What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is specialized treatment for the muscles, nerves, and connective tissue that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. A pelvic floor PT assesses whether these muscles are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated — and builds a plan to restore strength, control, and comfort. It goes well beyond Kegels.

What conditions does pelvic floor PT treat?

Pelvic floor PT treats urinary incontinence (leaking with sneezing, coughing, running, or laughing), diastasis recti, pain with sex, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and pressure — including sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) — C-section scar tightness, perineal tear recovery, prenatal pain, and labor preparation. If any pelvic floor or pelvic girdle symptom is affecting your daily life, PT can likely help.

Is pelvic floor PT just Kegels?

No — and for some women, Kegels can actually make symptoms worse, especially if the pelvic floor muscles are too tight rather than too weak. Dr. Avonlea assesses your whole body — breathing, posture, core coordination, hip mobility, and scar tissue — to determine what your pelvic floor actually needs.

Is internal work required?

No — internal work is never required. Dr. Avonlea has many ways to assess and treat your pelvic floor using external techniques. If internal work ever becomes part of the discussion, she will explain exactly what it involves, and it will always be entirely your choice. Many patients see significant improvement without any internal techniques.

When should I start pelvic floor PT after having a baby?

You can start as early as 2–4 weeks postpartum for gentle breathwork and assessment, with more active treatment typically beginning after 6 weeks. There is no cutoff — whether you're 3 months postpartum or 3 years, it's never too late. Symptoms that have been present for years still respond to treatment.

Can I come in during pregnancy?

Yes — prenatal PT is available at any stage of pregnancy and is one of Dr. Avonlea's highest priorities. Whether you're dealing with pelvic girdle pain, SIJ or SPD, round ligament pain, back pain, or simply want to prepare your body for labor, there's meaningful work to be done at every trimester. Coming in earlier often means less time managing pain and more time feeling good.

When should I come in?

If something feels off — leaking, pressure, pain, heaviness, or a core that doesn't feel like yours anymore — that's enough of a reason. You don't need to wait until symptoms are severe, and you don't need a referral. There's no threshold you have to reach before PT is "worth it."

Why might my baby need physical therapy?

Babies may benefit from physical therapy for torticollis (head tilt or preference to look one direction), plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), difficulty with tummy time, or motor milestone delays such as not rolling or crawling within expected timeframes. If your pediatrician mentioned any of these concerns, early intervention typically leads to faster and better outcomes.

What does infant PT look like?

Sessions are gentle, playful, and happen on your living room floor or at the Costa Mesa office — wherever works best for your family. Dr. Avonlea uses toys, positioning, and guided movement to help your baby build strength, range of motion, and coordination. She also teaches you what to do between visits so you feel confident supporting your baby every day. Your baby won't be in pain.

Does Dr. Avonlea treat moms and babies?

Yes. Dr. Avonlea specializes in both pelvic floor PT for moms and physical therapy for infants. She's one of the only providers in Orange County who offers both — in your home or at her Costa Mesa office. If you need postpartum recovery support and your baby needs PT, she can often address both in the same visit.

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in California?

No. California is a direct access state, which means you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor. You can book your first session directly with Dr. Avonlea — no prescription or referral needed. If your insurance plan requires a referral for reimbursement, she can guide you through that process.

Is pelvic floor PT covered by insurance?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a recognized medical service and many insurance plans cover it. Dr. Avonlea currently operates as an out-of-network provider. She can provide you with a superbill — a detailed receipt — that you submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many patients receive partial or full reimbursement depending on their plan.

How long are sessions?

Initial evaluations are typically 60 minutes so Dr. Avonlea has time to hear your full story, complete a thorough assessment, and build your treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are 55 minutes — every minute one-on-one with Dr. Avonlea. No aides, no being left alone with a machine, no shared attention.

Can you treat mom and baby in the same visit?

Yes — this is one of the advantages of Dr. Avonlea's dual specialization. Whether she's in your home or you're at the Costa Mesa office, she can often address both mom and baby in a single extended visit. This saves you from juggling two separate providers, two separate appointments, and two separate commutes.

What areas do you serve?

Dr. Avonlea sees patients in-office at C+C MotherKin, 3185 Airway Ave, Suite E2, Costa Mesa, and provides in-home sessions across Orange County — including Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, and Huntington Beach.

What should I expect at my first visit?

Your first session happens in your home or at the Costa Mesa office — your choice. Dr. Avonlea starts by listening to your full story, then does a comprehensive assessment of your body. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's going on and a specific plan to address it. Internal work is never required. Babies are welcome. Read the full breakdown on the First Visit page.

Your first step is a free 15-minute discovery call — just a phone conversation about what you're experiencing. No exam, no commitment. You can book online through Jane App or call (714) 698-9533.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're considering pelvic floor PT for yourself, infant PT for your baby, or just trying to figure out how any of this works — you're in the right place. Don't see your question? Book a free discovery call and Dr. Avonlea will answer it personally.

Book a Free Discovery Call

Pelvic Floor PT - FAQs

Pelvic floor physical therapy is specialized treatment for the muscles, nerves, and connective tissue that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. A pelvic floor PT assesses whether these muscles are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated — and builds a plan to restore strength, control, and comfort. It goes well beyond Kegels.
Pelvic floor PT treats urinary incontinence (leaking with sneezing, coughing, running, or laughing), diastasis recti, pain with sex, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and pressure — including sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) — C-section scar tightness, perineal tear recovery, prenatal pain, and labor preparation. If any pelvic floor or pelvic girdle symptom is affecting your daily life, PT can likely help.
No — and for some women, Kegels can actually make symptoms worse, especially if the pelvic floor muscles are too tight rather than too weak. Dr. Avonlea assesses your whole body — breathing, posture, core coordination, hip mobility, and scar tissue — to determine what your pelvic floor actually needs.
No — internal work is never required. Dr. Avonlea has many ways to assess and treat your pelvic floor using external techniques. If internal work ever becomes part of the discussion, she will explain exactly what it involves, and it will always be entirely your choice. Many patients see significant improvement without any internal techniques.
You can start as early as 2–4 weeks postpartum for gentle breathwork and assessment, with more active treatment typically beginning after 6 weeks. There is no cutoff — whether you're 3 months postpartum or 3 years, it's never too late. Symptoms that have been present for years still respond to treatment.
Yes — prenatal PT is available at any stage of pregnancy and is one of Dr. Avonlea's highest priorities. Whether you're dealing with pelvic girdle pain, SIJ or SPD, round ligament pain, back pain, or simply want to prepare your body for labor, there's meaningful work to be done at every trimester. Coming in earlier often means less time managing pain and more time feeling good.
If something feels off — leaking, pressure, pain, heaviness, or a core that doesn't feel like yours anymore — that's enough of a reason. You don't need to wait until symptoms are severe, and you don't need a referral. There's no threshold you have to reach before PT is "worth it."

Infant & Pediatric PT - FAQs

Babies may benefit from physical therapy for torticollis (head tilt or preference to look one direction), plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), difficulty with tummy time, or motor milestone delays such as not rolling or crawling within expected timeframes. If your pediatrician mentioned any of these concerns, early intervention typically leads to faster and better outcomes.
Sessions are gentle, playful, and happen on your living room floor or at the Costa Mesa office — wherever works best for your family. Dr. Avonlea uses toys, positioning, and guided movement to help your baby build strength, range of motion, and coordination. She also teaches you what to do between visits so you feel confident supporting your baby every day. Your baby won't be in pain.
Yes. Dr. Avonlea specializes in both pelvic floor PT for moms and physical therapy for infants. She's one of the only providers in Orange County who offers both — in your home or at her Costa Mesa office. If you need postpartum recovery support and your baby needs PT, she can often address both in the same visit.

Logistics & Insurance - FAQs

No. California is a direct access state, which means you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor. You can book your first session directly with Dr. Avonlea — no prescription or referral needed. If your insurance plan requires a referral for reimbursement, she can guide you through that process.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a recognized medical service and many insurance plans cover it. Dr. Avonlea currently operates as an out-of-network provider. She can provide you with a superbill — a detailed receipt — that you submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many patients receive partial or full reimbursement depending on their plan.
Initial evaluations are typically 60 minutes so Dr. Avonlea has time to hear your full story, complete a thorough assessment, and build your treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are 55 minutes — every minute one-on-one with Dr. Avonlea. No aides, no being left alone with a machine, no shared attention.
Yes — this is one of the advantages of Dr. Avonlea's dual specialization. Whether she's in your home or you're at the Costa Mesa office, she can often address both mom and baby in a single extended visit. This saves you from juggling two separate providers, two separate appointments, and two separate commutes.

Getting Started - FAQs

Dr. Avonlea sees patients in-office at C+C MotherKin, 3185 Airway Ave, Suite E2, Costa Mesa, and provides in-home sessions across Orange County — including Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, and Huntington Beach.
Your first session happens in your home or at the Costa Mesa office — your choice. Dr. Avonlea starts by listening to your full story, then does a comprehensive assessment of your body. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's going on and a specific plan to address it. Internal work is never required. Babies are welcome. Read the full breakdown on the First Visit page.
Your first step is a free 15-minute discovery call — just a phone conversation about what you're experiencing. No exam, no commitment. You can book online through Jane App or call (714) 698-9533.
Yes — this is one of the advantages of Dr. Avonlea's dual specialization. Whether she's in your home or you're at the Costa Mesa office, she can often address both mom and baby in a single extended visit. This saves you from juggling two separate providers, two separate appointments, and two separate commutes.

Still have questions?

Dr. Avonlea answers every inquiry personally. Your first step takes 15 minutes.