make a difference in the lives of women and families. My practice is dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and all phases of motherhood using evidence-based pelvic floor physical therapy and a whole-body approach.

Care is individualized and compassionate, combining gentle manual therapy, functional movement, core and pelvic floor rehabilitation, and education. My focus goes beyond treating symptoms—I aim to help you understand your body, restore function, and build long-term strength and confidence. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge, guidance, and support you deserve so you can work toward a happy core, happy floor, and happy momma. I’m proud to serve women and families throughout Buffalo and Western New York and to collaborate with other perinatal providers to offer truly comprehensive care.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the muscles, connective tissue, and nervous system of the pelvis and core. These structures play a major role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, posture, stability, and overall movement.

Pregnancy, childbirth, surgery (including C-sections), posture, stress, and repetitive daily demands can all impact how the pelvic floor and core function. When these systems aren’t working optimally, symptoms such as pain, leaking, pressure, weakness, or discomfort can occur.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I assess how your body is moving and functioning as a whole and use targeted techniques to restore balance, coordination, strength, and comfort—without medication or surgery.

Who can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is appropriate for women at many stages of life, especially those who are pregnant, postpartum, or experiencing changes related to motherhood.

You may benefit if you are experiencing:

• Pelvic pain, hip pain, or low back pain

• Urinary or bowel leakage

• Pelvic pressure or prolapse symptoms

• Pain with intercourse

• Core weakness or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)

• Pregnancy-related discomforts

• Difficulty returning to exercise or daily activities after birth

Care can be preventative, supportive, or rehabilitative—and is always tailored to your specific needs and goals.

What is prenatal (pregnancy) pelvic floor physical therapy? Is it safe?

Prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy is not only safe, but incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Care is designed to support your changing body, help manage common pregnancy discomforts, and prepare you for birth and postpartum recovery.

Treatment during pregnancy is gentle and adaptable to each trimester. There is no forceful manipulation, and techniques are chosen carefully to ensure both your comfort and safety. Sessions may include manual therapy, breathing strategies, posture and movement guidance, and functional exercises to support your pelvis, core, and nervous system.

What are the benefits of prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy?

Regular prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy can:

• Reduce pelvic, hip, back, and sciatic pain

• Improve posture and movement as your body changes

• Support optimal pelvic and core function

• Help prepare the body for labor and delivery

• Improve body awareness and confidence going into birth

By improving mobility, coordination, and balance in the pelvis and surrounding tissues, therapy can also help create an environment that supports better baby positioning and a smoother labor experience.

What is postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy?

Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on helping your body recover after birth—whether vaginal or cesarean. Pregnancy and delivery place significant demands on the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and nervous system, and many women are expected to “just bounce back” without proper support.

Postpartum care may address:

• Core and pelvic floor weakness

• Diastasis recti

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Incontinence

• Scar mobility after tearing or C-section

• Returning safely to exercise and daily life

My goal is to help you rebuild strength, restore function, and feel confident in your body again.

When is the best time to start pelvic floor physical therapy?

The best time to start is whenever you feel ready—and honestly, sooner than most women are told. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful during pregnancy, early postpartum, years after childbirth, or even before becoming pregnant.

Healing and wellness are ongoing processes. With the right support, your body can adapt, recover, and thrive at any stage. You deserve care that helps you feel strong, capable, and supported—not just surviving motherhood, but truly enjoying it.