Frequently Asked Questions

  • A thorough yet incomplete list of conditions/symptoms we treat:

    Pelvic Pain*:

    • Painful sex (dyspareunia)

    • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

    • Endometriosis related pain

    • Interstitial Cystitis

    • Vaginismus

    • Vulvar vestibulitis

    • Trauma integration (medical, sexual, relational)

    Urinary Symptoms/Syndromes:

    • Urinary incontinence/leakage

    • Urinary urgency

    • Urinary frequency 

    • Recurrent UTI’s 

    • Interstitial Cystitis

    • Prolapse/Cystocele 

    Bowel Symptoms/Syndromes:

    • Constipation

    • Bowel incontinence

    • Gas incontinence

    • Painful bowel movements

    • Hemorrhoids

    • Rectocele

    Pregnancy/Postpartum:

    • Pelvic girdle pain

    • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD or PSD)

    • Prolapse

    • Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA or abdominal separation)

    • Incontinence

    • Scar tissue (cesarean or perineal)

    • Back pain

    • Shoulder pain

    • SIJ dysfunction

    In addition to symptoms, we provide preventative care for:

    • Trying to Conceive/Preconception

    • Birth Prep

    • Perineal Massage

    • Postpartum recovery

    • Care after miscarriage or loss

    • Return to exercise postpartum

    We provide trauma sensitive care, which means a lot of things, but ultimately that everything is options, every visit. We recognize that this is very sensitive care, and we honor your story and your experience. We value your trust in us.

    Weight loss is never part of our treatment plan or recommendations.

  • Mandi does not treat cis-gendered men at this time. She does work with AFAB trans-masc and AMAB trans-femme patients, however. Reach out if you have any questions about if we are the right fit for you.

  • While some people can afford to pay out of pocket for this work, I understand that many cannot. I can work with you to create an individual payment plan on a case-by-case basis, and offer sliding scale prices as needed. Send me an email at support@drmandimurtaugh.com if you’d like to explore options.

    I also have a scholarship for BIPOC folks who are pregnant, preparing for labor & delivery, or postpartum. Please email support@drmandimurtaugh.com if you want more information for yourself or a client referral.

  • The initial intake visit will start with a thorough review of your history, including any medical history, injuries, and pregnancy/birth experience. I give ample space to get to know you, as I believe effective care starts with getting to know you as a whole person, not just your primary symptoms. This visit is typically 90 minutes so that we have time to get you some treatment too!

    You can wear whatever you want to this first visit. Comfortable clothes that stretch can be helpful for the movement assessment but aren’t necessary.

  • My typical recommendation is to wait until your 6-week follow-up to start PT. This is in part to allow healing time and clearance before doing any pelvic floor assessment, but also gives you at least the first month or so for rest and bonding. Also, some initial symptoms such as pain or incontinence can resolve on their own by 6 weeks.

    However, if you are having pain that limits your ability to walk, move around, carry your baby safely, or in any way limits your daily tasks, please make an appointment earlier.

  • Yes, please! I recommend at least two visits starting at 34-36 weeks. We’ll use one visit to focus on assessing your pelvic floor to help ready it for birth, including teaching you perineal massage (tip: it’s not supposed to be miserable!) and how to push properly. On the second visit, we focus on labor & delivery positioning to optimize opening the pelvis. Your partner or doula is more than welcome to join for these visits!

    Of course, if you have any pain or pelvic floor symptoms like incontinence during pregnancy, I encourage you to schedule an appointment sooner.

  • The gold standard for assessing the pelvic floor is an internal exam. This is sometimes included in the initial visit, but always individualized. It is also important to know it’s not necessary.

    There are no speculums or stirrups involved. I simply assess visually first, exactly as you would if you were looking at yourself with a hand mirror. I might feel the muscles externally, feeling just inside the sitbones. Then I use one gloved finger to feel the pelvic floor muscles inside the vagina (or when appropriate inside the rectum). The only way to know exactly what’s going on with a muscle is to feel it, and this is the best way to feel the pelvic floor muscles.

    People who come to see me have all sorts of history, and many of their stories include sexual trauma or abuse. I respect your story and always aim to move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for each individual. I have had the honor of being part of the healing journey for so many people, and I don’t hold that role lightly.

  • I suggest you keep your appointment. We’ll adjust the plan for that day if we often do internal work because there is always more to do. I may even be able to help give you some relief via yoga postures or manual therapy if you’re feeling pretty crampy.

    There are very few instances where physical therapy relies solely on doing internal work. The pelvic floor is closely related to the hips, the inner thighs, the abdominals, and the glutes (and breathing and swallowing and the feet and…), so if hands-on treatment is the focus, there’s a lot more to do outside the pelvic floor.

    This work is ultimately about self-care, so what better time to take care of yourself than during your bleed? And with the option for online visits, you can even stay home in your sweats and close to a heating pad.

  • Out of respect for our providers and in service to all patients, we ask for 48-business hour notice for all cancellations. A late cancellation fee equal to the visit amount will be assessed in the case of no-shows or cancellations made with less than 48-business hour notice. Exceptions will be made for emergencies or illness. 

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered above?

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  • Dr. Mandi is amazing.

    “She has assessed my concerns and worked with me on my body to remedy issues I’ve been having post partum. I have felt at ease, heard and most importantly I feel improvement!”

    Valerie Williams

  • Her office does not even feel like a medical office but more of a spa.

    “My first birth was incredibly Traumatic and she has made her office a place of physical and mental healing for me. I am pregnant with my second and would not be as happy, without pain and content without her.”

    Katie Bell

  • Dr. Mandi has changed my life... truly.

    “I started experiencing "Interstitial Cystitis" symptoms 1 year ago after a loss of pregnancy and it took over my entire life. I went to specialists with no solutions. Finally I went here to get pelvic floor therapy and within a week I was feeling better. Truly a miracle worker!”

  • Warm, caring and knowledgeable

    “I was initially nervous about seeing a doctor about my pelvic floor, but Dr Murtaugh made it stress-free and I came away feeling empowered and equipped with the tools to manage my symptoms in the future.”

    Leslie Moyer