A gentle, whole-person approach to pelvic health
The pelvic floor is a part of the body many people know exists, yet few were ever taught to truly pay attention to or care for. In contemporary healthcare, pelvic concerns are often discussed only when symptoms become severely disruptive, while pain, heaviness, or a sense of disconnection are brushed aside as “normal.” This can leave people feeling unheard and disconnected from a core part of themselves and can quietly reinforce shame or distance from this deeply important part of the body.
Holistic Pelvic Care™ (HPC) offers a different approach. It is a gentle, trauma-informed pelvic floor modality that supports both the physical tissues of the pelvis and the nervous system that influences how those tissues function. For many patients, this is the first time they realize that pelvic health care can be calm, respectful, patient-guided, and deeply supportive—not rushed, painful, or dismissive.
Holistic Pelvic Care™ was developed by women’s health physical therapist Tami Lynn Kent and integrates gentle internal pelvic floor assessment, myofascial release, breathwork, and nervous system awareness. Rather than focusing only on strengthening, HPC recognizes that many pelvic concerns involve tension, imbalance, or protective holding patterns that benefit first from release, regulation, and reconnection.
Potential benefits of Holistic Pelvic Care™
Many patients seek Holistic Pelvic Care™ after years of being told their symptoms were “normal,” something to live with, or not severe enough to address—despite ongoing impact on comfort, confidence, or quality of life.
Patients may benefit from HPC if they experience:
- Pelvic pain, congestion, or tension
- Feelings of pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
- Painful or heavy menstrual periods
- Scar tissue from surgery, injury, or childbirth
- Stress incontinence or pelvic floor coordination concerns
- Recurrent pelvic or urinary discomfort
- Sexual discomfort, reduced sensation, or difficulty with arousal
- Postpartum recovery and tissue healing
- Support following trauma, difficult birth experiences, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss
- Transitions such as preconception, postpartum, and perimenopause
- Reconnection, body awareness, and emotional resilience
HPC can also be supportive during life transitions such as preconception, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, or following difficult birth experiences, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss.
Importantly, you do not need to be “broken” or in crisis to benefit from this work. Some patients schedule sessions simply because they want to feel more at ease, connected, and supported in their bodies.
FAQ
What can I expect during a session?
Sessions begin with a conversation about your symptoms, pelvic anatomy, health history, and goals. With your full consent, Dr. Michelson may perform a gentle internal pelvic floor assessment to identify areas of tension, weakness, or imbalance. Treatment may include soft myofascial techniques, coordinated breathwork, guided imagery, and grounding practices to support the nervous system. The pace is slow, collaborative, and guided by your comfort at every step. Internal work is always optional, and external-only sessions can still be deeply beneficial.
Many patients describe feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected after sessions—sometimes noticing changes not just physically, but in how safe and supported their body feels.
Is this the same as pelvic floor physical therapy?
Holistic Pelvic Care™ shares some similarities with pelvic floor physical therapy, including gentle internal assessment, but it is a distinct modality. Pelvic floor physical therapy is especially effective for addressing the structural and functional aspects of pelvic health, such as strength, coordination, and rehabilitation.
Holistic Pelvic Care™ complements this work by recognizing that the pelvis also holds emotional experience and stress. HPC places greater emphasis on nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and gentle release, supporting both physical and emotional aspects of pelvic health. Many patients use HPC alongside pelvic floor physical therapy, while others find it supportive on its own. For more complex or severe conditions, pelvic floor physical therapy is often recommended as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Do I need a specific diagnosis?
No. You don’t need a specific diagnosis to schedule Holistic Pelvic Care™. Some patients come in with a clear concern, while others schedule for general pelvic wellness or reconnection. Please note that insurance coverage varies. Some plans require a medical diagnosis for reimbursement, so coverage may differ depending on your individual situation.
How long is a session and how often are they recommended?
Initial sessions are typically 60 minutes and follow up are 30, though timing may vary based on individual needs and goals. Frequency varies by concern. Some patients come for a short series of visits (4-8 once weekly), while others return periodically for ongoing support or during major life transitions.
Does insurance cover HPC?
Insurance coverage varies by plan. HPC sessions with Dr. Michelson are billed using standard time-based visit codes, similar to a problem-focused office visit. If you’re familiar with how your insurance covers regular naturopathic visits, coverage for HPC will typically be similar. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider if they have specific questions about out-of-pocket costs.
Who can receive Holistic Pelvic Care™?
Dr. Michelson works with women, nonbinary, and trans individuals. At this time, sessions involving internal work are specific to vaginal anatomy and are not offered to patients under the age of 18. Rectal Holistic Pelvic Care™ is not offered.
External pelvic care—which may include breathwork, guided imagery, nervous system support, and gentle external bodywork—is available to patients of all ages and does not involve internal work. This option may be beneficial for adolescents experiencing painful periods, pelvic tension, or other pelvic-related concerns, as well as for anyone who prefers an external-only approach.
If you’re unsure whether Holistic Pelvic Care™ is the right fit for your body or goals, a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation is available.
How do I schedule?
Patients can contact the Montana Whole Health front desk or request an appointment through the patient portal. Dr. Michelson also offers complimentary 15-minute phone consults for anyone who wants to learn more about Holistic Pelvic Care™ before scheduling a full visit.
