PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY pelvic floor physical therapy
You've probably been told it's just part of having a baby. Or getting older. Or being a woman.
Leaking when you laugh, pain during sex, the constant urge to find the nearest bathroom — these things are common, but they are not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the root cause of these symptoms, not just the discomfort.
Our licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy at Indigo Wellness Group provide specialized, evidence-based pelvic floor care in Stamford and Westport, CT — in a setting that's warm, private, and takes you seriously. Unlike general orthopedic practices that offer pelvic PT as an add-on, our therapists have built their entire clinical focus around pelvic health — which makes a real difference for complex or long-standing symptoms.
most of our patients come to us with a symptom, not a diagnosis.
If any of the following sounds familiar, pelvic PT may be the missing piece.
Urinary Issues
Bladder leakage, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, incomplete emptying, interstitial cystitis
Bowel Issues
Constipation, diarrhea, pain with defecation, incomplete defecation, fecal incontinence
Pain
Pelvic pain, tailbone pain, hip or sacroiliac joint pain, pain with sex, vaginismus
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti abdominis, scar pain, postpartum weakness
what to expect at your first visit
Your initial evaluation is 60 minutes with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy. It begins with a detailed conversation — your history, your symptoms, your goals, and anything you've already tried. Nothing is assumed.
From there, your therapist will conduct a physical assessment that may include an internal pelvic exam, depending on your comfort level and what's clinically appropriate. You will never be asked to do anything without a full explanation and your consent. Many patients tell us this appointment is unlike anything they've experienced in a medical setting.
You'll leave with a clear picture of what's happening and a personalized plan for moving forward.
Have questions before you commit to an appointment? Call us at 203-658-7850 to speak to a member of our team directly.
telehealth: virtual pelvic floor PT for pregnancy + postpartum
Our virtual pelvic floor PT offering is designed specifically for pregnancy and the postpartum period — personalized, one-on-one sessions with our Doctors of Physical Therapy, from wherever you are. Whether you're preparing your body for birth or navigating early recovery, expert guidance can make a meaningful difference in how you feel, move, and heal.
Please note that while these sessions are excellent for birth prep, we will not be able to assess the pelvic floor muscles remotely.
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Understanding what's happening in your body — and what you can do to support it — changes the birth experience. We cover pelvic floor anatomy and its role in childbirth, preparation for both vaginal and cesarean delivery, breathing and pushing strategies, birth positions, and techniques shown to reduce the risk of perineal tearing. Trimester-appropriate movement is woven throughout to improve pelvic mobility, fetal positioning, and pushing efficiency.
Pelvic & Core Preparation
Safe prenatal core training, glute and hip strengthening for pelvic support, mobility work, and guidance on posture and body mechanics as your body changes through each stage of pregnancy.
Perineal Preparation
Detailed education on perineal massage — when to start, how often, and proper technique — so you feel informed and confident going into delivery.
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Pubic symphysis pain
SI joint pain
Round ligament pain
Low back pain
Pelvic pressure
Urinary leakage
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Pelvic PT isn't only for vaginal delivery. Whether you're planning a C-section or preparing for the possibility, our therapists help you understand how to protect your body before surgery and support healing after.
Before delivery, we focus on breathing strategies that encourage abdominal relaxation, how the core, diaphragm, and pelvic floor work together, and how to prepare for safe bed mobility and movement in the early postoperative period.
After delivery, we guide you through protecting the incision during everyday moments — coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting — along with body mechanics for feeding and newborn care, supportive positions for rest and recovery, gentle core and pelvic floor reconnection, and safe early movement to promote healing.
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When you're ready to move again, we make sure you're doing it in the right order. Our therapists provide a guided timeline for activity progression, progressive core rehabilitation, low-impact cardio planning, return-to-running preparation, weightlifting and fitness modifications, and sport-specific readiness assessment — so you build back with confidence, not guesswork.
Telehealth sessions are available for new and existing patients. Book a virtual appointment or call us at 203-658-7850 to learn more.
our providers
You'll work one-on-one with the same therapist throughout your care. Both Kara and Jodie practice pelvic PT exclusively — not as an add-on to a general orthopedic caseload — and have completed advanced specialty training. For patients with complex or long-standing symptoms, that level of focus matters.
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY + CLINICAL SPECIALIST IN WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY
PT, DPT, WCS
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After a brief stint in PR and Marketing for fashion, Kara decided to set out and explore her fascination with the human body and its incredible ability to heal. Following obtaining her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, Kara began her career with a focus in orthopedics in NYC. As an outpatient orthopedic therapist she began to work closely with pre and postnatal patients. And, after giving birth to her own two children, Kara’s interest in pelvic health grew. She continued her education with the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and moved on to a private clinic that specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation for women and men.
Kara became a board certified women’s healthcare practitioner after obtaining the prestigious Women’s Health Clinical Specialization in 2016. In 2020, after 350 hours of training, she received her Polestar Pilates teaching certification and loves to integrate Pilates into her treatment plans.
Kara embraces the mind-body connection when treating pain and is passionate about empowering her patients through their wellness journey. She loves listening and partnering with patients to understand each person’s specific goals. Everyone has a unique path to healing. Through individualized clinical assessments, she is able to tailor education and therapy so patients can return to doing the activities they love.
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Kara is a pelvic health physical therapist treating men and women across their lifespan with all things related to bowel, bladder, sexual health, pregnancy/postpartum and pelvic pain.
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Kara works in our Westport location.
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
PT, DPT
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Jodie, a former All American collegiate athlete, first became interested in physical therapy while rehabilitating her first sports injury. After a brief period of travel and living abroad in Thailand, she returned to New York to pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Long Island University in Brooklyn.
Jodie is a pelvic floor specialist who regularly completes continuing education to expand her knowledge of manual therapy, women's health, and exercise. In 2020, after 350 hours of training, Jodie received her Polestar Pilates teaching certification. She is currently working towards achieving the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification through Herman and Wallace, and her Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification.
She has been a practicing physical therapist for 13 years. She began her career in orthopedic physical therapy working at NY Presbyterian/Columbia University Hospital and at an outpatient practice in Manhattan. During this time, Jodie discovered her passion for women’s health and developed a pelvic floor program at a well-established private practice. Having three children of her own, her interest in and knowledge of pelvic floor therapy continued to grow and she moved to a private clinic that specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation in downtown Manhattan.
Jodie uses Pilates-based exercises and methods to further help her patients with their body awareness. She believes that Pilates is a safe and effective way to develop and retain strength throughout pregnancy and to return to exercise in a safe and positive way.
Jodie works in partnership with her patients to uncover and correct the root causes of their physical symptoms. She is passionate about using a holistic approach to educate and help her patients achieve optimal health through personalized treatments. She is easy to talk to and has a unique ability to make her patients feel comfortable.
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Jodie treats both women and men dealing with a variety of pelvic health concerns including bowel, bladder, sexual health, pregnancy/postpartum and pelvic pain.
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Jodie works out of our Stamford location.
What our patients say
“Wonderful, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff. Kara Fanelli has helped so much - she's the best! Highly recommend!”
“I have loved seeing Jodi during my prenatal & postnatal journey. She helped me connect back to my body and as an athlete feel like myself again.”
“In addition to Dr. Kara Fanelli’s spectacular clinical skills is her exceptional ability to communicate compassionately. I could not feel more comfortable with her.”
“I am so glad I took the leap and scheduled an appointment with Kara! I had been struggling with chronic constipation and found her office through a quick Google search. From the very first visit, Kara provided invaluable education on the pelvic floor, bowel health, sexual wellness, and more. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and it’s clear that she genuinely cares about her patients' well-being.”
investment in your care
Initial Evaluation (60 minutes): $280
Follow-up Appointments (45–60 minutes): $240
Package of 5 Follow-ups: $1,150 — save $50, valid for 6 months
Pelvic PT is an out-of-pocket service at Indigo. Many patients find that a focused course of care — typically 6 to 10 sessions — resolves symptoms they've managed for years. We encourage you to think of it as an investment in function, not an ongoing expense.
Questions about coverage or cost? Visit our insurance and FAQ page or call us at 203-658-7850.
ready to get started?
Both of our locations offer pelvic floor physical therapy with board-certified Doctors of Physical Therapy. Choose the location (or our virtual offering) that works best for you.
Prefer to talk first? Call 203-658-7850 to set up a brief consultation before booking.
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