—FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance and Billing

Why are we out of network?

We’re out of network because it means we can give you better care. We see patients for a full hour, one-on-one, without passing them off to aides. We make a treatment plan based on your needs, not the needs of your insurance plan. And we work towards functional goals that improve your life—not industry minimums set by insurance providers.

For all of these reasons, we choose to remain out of network. Our internal billing staff will work with you to submit claims on your behalf and walk you through your options. Call us to learn more: 212.354.2622 or email

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]

Planning Your Visit

What should I expect at my first appointment?

We always start by asking questions. This gives us the background and context we need to understand your body, your pain, and your issue. Then we do a physical exam. This is a hands-on evaluation based on your symptoms. We may evaluate external and internal muscles. The goal is to trace your issue to its source (or sources) so we can get you real relief.

As part of the holistic care of the patient with a pelvic pain/dysfunction condition we are trained and can provide appropriate manual techniques internally to structures of the pelvis, including the pelvic floor muscles, nerves, and bones (coccyx). As the patient, you always dictate the care you are comfortable with and can refuse any treatment at any time without an explanation.

In your hour-long sessions, you’ll get hands-on treatment from your PT and exercises to start at home between appointments.

What kinds of treatment should I expect?

Our physical therapists are trained in many kinds of treatment. We use internal and external manual therapy, including: myofascial release, trigger point release, connective tissue release, and craniosacral therapy. If necessary, we can even gently mobilize the organs themselves to improve function.

We also use techniques such as biofeedback to retrain your muscles. We’ll teach you techniques you can take home with you and use between sessions to improve results.

We also occasionally use cold laser, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Neuromuscular re-education is a type of exercise aimed at retraining your muscles to perform in the way they were designed to perform in order to achieve coordination and optimal movement. This is essential to be able to carry out pain-free activities like standing, walking, and getting out of a chair, and also in maintaining healthy function going forward to prevent reinjury.

Ultimately, we consult with our patients’ referring doctor or healthcare provider and work with our patients to create individualized exercise programs that are tailored to their needs. And we devote time every week to continuing education, so we’re always on the forefront of treatment options.

What should I bring/wear?

Please arrive 20 minutes early to your first appointment and bring the following with you:

Your insurance card

Completed patient registration forms

Physician referral forms, as applicable

Recent x-rays or relevant records

Wear loose clothing and shoes you’re comfortable walking in. Think about what you would wear to go to the gym.

Why are sessions one hour long?

At Beyond Basics we find that for the clarity, consistency, and results we’re looking for, an hour is the right amount of time. It takes at least 45 minutes of hands-on work to make a real difference – and we want to spend time talking to you at the beginning and end of every appointment.

How many sessions does it take?

This is different for every single patient. Your physical therapist will talk through your treatment plan with you and adjust it as needed as you go.

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.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Thank you for choosing us in your healing journey. Our mission is to enhance your overall physical health. We promise to provide you with excellent care and respect. We want you to completely understand our ﬁnancial policies, so here they are:

Appointment Fee	Authorizing BBPT to charge credit card on ﬁle at time of service is rendered, based on fee sheet
Late Cancellation Fee	100% of the time reserved for you on the therapist schedule
No Show Fee	100% of the time reserved for you on the therapist schedule
Non-Sufficient Funds Fee	$30.00
Cancelled/Stopped Check Fee	$30.00
Late fee (charged in increments of 15 minutes)	$84.75

You can avoid the late and cancellation fees listed above. If you need to cancel your appointment, simply notify our administrative staff 24 business hours prior to your appointment time. To avoid the no show fee, please call the office to let us know you will not be able to make your appointment. If you are able to reschedule your appointment within the same week, you will not be charged for cancellation fee.
If you no-show or late cancel (cancel within the 24 business hours time frame) more than 2 times in a row, we will place you on a 48-hour cancelation policy and charge you the appointment fee at the time of scheduling.
You will also be responsible for collection fees and court costs in the event of default of payment of charges.

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.

Pelvic Floor Disorders and Treatment

What is pelvic floor dysfunction and why does it happen?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common and occurs when the muscles, tissues, or nerves of the pelvic floor are weakened, tightened, or injured by trauma, chronic strain, or overuse. Pelvic floor disorders can result from traumatic injury such as a fall, from sporting activity, surgery, or childbirth. They can also happen from more chronic issues, such as infection or chronic inflammation such as endometriosis. Pelvic floor disorders can be a consequence of poor alignment or posture, overuse, or improper movement. The pelvic floor muscles surround the urethra, rectum, vagina and prostate; therefore, if there is a dysfunction in these muscles it can result in urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction in people of all ages.

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.

Why do healthcare providers miss (or misdiagnose) pelvic floor dysfunction?

Long story short, the medical practice is divided into areas of the body: Urology. Orthopedics. Gynecology. But the body itself doesn’t have walls; every system interacts with everything else. Sometimes providers are so laser-focused on what they treat that they miss the whole picture.

As more and more research emphasizes the importance of physical therapy as part of a complete treatment regimen, more and more physicians are learning how to recognize and treat pelvic floor disorder. In the meantime, if you’re not getting relief from your current treatment, make an appointment with a pelvic floor specialist to learn more.

How does pelvic floor dysfunction affect sex?

Pelvic floor muscles have a huge impact on sex. Muscles that are shortened or tight and are unable to elongate will not allow for good blood flow into the genitals. This can result in pain, weaker erections, diminished sensation, inability to orgasm, and even decreased lubrication. Pelvic floor PT can help with these issues by enhancing blood flow and improving muscle function.

How can pelvic floor dysfunction cause bloating?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles, can significantly contribute to bloating due to its impact on gastrointestinal functions. When these muscles are not functioning properly, it can impact the ease of emptying and make it difficult for your body to pass stool and gas through the intestines. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of waste and gas in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Is it true there’s internal massage?

There can be. We do perform internal soft tissue mobilization of the pelvic muscles that are inside your pelvis and are accessible only through the vagina or rectum. We never do internal treatment without your consent and understanding.

What makes someone a pelvic floor PT vs a regular PT?

All pelvic PTs get additional training in pelvic floor internal treatment through continuing education and at our clinic.

We pride ourselves on the level of training we provide, not just at the beginning but throughout the time our therapists spend at Beyond Basics. We know that learning is a life-long process. We also provide additional training in physiology of the GI system and urinary system as well as sexual health and function and nutritional training. Most PT programs and schools do not provide the depth and breadth of knowledge that we provide all our PTs at Beyond Basics.

What are the first steps I should take if I suspect I have endometriosis?

If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in endometriosis. They can help you determine the next steps, which often includes imaging tests, symptom management strategies, and a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

How can pelvic floor physical therapy help with endometriosis symptoms?

Pelvic floor physical therapy can significantly alleviate symptoms of endometriosis by targeting the musculoskeletal system, which can help reduce abdominal-pelvic pain, bladder and bowel urgency, frequency, retention, incomplete emptying, and sexual pain. By addressing these areas, pelvic floor therapy can improve the quality of life for those affected by endometriosis.

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.

What can I expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session?

During a pelvic floor physical therapy session, you can expect a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, a discussion of your symptoms, and personalized exercises to help relieve pain and improve function. Your physical therapist might also use techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation exercises.

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.

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 my pelvic floor muscles are contributing to my endometriosis pain?

A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles to determine if they are contributing to your pain. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary issues, and bowel dysfunction can indicate pelvic floor muscle involvement.

Can pelvic floor physical therapy replace surgery for endometriosis?

While pelvic floor physical therapy is highly beneficial for managing symptoms, it does not replace the need for surgical intervention in cases where excision surgery is required to remove endometrial tissue. However, in many cases, physical therapy can significantly reduce symptoms so that individuals might no longer need surgery.

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].

Should I get an assessment before doing Kegels?

Yes, it is important to get a proper assessment from a pelvic floor physical therapist before starting Kegels, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary issues, or discomfort. Not everyone benefits from Kegels, and doing them incorrectly or unnecessarily can lead to further issues. A personalized assessment will help determine the appropriate exercises based on your specific condition.

Why might Kegels not be beneficial for everyone?

Kegels are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution and might not be suitable or beneficial for everyone. Some people have overactive or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles, and Kegels can exacerbate their symptoms. A personalized assessment is crucial to determine the right treatment approach.

What are some signs that Kegels might not be the right exercise for me?

If you experience more pain, discomfort, or pressure in your pelvic region after doing Kegels, it’s a red flag. It’s important to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to find the right exercises for your condition.

What alternatives to Kegels might be recommended by a pelvic floor physical therapist?

A pelvic floor physical therapist might recommend several alternatives to Kegels depending on the individual’s specific condition and needs. Alternatives to Kegels might include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, postural correction, and manual therapy.

How can a pelvic floor physical therapist help me?

Our pelvic floor physical therapists can provide a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. They use various techniques to address pain, and dysfunction, helping you achieve better pelvic health and overall well-being.