Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized area of care focused on the muscles of the pelvic floor, related structures, posture, breathing mechanics, and overall pelvic health. Unlike general OT and PT, it requires advanced training to address issues like pelvic pain, bladder and bowel changes, core support, and concerns during pregnancy and postpartum.

Sarah Kate Orton, founder and pelvic floor therapist at Charleston Pelvic Health is an occupational therapist who takes a whole-person, function-focused approach. OTs are trained to consider how your daily activities, habits, and emotional well-being affect your health. We look for the root cause to go beyond symptom relief—so you can live life the way you want, comfortably and confidently.

Pelvic floor therapy is much more than Kegels! Many people are doing Kegels incorrectly—or don’t even need strengthening, but rather relaxation or coordination of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor therapy with Charleston Pelvic Health involves a full-body approach that includes breathing, posture, movement, and tailored strategies—not just isolated exercises.

No referral is required to begin pelvic floor therapy with Charleston Pelvic Health. South Carolina offers direct access to occupational therapy services, which means you can start care without a prescription.

However, if you plan to submit for insurance reimbursement, your insurance provider may require a referral. Please check with your insurance company to understand their out-of-network reimbursement requirements. 

I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance directly. Payment is due at the time of service.

If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance. I’m happy to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) you can submit with your claim.

To learn more about how to check your benefits and how to submit for reimbursement, please check out this guide.

To be completely honest, insurance companies are not kind to healthcare providers. Reimbursement rates for therapy have been steadily decreasing, and insurance often dictates how many visits you can have, how long those visits are, and even what types of treatment you can receive—regardless of what you actually need.

By remaining out of network, I’m able to:

• Spend more one-on-one time with you during each session

• Tailor treatments specifically to your needs and goals, without insurance limitations

• Offer transparent pricing—you’ll never get a surprise bill months later

Because every person's needs and goals are different, I start with a free discovery video call where we’ll discuss your needs, a potential plan of care that makes sense for you, and detailed pricing information.

I am an out-of-network provider, and payment is due at the time of service. Depending on your out-of-network benefits, you may be able to submit receipts to your insurance for reimbursement. More on that here.

I recognize that being able to pay upfront is a privilege not everyone has. I’ve chosen to be an out-of-network provider because it allows me to offer the highest quality, most personalized care—without the limitations of insurance. If cost feels like a barrier, please reach out. I’m happy to discuss payment plan options or refer you to a trusted provider who accepts your insurance. Everyone deserves access to pelvic health care, and I’m committed to helping you find the path that works for you.

Charleston Pelvic Health operates as a mobile pelvic health practice, meaning I bring therapy directly to you—in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

I serve clients throughout the Charleston, SC area, including:

• Daniel Island

• Mount Pleasant

• Isle of Palms

• Sullivan’s Island

• Downtown Charleston

• James Island

• West Ashley

• John’s Island

• North Charleston

• Goose Greek

I also offer virtual follow-up visits for local clients, as well as telehealth pelvic floor services throughout South Carolina.

No - an internal exam is not necessary to get relief from your symptoms. It is simply one of many assessment tools available to us. At Charleston Pelvic Health, client comfort and safety is my top priority. That’s why I offer a variety of options to assess the pelvic floor, ensuring that each client’s preferences and comfort level are respected. To learn more about the different options, please check out this blog post. 

Absolutely not! It’s never too late to address pelvic floor concerns. Whether you had your baby 1 year ago or 20 years ago, pelvic floor therapy can help improve symptoms, function, and quality of life. 

Appointments are typically 60 minutes, although your initial evaluation will be 90 minutes. Depending on your needs and preferences, shorter 30 or 45 minute sessions may be appropriate. The number of sessions depends on your specific condition, goals, and progress—but most people start to notice improvements within a few sessions. We’ll reassess regularly and adjust the plan as needed.