Fecal Incontinence

Regain control with pelvic floor physical therapy.

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence happens when you have trouble controlling your bowel movements. It might feel like sudden urgency, accidental leakage, or even a complete loss of control. Some people experience small leaks when passing gas, while others might struggle with larger accidents.

This condition can feel overwhelming and embarrassing, but it’s actually more common than most people think. It affects people of all ages, though it tends to show up more as we get older or after certain life events like childbirth, surgeries, or injuries. It can also occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor become weak or damaged.

Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence Can Include:

Leaking stool, especially when passing gas
Feeling a sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom
Difficulty making it to the toilet in time
Unexpected accidents without feeling the urge
Frequent constipation followed by loose stools or leakage
A constant feeling of needing to empty your bowels
Skin irritation or soreness around the anus from leakage
Avoiding social activities out of fear of accidents

If any of these sound familiar, pelvic floor physical therapy could potentially help you strengthen control and ease those symptoms. Fecal incontinence isn’t something you have to manage alone.

How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Contribute to Fecal Incontinence

Your pelvic floor muscles play a huge role in controlling your bowel movements. These muscles support your rectum and help you hold in gas and stool until you’re ready to go. When those muscles weaken, become too tight, or lose coordination, it becomes harder to control bowel movements.

Sometimes the muscles don’t relax when they should, causing constipation or incomplete emptying. Other times, the muscles aren’t strong enough to hold everything in, leading to leaks. Injury, surgery, childbirth, aging, or even long-term straining from constipation can all impact how your pelvic floor works.

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just cause fecal incontinence—it keeps you stuck in a cycle of discomfort and anxiety. The good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy can help break that cycle.

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How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Contribute to Fecal Incontinence

Treatment for Fecal Incontinence

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on retraining your muscles so you can regain control and confidence. Your treatment plan depends on your specific symptoms, your lifestyle, and what’s actually going on with your body. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here.

We might work on exercises that strengthen weak muscles or help you better coordinate your pelvic floor during bowel movements. Manual therapy helps release tight muscles or scar tissue that could be making things worse. Breathing techniques, posture work, and relaxation exercises often play a part too.

The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to help you feel more in control—whether that means fewer accidents, less urgency, or simply being able to leave the house without worrying about where the closest bathroom is.

What to Expect During Your Sessions

During Your Initial Appointment

During your consultation, you’ll have time to share what you’ve been experiencing—what’s been bothering you, what triggers symptoms, and how it’s impacting your daily life. We’ll ask specific questions to get a full picture of what’s going on and listen to any concerns you might have.

Next comes a thorough physical assessment. We’ll look at your posture, breathing, core muscles, and pelvic floor. This hands-on evaluation helps us figure out what’s contributing to your bowel incontinence. In most cases, we’ll recommend checking your pelvic floor muscles internally since that’s the best way to understand what’s happening. We always explain everything first. You can decline any part of the exam or treatment at any time, no questions asked.

During Your Additional Appointments

Every session builds on the last, with treatment designed to fit your needs. We might use manual therapy, guided exercises, and relaxation techniques—always with your comfort in mind.

We’ll teach you how to strengthen and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles, work on improving bowel habits, and help you feel confident doing the things you’ve been avoiding. The goal is progress—feeling better, having fewer symptoms, and getting back to living your life without always planning around a bathroom.

Client Testimonials

Elena Golub

Absolutely adored working with Melanie Rocchio. She's truly an expert at her craft and immediately puts you at ease. It's hard to make PFPT a comfortable process but she did. If you need PFPT, go see Melanie--I'll definitely be a returning client if I need further treatment.

Kat M.

I recently saw Kiko for regular PT sessions following a c-section delivery and HIGHLY recommend her, she's the best!! We worked on regaining both pelvic floor and core strength, and while I'm happy both have improved significantly in the months since my delivery, I was sad to have 'graduated' PT as I really enjoyed my sessions with Kiko - she's a pleasure to work with and learn from! I also had a good experience with Beyond Basics as a practice - Veronica at the front desk is very sweet!

Savannah Carlin

I cannot recommend Sonali highly enough, she’s truly incredible!

Sudais Haider

Nice

Lily Zoraster

Had a great experience here, front desk person Veronica is very nice and helpful. It was a delight to have Kiko as my therapist. She is very knowledgeable, easy to talk to/work with, and very thorough. She helped me find the perfect exercises that were very doable to help me progress and I progressed so fast in ways that I couldn’t imagine before. Thank you so much 😊

Mike Honcharik

Went to Beyond Basics for treatment of abdominal pain ,as recommended by my doctor . Kiko treated me , she was very professional and a listened to all my concerns ,and made me feel much better as to my condition . She was very knowledgeable and very helpfull . I highly recommend her.

Garland Horwitz

Emily Moore was fantastic! Great bedside manner and helpful. The whole team was very friendly

Samatha Nemana

So appreciative of the staff at Beyond Basics, especially Emily Moore! Emily was immensely helpful as I navigate my endometriosis journey. During our sessions I feel like I got some real answers around my pain - I so, so appreciate her. Our visits and the exercises she recommended have resulted in noticeable improvement over just a few short months. Highly recommend!

Michele Caplan

I have worked with Beyond Basics for over 15 years. I have an underlying chronic problem that I will have to manage for the rest of my life. With their multitude of skills, Beyond Basics has given me the therapy and strategies to go from acute pelvic pain, severe back, and postural problems to being able to manage my underlying problems with resilience and support. And, with their help and guidance I have avoided back surgery.

The therapy and commitment at BB are on an entirely different level from therapy available any other Physical Therapy clinic I have ever encountered. It is entirely unique.

Allie Hemmings

Staff is friendly and efficient. Kiko is so easy to talk to, super informative, genuinely caring & kind, very knowledgeable about the pelvic floor as well as how other areas of the body work with it, and she also gave a great referral when my condition seemed to need treatment outside of her scope of practice. I highly recommend Kiko!

Chazzy cruje

I wasn't sure how soon I'd be able to resume running after my ACL surgery. For a few months, I received regular treatment from the staff, and each session was designed to increase my strength without overtaxing my knee. They kept a careful eye on my development and modified the plan as necessary. I'm jogging lightly now and feel secure once more.

Ariana Morgan

I had constant neck stiffness from long hours at a desk job, which eventually turned into headaches. Physiotherapy gave me relief I didn’t think was possible. Through posture correction, ergonomic advice, and gentle manual therapy, I’ve been pain-free and more productive than ever.

Marissa Noboa

It’s taken a year of different medical opinions but I’ve finally found the proper treatment with Beyond Basics Pt. Their therapists have a wide range of experiences and deep knowledge about pelvic floor and body mechanics to approach the treatment. I’m very thankful to have such smart and caring people helping me get better.

Ava Anderson

My son has autism and struggles with motor coordination. His physiotherapy sessions are tailored to his needs, full of playful yet purposeful activities. He looks forward to every visit and we’ve noticed significant improvements in his balance, posture, and ability to focus during tasks.

Ronlee Ben-Gal

Sonali Patel at Beyond Basis is an incredibly smart, kind, and effective pelvic floor PT. She was great during our sessions and also gave me the tools to continue healing on my own, without ever pushing unnecessary visits. I’d absolutely recommend her and will definitely come back to her if anything ever comes up again.

Joshua S Rubin DDS

Kiko is exactly what you want in a PT… Attentive and clearly loves what she does, all with a sense of humor. You’ll be lucky if you get her..

Jenna Barrett

After undergoing abdominal surgery, I was struggling with swelling, stiffness, and a general feeling of heaviness that wouldn’t go away. My doctor mentioned lymphatic drainage as a way to speed up healing and reduce inflammation, so I decided to give it a try. I had no idea how much of a difference it would make…The sessions were incredibly relaxing yet deeply effective. My therapist used gentle, rhythmic movements to encourage lymph flow, and I could actually feel the tension releasing from my body. After just a couple of appointments, I noticed a significant decrease in swelling, and my overall discomfort was much lower…What surprised me most was how much this therapy helped beyond just reducing swelling. My digestion improved, my energy levels increased, and I felt more ""normal"" again after weeks of post surgical sluggishness. If you are recovering from surgery, I cannot recommend lymphatic drainage enough it was truly a game changer in my healing process!

Meghana Palepu

I saw Harsh during my pregnancy for severe pubic pain and for preparation for birth. Harsh is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and also has a very kind bedside manner. She always made me feel very comfortable, and it was great to work with her. I was able to manage my pain better because of our sessions. She is great!

Valerie Hayes

For years, I struggled with bladder issues that slowly started to affect my daily life. Sneezing, laughing, or even just going for a short walk could lead to embarrassing leaks, and I found myself constantly planning my day around bathroom access. I thought this was just something I had to live with until I found pelvic floor therapy. From the very first session, I felt heard and understood. My therapist took the time to explain what was happening with my body in a way that made sense, and for the first time, I realized that this was not just ""part of getting older"" or something I had to tolerate. The exercises were gentle but effective, and within just a few weeks, I started noticing changes. I could go longer without worrying about sudden urges, and my confidence began to return. Now, a few months later, I feel like a completely different person. No more wearing pads ‘just in case’ or feeling nervous about long car rides. If you are dealing with bladder dysfunction, please don’t wait as long as I did pelvic floor therapy truly works, and I only wish I had started sooner!

Zariah Collins

As an athlete, I never considered pelvic floor therapy until I started experiencing hip pain and core instability. I had no idea how much my pelvic floor contributed to overall strength and performance! My therapist tailored exercises to improve my endurance, posture, and core control. Within weeks, I felt stronger, ran more efficiently, and even reduced my risk of injury. This should be essential for any active person!

Annie Jung

I went to go see Kiko for tailbone pain that I had ignored for 20 months since giving birth. She gave me a thorough assessment and explained the reasons behind the persisting pain. She looked at my body as a whole, not just the pelvic area and we are addressing other problem areas that have been causing the pain. I can’t believe how much I’ve improved even after just one session. Her bedside manners are great too and I feel very comfortable working with her. I highly recommend this place for all new mamas!

Nicolette Omoile

KIKO is everything! She helped me through a surprisingly tough postpartum period (physically & mentally) for baby #2. Every session we have a tailored approach (internal & external work) that is helping me accelerate my healing. I'm excited to do my homework and get back to business soon! Also, whenever I have new issues (pain with sneezing?!) she addresses it immediately and then, we go back to the plan. I'm so grateful for her (and the admin staff who has dealt with my re-scheduling due to having a toddler & newborn). Love Beyond Basics!

Elizabeth Mills

I have had an amazing experience working with Kiko. She takes a holistic approach to assess and address your individual needs. Working with Kiko has dramatically reduced the symptoms of a condition I have had for many years, when nothing else I have tried has helped. My quality of life has greatly improved and I am very grateful!

Jenna Flint

I saw Harsh during my pregnancy to strengthen my pelvic floor and prepare for birth, as well as to help combat common pregnancy discomforts. I’m seeing her now postpartum as well. Harsh is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!! She has the sweetest and most professional bedside manner and has been great at helping me to be more mindful of how I move my body, giving me helpful exercises to do at home, and most importantly, relieving pain and discomfort. I give her a lot of credit in preparing me for what was a very successful birth experience with minimal tearing, as well as helping me recover well postpartum. She is simply the best in every way!!!!!!

carol espel

High quality, physical care

Gemma Newcombe

I found this place on Maps when my pelvic pain flared up best decision ever. I felt real progress after just a few visits.

P F

Very knowledgeable skilled understanding and friendly. Highly recommend

Alec-Lewis Wang

Very helpful!

Mayelin Batista

Sonali is one of the most caring and kind person I have come across. As a patient and most importantly as a female, to find these two qualities in a therapist are not only extremely important but also extremely rare to find.

nina Shapiro

I am working with Sonail. She is a skilled practioner both with hands and heart.

nelly tournaki

I want to thank Dr. Solani Patel. Throughout my treatment she has been gentle, polite, patient and very knowledgable. Each of the exercises she gave me were very relevant to my condition and very helpful.

Jenny Laroche

Beyond basics is such an amazing space for rehabbing postpartum pains and aches.
The therapists are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, gentle, and wonderful at their job!
As a dancer, I received the expert care I needed to return to work with confidence.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Beyond Basics is one the best places to go for physical therapy.... I'm extremely happy I started going here, and it's very convenient, being that it's directly across the street from Grand Central. My physical therapist, Radhi Kadakia, is awesome and highly recommended!

Lisa Taylor

Vivian is fantastic! I felt like in just a few minutes she identified the reason I’ve been having so much so joint and hip area oain for the past couple of years. I had seen multiple different docs/specialists and no one had been able to figure anything out. She gave me some exercises to help gain more connectivity and activation on my glutes (I over-rely on my core and quads and not enough in my posterior chain), and when I said I’d be more likely to do them if I had a video demo she kindly did demos and let me record them!

I’ll also add that I’m a childbirth educator and both doula and have been recommending this practice for years because colleagues and clients have raved about them but only recently did I get to actually experience this for myself. (In fact, I ran into one of my birth class students when I went to my appointment!) Now I can recommend even more highly!

Jeremy Pikser

Emily Moore is the most insightful, ingenious and effective PT I have ever worked with, and I've worked with over a dozen over the past 30 years. I wish they were a little more Medicare compliant, but even if it costs more, to me, it's worth it.

Virginia Meagher

PT Danielle is phenomenal. She knows about the entire body. She gave me exercises for my upper right back which are paying off. BBPT sends you a follow-up email with videos about how to do the exercises. They are awesome.

Sean H

Carson has been extremely informative and helpful in my PT journey. She has been great at keeping me at ease and explaining to process, and being straight forward about our goals in therapy. Very glad I found Carson and Beyond Basics.

serena

I had a great experience at Beyond Basics! I was nervous about going to physical therapy, but Sonali was so professional and nice, which made me feel a lot more comfortable. Sonali fully solved my pelvic floor issues in only a few sessions. She gave me stretches to do on my own time to move my progress along and also to ensure I don't lose any progress I've made. The receptionist Jasmine is also great-she is really helpful when it comes to scheduling appointments. I can't recommend Beyond Basics enough!

Frances Engoron

Great care - wonderful therapists. Head and shoulders above most other Physical Therapy practices.

Michele Bontemps

Sonali was wonderful! Extremely knowledgeable and understanding. Excellent facility.

Gail Brousal

The waiting room--always decorated--is a welcoming space. Makela is respectful, resourceful and wonderfully clear in spoken and physical instruction. It is truly a pleasure to work with her,

Bárbara Ipac

I highly recommend Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Great staff!

Colta Ives

Danielle Santora is exceptionally well-informed, a great listener and and a great educator. She is that rare person who knows her business and has the sensitivity to deal with a delicate subject.

Jessica Hebenstreit

Eliza is amazing! I am seeing her for pelvic floor PT due to pregnancy related discomfort and in just 2 sessions she has helped reduce my pain/discomfort a lot. She has a very kind and comforting bedside manner and makes you feel very at ease. I highly recommend her.

Wendy Katzman

Sonali Patel is an excellent physical therapist. She is very knowledgable about pelvic health, and has great manual therapy and communication skills. I highly recommend her.

Rebecca Blane

This place is amazing!!! I worked with Sonali. She was extremely knowledgable and our sessions were very thorough. Sonali was so compassionate and helped me feel so supported. I felt like she really understood what I was going through. I saw great improvements and am very satisfied with the whole experience. Highly recommend!

Ray Tekosky

Wonderful place, I've worked with Makela previously, she's "as good as it gets". Natural healer, empathetic, pleasant, smart,,,,,,,what more can u ask for?

Lizzie Benzik

Vivian Zhang at Beyond Basic PT is awesome! She took my concerns seriously and, using exercises and physical releases, improved my breathing and quality of life.

Nick B

My experience with Beyond Basics has been outstanding! Danielle is incredibly insightful, professional, and an excellent communicator. She is truly an expert and I am very grateful to have her in my journey!

Jazmaine Vitta

Sonali Patel is a miracle worker! I came to Beyond Basics with really bad TMJ issues and Sonali was able to provide me almost instant relief from years of tension. I've never felt better and she taught me some really awesome tips I can use myself moving forward. Overall I had a really great experience at Beyond Basics!

Jessica Hope

I’ve now been to Beyond Basics at two different points in my life for two different reasons. They are truly the experts. I walk away from each session in awe of the deep knowledge base of my physical therapist Sonali, who I trust and respect deeply. I have dealt with other physical therapy offices in the past and nothing can compare to the level of care, comfort, professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness of this office. I actually look forward to my appointments. Highly recommend for anyone with GI issues of any kind or has had a baby!

Marjorie Thompson

I highly recommend Beyond Basics for pelvic floor PT. My therapist, Vivian, was friendly, thoughtful, respectful, and knowledgeable. She knows what she’s doing and made great suggestions for exercises I could do on my own. I had great results in combination with treatment recommended by my doctor. The facility is clean and staff are welcoming. Highly recommend.

Barbara Pearson

A terrific therapist who made an awkward procedure comfortable and normal. She is smart, sensitive , knowledgeable and a delight to be with during therapy

Brian Singletary-Kirci

Beyond Basics is the Physical Therapy place to go for exceptional, friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized care for your physical rehabilitation, particularly following surgery and pelvic floor strengthening. Danielle, Physical Therapist, is awesome!

Leese Hamilton

Incredibly caring, experienced and professional. Highly recommended.

Joanne Sandler

Makela is an amazing PT. The office staff is wonderful and the space is great. Highly recommend.

Yassmin Dehesh

Danielle Santora saved my life! I have made more progress working with her than any other PT. She’s incredibly kind, always willing to meet you where you’re at but not afraid to push you to be better. I would not be anywhere close to where I am today without her detailed and consistent guidance.

Lisa Duggan

Rachel at Beyond Basics downtown is an outstanding, highly skilled, patient, kind and dedicated physical therapist. I love going to see her, she helps me so much. *Highly* recommended!

Stan S

Sonali is outstanding. She is very knowledgible and helpful. Plus, very pleasant.

Cindy C

I was afraid to go out because of my overactive bladder. Vivian Zhang saved my life. My life improved tremendously after spending two months with her.

She is very patient, knowledgeable, and professional. She spends a full hour with me which I could not find in any other physical therapy. She gave me so much attention and continued to look for the root cause of my problems. She explains the purpose of the exercises. She teaches me the exercises and makes sure I do it correctly. She will check my understanding in the next session to make sure I do it correctly. If I don’t do it correctly, she will find another way to explain to me and check my understanding. All other physical therapy just spends 30 minutes on me and leaves me alone to do the exercises myself. They don’t check to see if I am doing it correctly. Before coming to Beyond Basic, I was in another physical therapy for a year and was not able correct my overactive bladder problem. I am so lucky to have found Vivian and Beyond Basic.

France Choa

You don't take my insurance.

Maddy Hoffman

Superb and attentive care. Highly recommended!

Mary Callahan

I've really appreciated my experience so far at Beyond Basics, working with Makela. I was nervous going into pelvic floor physical therapy and she was respectful and considerate of my hesitation. She also makes a great effort to connect with other members of my treatment team, which makes me feel like I'm being supported holistically. I have already noticed improvement in my daily life, and I'm very grateful!

Aashish Kumar

I’ve been seeing Vivian Zhang for almost a month now for chronic lower back pain. Her approach from the get-go has been based on translating my narrative of symptoms into a comprehensive treatment plan, combining targeted exercises, corrective behaviors, and skillful musculoskeletal manipulation. After almost a year of suffering pain I can finally see the end! Beyond Basics justifies their name. To speak nothing of those rockstar plants in the waiting area!

Justine Larbalestier

Beyond Basics has the best physical therapists I've been to in NYC. They've provided the best treatment for chronic fibromyalgia, reducing my pain & increasing my functionality enormously. Highly recommended.

Arleny Gonzalez

I had known about pelvic floor therapy for more than year before making my first appointment. My only regret is not booking my appointment sooner. Pelvic PT has helped me overcome a long-standing issue, and it has been life-changing.

From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel welcomed and supported. They took the time to understand my concerns and designed a personalized treatment plan just for me.

Vivian used a holistic approach, combining various techniques and exercises to address my pelvic floor concerns. With her guidance, I regained control and experienced a remarkable improvement in my symptoms.

What impressed me the most was her caring and empathetic approach. She created a safe space where I could openly discuss my concerns, and she provided exceptional support throughout the entire journey.

I am forever grateful to Beyond Basics. If you're struggling with pelvic floor issues, don't hesitate to seek their help. They are truly outstanding in their care and commitment to patient well-being.

Manon Vergerio

Beyond Basics has been nothing short of transformative in my health journey. After years of having my pain dismissed by various doctors, I found an OBGYN who identified that I had a hypertonic pelvic floor and should seek pelvic floor physical therapy.

I searched on Google and am so grateful I came across Beyond Basics - this is truly an outstanding place if you are looking for pelvic floor experts. I have never encountered such holistic, patient-affirming care before.

I was fortunate to be matched with Joanna, one of their incredible physical therapists. Joanna is so knowledgeable and an absolute joy to work with. She is not only a very skilled pelvic floor therapists, she is also patient, incredibly emotionally intelligent, and funny, and could brighten up even the worst day in my long healing journey with the crack of a joke.

Thanks to Joanna and Beyond Basics, I have learned so much about my body and have developed concrete tools and pelvic floor relaxation techniques. I feel empowered in my own journey and it was worth every cent !

I will say that while the price of sessions can feel daunting, they do make an effort to make pelvic health more accessible through a sliding scale and spacing out sessions. Their goal is not to make you dependent on their physical therapists, but to help you develop tools and skills so you can take control of your own health and live a pain-free life.

I cannot recommend Beyond Basics enough. I hope one day all women will know about pelvic floor physical therapy and be able to access this amazing practice !

Karla Lopez

At Beyond Basics I found the help I needed for my Postpartum recovery after a traumatic delivery. Little did I know all the benefits I could get from pelvic floor PT. Here I learned a lot of tools to have a better pelvic health and improve my wellbeing. I really recommend pelvic floor PT to all women! This will help you for life.
Vivian has been my PT and she is great! She has helped me in a lot of ways, physically and emotionally, she’s caring and very knowledgeable.
Also, the girls from front desk are very kind.
Beyond basics is a great place!

Katie Kuntzman

My experience with Beyond Basics has truly been life changing!

After having a variety of symptoms without a true diagnosis for months, I found Beyond Basics, and, while I was completely unfamiliar with pelvic floor physical therapy before going there, I quickly realized the benefits even after my first session.

I've now been working with Vivian Zhang for almost a year, and I am continuously amazed by her work. Out of all of the medical professionals that I've worked with in the past, Vivian has shown the most care and interest in my well being. Healing is definitely a journey, and Vivian has shown the utmost respect and patience for me as I work through ups and downs of my personal path. With Vivian, I feel like I have a trusted resource and someone who genuinely listens to me, and that has made such a difference in my recovery.

I cannot thank Vivian, and Beyond Basics as a whole, enough for the improvement that they've made to my quality of life and I highly recommend this practice to anyone who is even remotely considering pelvic floor PT!

S H

Eliza was so great to work with. She was very helpful. She is caring and compassionate. She helped me feel better. Grateful for all of her support. Can’t say enough good things. Would be better if they accepted insurance though.

Barry Schiller

Beyond Basics PT identified my needs and listened to my concerns as well as planned a treatment regimen that addressed the fundamental causes of my issues. Makayla knowledge regarding body mechanics is extraordinary.

donal farley

I needed a specialized pt called pelvic floor therapy following rectal surgery. I found Vivian Zhang a very able and knowledgeable therapist at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy on William Street in lower Manhattan. After six weekly one hour sessions, I had a significant improvement in returning to a normal life. Vivian was very clear in her instructions, provided illustrated email instructions for at-home exercises and was available via email as needed. She was also very patient and kind with this 87 year old client.

Caitlyn West

Dr. Spielman and the Beyond Basic staff are amazing. The front desk is kind, friendly and very helpful when booking appointments.

Dr. Spielman is a life saver. She helped me at a time when I had experienced months of debilitating pain. I had seen multiple specialists and tried various medications to no avail.

Dr. Spielman was the first doctor to diagnose me with an overly tight pelvic floor. She has helped me with workouts, stretches and provided me with important anatomical information on my road to recovery.

I am so grateful for her and I can't recommend both Dr. Spielman and Beyond Basics enough!

Dina

I received excellent care at Beyond Basics

I L

I have been a patient at the Beyondbasics PT for almost 3 years and they successfully helped me with both the pelvic floor and orthopedic issues.
I have health issues and I have used several physical therapists in the past.
Beyond Basics is the best!!
They were recommended to me by my doctors
And I am grateful for the recommendations.
Beyondbasics PTs are knowledgeable, attentive, patient and kind.
Front desk representatives are very friendly and kind.
Thank you

Mark Scheflen

I am extremely grateful for Ekta's work. She figured out a complex problem within 2 visits. Importantly, I now understand the problem and know what to do to fix it. I went to so many medical specialists and Pelvic PT's and they couldn't figure out problem. I highly recommend Beyond Basics a perfect name.

Natalie Valentine

Excellent treatment, knowledgeable therapist. Very informative and comfortable experience.

Esther Gopin

Joanna was super helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. Would absolutely recommend!

Beyond Basics: We Can Help

At Beyond Basics, we are committed to treating pelvic floor issues with sensitivity to each individual’s needs, regardless of sex, race, identity, age, or orientation – we treat the whole person with a comprehensive, caring biopsychosocial approach.

Since 2003, Beyond Basics has been a place of hope and healing for our patients. We believe skilled and compassionate healing can restore your body’s harmony and balance. Founder, Amy Stein, and co-founder, Corey Hazama are renowned experts and leaders in pelvic floor PT.

The skilled physical therapists at Beyond Basics receive extensive training to qualify them to be the world’s leaders in pelvic floor rehabilitation. All of our therapists have been carefully selected to work at Beyond Basics because they possess the right expertise, kindness, and empathy to allow them to excel at our practice. Our therapists have completed hundreds of additional hours outside of their doctorates both internally and externally through institutes such as Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association, to help hone their practice and provide exceptional treatment efficiently and compassionately. In addition to being the world’s first and foremost experts in pelvic floor dysfunction, our individual therapists have cultivated additional skills unique to their own personal interests. Read more about each one of our therapists here.

Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist for fecal incontinence.

Book Your Appointment

Fecal Incontinence

— Beyond Basics PT | Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pelvic floor dysfunction cause fecal incontinence?

Your pelvic floor muscles support your rectum and control bowel movements. When these muscles weaken or stop working properly, it becomes harder to hold back stool, leading to fecal incontinence. This can sometimes be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since the symptoms overlap. Your physical therapist or physician can rule out other issues and confirm if pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause of your fecal incontinence.

What role do the anal sphincter muscles play in bowel control?

The anal sphincter muscles surround your anus and work with your pelvic floor to keep stool in until you’re ready. If they’re weak or damaged, your bowel control suffers, especially with liquid stool or during sudden urges.

Can pelvic floor therapy help if I’ve had rectal surgery?

Yes, pelvic floor therapy helps strengthen the pelvic muscles and anal sphincter after rectal surgery. It can improve muscle coordination and reduce bowel incontinence symptoms.

What’s passive incontinence, and is it related to pelvic floor problems?

Passive incontinence happens when stool leaks without you realizing it. This often connects to weak pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles that can’t hold stool in, even without a strong urge.

Does chronic constipation make pelvic floor issues worse?

Yes. Chronic constipation strains your pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter over time. That strain weakens the system, making bowel incontinence more likely.

Who should I see to get a proper diagnosis?

Many healthcare providers don’t assess – or don’t know how to assess – the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a practitioner who specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. Too often patients tell us that they’ve been to 10 different doctors and healthcare providers and their symptoms have not improved, or have worsened. Find a specialist right away and get on the path to healing as quickly as possible.

How often should I attend pelvic floor physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of pelvic floor physical therapy sessions varies based on the severity of your symptoms and your individual treatment plan. Typically, patients might start with weekly sessions and gradually reduce frequency as they progress.

How long does it take to see improvements from pelvic floor physical therapy?

The timeline for seeing improvements varies among individuals. Some patients might notice relief after a few sessions, while others may take several months to experience significant changes. Consistency with physical therapy and at-home exercises is key to achieving the best results.

How do I know if PT is helping?

Your symptoms should start to improve within 4-8 weeks if not sooner. Just keep in mind that, like any muscle, pelvic floor muscles can feel sore at the onset of a new exercise routine, or after a soft tissue mobilization. If you feel new or different discomfort after the first few sessions, that’s normal – and actually a good sign for future recovery. Your therapist is always ready to communicate and explain, and can talk you through what to expect.

Are there any at-home exercises I can do to complement my pelvic floor physical therapy?

Yes, your physical therapist will likely recommend specific at-home exercises tailored to your needs. These might include stretches, relaxation techniques, and strengthening exercises to support your pelvic floor health.

What insurance providers do you work with?

We accept Cigna, United Healthcare, and Aetna, and Oxford insurance out-of-network plans. Our billing staff will submit claims on your behalf.
You can also make convenient monthly payments with various finance options with Care Credit. We offer our patients special interest-free financing of 6, 12, or 18 months. We also offer discounted package rates through Care Credit.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or financing, call our billing office: 212.354.2622, text us at: 212.354.2622 or email [email protected]

Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?

At Beyond Basics, we are out of network with most insurance providers. This allows us to offer better care, including full-hour, one-on-one sessions without passing you off to aides. We create a treatment plan based on your specific needs rather than the limitations set by insurance plans, and we focus on functional goals that truly improve your life.

We accept out-of-network plans from Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Oxford. Our internal billing staff will work with you to submit claims on your behalf and walk you through your options. You can also make convenient monthly payments with various finance options through Care Credit, offering special interest-free financing of 6, 12, or 18 months, as well as discounted package rates.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or financing, call our billing office at 212.354.2622, text us at 212.354.2622, or email [email protected].

What if I live out of town?

It can be hard to find highly-skilled, pelvic floor PT specialists. As a result, we often see patients who live out of town. We work with you in advance to make the most of your travel. We start with a two-hour initial evaluation and schedule daily follow up sessions that last at least 90 minutes during the remainder of your stay.

We encourage you to continue treatment with a local pelvic floor PT when you go home. If you can’t find someone near you, we recommend returning to us every month or couple of months for in-person visits.

We also offer telehealth – one-on-one video sessions completed over an online platform during which a PT guides you through treatments, progresses your exercise, and gives you support. This is another option to ensure that you progress at home when traveling isn’t an option. Click here to find out more about telehealth and to schedule an appointment.

Either way, we’ll give you as many tools as possible to continue your journey of healing at home.

Fecal Incontinence

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence Can Include:

How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Contribute to Fecal Incontinence

Treatment for Fecal Incontinence

What to Expect During Your Sessions

During Your Initial Appointment

During Your Additional Appointments

Client Testimonials

Beyond Basics: We Can Help

Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist for fecal incontinence.

Fecal Incontinence

— Beyond Basics PT | Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does pelvic floor dysfunction cause fecal incontinence?

What role do the anal sphincter muscles play in bowel control?

Can pelvic floor therapy help if I’ve had rectal surgery?

What’s passive incontinence, and is it related to pelvic floor problems?

Does chronic constipation make pelvic floor issues worse?

Who should I see to get a proper diagnosis?

How often should I attend pelvic floor physical therapy sessions?

How long does it take to see improvements from pelvic floor physical therapy?

How do I know if PT is helping?

Are there any at-home exercises I can do to complement my pelvic floor physical therapy?

What insurance providers do you work with?

Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?

What if I live out of town?

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