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Patient Questions  /  Physical therapy for prolapse

Women’s Pelvic Health

Can Physical Therapy Help Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Yes, for many women. Pelvic floor muscle training, taught by a pelvic floor physical therapist, can ease symptoms like heaviness and bulging, especially when a prolapse is mild to moderate. It may not reverse a prolapse completely. It can work alongside other options like a pessary or surgery.

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What prolapse is

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the bladder, uterus or rectum drops down and presses into the vagina, because the muscles and tissues that support them have stretched or weakened. It’s common after vaginal childbirth and around menopause.

Women often describe a feeling of heaviness, dragging or “something falling out,” especially at the end of the day or after standing for a long time. Some notice a bulge, bladder or bowel changes, or discomfort with sex.

How therapy helps

  • Pelvic floor muscle training to give the organs better support. Research shows it can reduce prolapse symptoms.
  • Bracing before effort, like tightening the pelvic floor before you lift, cough or sneeze.
  • Avoiding straining on the toilet, and managing constipation.
  • Safer ways to lift children, groceries and weights, and to return to exercise.

Your doctor may also suggest a pessary, a removable device that supports the vaginal walls. Therapy and a pessary can be used together. If surgery is needed, a strong pelvic floor helps with recovery.

What to expect

Most women practice their exercises at home for several months. Symptoms often feel better with less heaviness at the end of the day, and many women find they can stay active with more confidence.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A bulge that you can't push back in, or that is bleeding or has a sore on it
  • Being unable to urinate or empty your bladder: get urgent care
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Fever with pelvic pain, or pain or burning when you urinate

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Pelvic floor therapy at ARI is for women, always one-on-one. Your therapist explains everything first, checks your pelvic floor (with your consent), and teaches you exercises and daily habits to ease symptoms and help you stay active.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Pelvic organ prolapse →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026