What’s the Difference Between Pelvic Health Coaching and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Overview

Discover how pelvic health coaching differs from physical therapy learn when each supports healing, growth, and lasting pelvic well-being.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic health, I’ve spent years helping patients navigate complex challenges like pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, core dysfunction, intimacy concerns, and fertility issues. My clinical work involves hands-on assessment, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular retraining, manual therapy, education, and medical documentation—often in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers. 

Pelvic health physical therapy is a medical service focused on evaluating and treating dysfunctions in the pelvic muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia that may contribute to pelvic pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and more. A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist is skilled at evaluating both internal and external structures to assess muscle coordination, tone, and strength while also being able to more broadly assess movement patterns, posture, breathing mechanics, and range of motion. Treatment is highly individualized and guided by medical necessity. Depending on your state’s laws, physical therapy may require a physician referral or be accessed directly through self-referral. Services may be offered on a cash-pay basis or billed through insurance, depending on the clinic and provider. 

What is Pelvic Health Coaching? 

Health coaching, as defined in American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Magazine, is an emerging healthcare discipline built on behavior-change theory, delivered by trained professionals, and designed to help people make lasting lifestyle shifts.1 Health Coaching guides clients to uncover what truly matters to them, set goals they feel ownership over, and identify the action steps and mindset shifts needed to make lasting change. 

Pelvic Health Coaching brings these principles into the realm of intimacy, fertility awareness, body literacy, and reproductive well-being. Rather than diagnosing or treating a medical condition, coaching focuses on education, practical tools, and the integration of habits that support healthy pelvic function and a satisfying quality of life. My role as a coach is to guide, support, listen, and ask insightful questions—while encouraging you to take the lead in setting meaningful goals and building the skills to achieve them. Coaching is not a substitute for medical care, and I encourage clients to continue working with their healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment as needed. 

Why did I add this offering? 

I dream big, and I know God’s plans for me are even greater. That belief fuels my curiosity,

inspires me to cultivate my talents, and calls me to steward my God-given gifts well. Living this out requires faith, dedication, vitality, and a circle of trusted individuals I can turn to for guidance, insight, and encouragement. When I’ve faced health challenges, health coaches have been instrumental in offering support, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies that allow me to turn the health that I hope for into the vitality and joy I ultimately share and serve with. 

Professionally, I’ve seen the same truth play out in my physical therapy practice. When a patient has clarity, intrinsic motivation, and a strong “why,” their health journey—filled with hopeful goals and the unfolding that follows—becomes more satisfying and sustainable. That’s my desire for you: to cultivate a life so deeply meaningful it’s worth savoring even on your worst days. Pelvic health coaching has become one of the most effective ways to make that possible—offering you a space to revisit and refine your values, clarify your vision, and leave reinvigorated and ready to take steps toward the health and life you’ve been dreaming about. 

Ready to move toward your pelvic health goals with greater clarity and confidence? 

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with your pelvic health, it would be an honor to support you with an approach that respects both your design and your dignity. Click here to book your pelvic health coaching session with me, Dr. Amanda Ramirez, DPT, and let’s take your next steps together.

References: 

1. Conciatore J. Health coaching and physical therapy. APTA Magazine. 2025;17(2)