Trauma-Informed Pelvic Floor Care in Boston

At Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy, we believe every patient deserves care that feels safe, respectful, and empowering. One of the most important foundations of how we practice is trauma-informed care. Whether you’re seeking pelvic floor physical therapy for pain, postpartum recovery, or pelvic health concerns, our goal is to provide an environment where you feel heard, supported, and in control.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is a healthcare approach that recognizes the prevalence of trauma and prioritizes your emotional and physical safety throughout treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have outlined six guiding principles:

• Safety

• Trustworthiness and transparency

• Peer support

• Collaboration and mutuality

• Empowerment and choice

• Recognition of cultural, historical, and gender issues

At Boston Pelvic PT, these principles guide every interaction, from your first phone call to your last visit. We aim to help our patients advocate for themselves here in our office, and also with their partners, and at other doctors' visits. You deserve to feel safe and empowered during each and every one of your healthcare visits.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Pelvic Health

*Trigger warning: the following paragraph discusses statistics of sexual and domestic violence of adults and children*:

The CDC statistics on abuse and violence in the U.S. show that:

• Over half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.

• One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape.

This means that a very large number of people have experienced serious trauma at some point in their lives. These horrific experiences, along with other medical or personal trauma, can make gynecological exams, pelvic floor therapy, or medical visits feel extremely stressful or triggering.

That is why we emphasize consent, comfort, and collaboration at every stage of care, no matter why you are here. However, you don’t need to have a trauma history to benefit from a healthcare provider who practices with trauma awareness.

Applying Trauma-Informed Care in Practice

An example of a time when you could advocate to receive trauma-informed care (whether you are a survivor of abuse or not) is a pap smear. Here are some completely reasonable accommodations that you as the patient can request at your next appointment:

• Ask your provider to use a smaller size speculum

• Ask your provider to warm up the speculum (especially if it's metal)

• Ask your provider to use a plastic speculum instead of metal, so it's not so cold

• Ask to insert the speculum yourself, if that would help you feel more comfortable

• Using deep breathing and relaxation techniques may also be helpful

• You can ask to pause or stop the procedure at any time

Here are some ways your provider can (& should!) provide care through a trauma-informed lens:

• Before you ever get undressed, the provider should clearly explain the procedure to you and answer any questions without judgment in order to secure your informed consent

• The provider should let you know where and why their hands will be on your body throughout the procedure

• The provider should regularly ask about your pain levels during the appointment and adjust the pace accordingly

The above steps are essential to creating a safe and trustworthy interaction. 

Our Commitment to Safe, Inclusive Pelvic Healthcare

At Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy, we provide patient-centered, inclusive care for all genders, backgrounds, and identities. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming, body-positive, and mindful of the ways trauma, culture, and past healthcare experiences shape each person’s needs.

If you’re looking for private, safe, and empowering pelvic floor physical therapy outside of Boston, we’re here to help. Whether you need support for postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, bladder or bowel concerns, or just want to work with a provider who prioritizes your dignity and comfort, we invite you to reach out.

You can conveniently schedule your first visit at www.bostonpelvicpt.com (choose “initial evaluation”). You can also call/text 813-709-8341 or email info@bostonpelvicpt.com with any questions.