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Trainer Tips: Spotting Signs Your Client May Need Pelvic PT

Why Pelvic Health Matters in the Fitness Space

As a coach or trainer, you’re not just helping clients get stronger—you’re helping them move with confidence, safety, and body awareness.


The pelvic floor is a foundational part of core stability, breathing mechanics, and movement efficiency.


When it’s not functioning properly, everything from squats to breathing patterns can be affected—and your client may be silently struggling with symptoms they don’t know are connected.


That’s where collaboration with pelvic physical therapists comes in. Knowing when to refer can make all the difference in your client’s progress and comfort.



5 Signs Your Client May Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy


1. Core Weakness That Doesn’t Improve with Training

If a client says their core feels “disconnected,” or they can’t feel certain muscles activate—especially after pregnancy or abdominal surgery—it could be due to pelvic floor dysfunction.


These clients may need deeper coordination training, not just crunches or planks.


2. Leakage During Exercise

Leaking urine during jumping, squats, or heavy lifting is never normal. It’s a sign of pelvic floor pressure mismanagement or muscle imbalance—not just weak “Kegels.”


Red flag phrases: “I pee a little when I laugh or lift.”


3. Coning or Bulging in the Abdomen

Visible doming along the midline during exertion often indicates diastasis recti or poor intra-abdominal pressure control. This can strain both the core and pelvic floor.


These clients benefit from pressure management training guided by a pelvic PT.


4. Hip, Tailbone, or Low Back Pain That Persists

The pelvic floor connects to the hips, sacrum, and lumbar spine.


Chronic discomfort in these areas—especially when movement patterns look clean—can suggest deeper pelvic involvement.


Look for asymmetries, gripping, or breath-holding during movement.


5. Pain, Tightness, or Discomfort Around the Pelvis

If a client mentions pain with sitting, cycling, or intimacy, that’s your cue to refer. These symptoms often have a musculoskeletal component that pelvic therapy can address safely and effectively.



How to Bring It Up—With Sensitivity


Talking about the pelvic floor can feel personal for clients, but your curiosity can open the door to healing.Here’s how to approach it respectfully:


Try saying:


“Some of the symptoms you’re describing—like leaking or pelvic pressure—can be related to how the pelvic floor is functioning. A pelvic health physical therapist can assess that more deeply.”


Avoid diagnosing or assuming, and always keep the conversation supportive and professional.



How Pelvic PT Supports Coaches and Clients


At Auria Pelvic Health, we love collaborating with trainers, coaches, and movement professionals.We help your clients by:

  • Restoring core and pelvic coordination

  • Resolving pain that limits performance

  • Rebuilding strength and confidence from the inside out

Together, we can help your clients lift, move, and live better—with fewer setbacks and more awareness.


When in Doubt, Refer Out

Your expertise in strength and movement is invaluable—but when symptoms point below the belt, referring to a pelvic PT shows true professionalism and care.


At Auria Pelvic Health, we’re always happy to collaborate with trainers to help clients reach their goals safely. Connect with us to learn about professional referrals and co-care options.




Auria Pelvic Health

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 412

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: 310-505-6096

Auria Pelvic Health logo


Article Written By Dr. Sasha Speer, DPT



 
 
 

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