Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston Pelvic Health is a solo, concierge pelvic health practice, which means you'll always communicate directly with and receive care from Sarah Kate Orton, MSOT, OTR/L

Every visit is one-on-one, personalized to your goals, and designed to fit into your real life. Choose the convenience of an in-home visit or the comfort of one of our Charleston office locations—either way, you'll receive the same individualized care, full 60-minute appointments, and direct access to your therapist.

Sarah Kate considers your daily routines, caregiving responsibilities, movement habits, environment, stress, nervous system, and other whole-person factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Why Charleston Pelvic Health?

Can You Help?

Can you help my symptoms?

Charleston Pelvic Health helps women experiencing pregnancy and postpartum concerns, bladder and bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, painful intimacy, prolapse, hormonal changes, constipation, urinary leaking, and many other pelvic health concerns.

If you’re unsure whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you, call 843-256-6775 to speak directly with Sarah Kate about how she can help your specific situation.

I’ve already tried pelvic floor PT. Could you still help me?

Absolutely. As an occupational therapist, Sarah Kate considers your daily routines, caregiving responsibilities, movement habits, environment, stress, nervous system, and other whole-person factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Even if you've had pelvic floor therapy before, a fresh perspective can often uncover new opportunities for improvement.

I’ve been told to just do Kegels.
Will that help?

Probably not. Pelvic floor therapy is about much more than doing Kegels.

Many symptoms are related to pelvic floor coordination, relaxation, breathing, movement, pressure management, and everyday habits—not simply muscle strength. In some cases, doing Kegels without an assessment can actually make symptoms worse.

I’m not having symptoms.
Can pelvic floor therapy help prevent future issues?

Yes. Pelvic floor therapy can also be proactive, helping you better understand your body, identify concerns early, and learn strategies that support your pelvic health through pregnancy, postpartum, hormonal changes, exercise, and everyday life.

What to Expect

What is my first appointment like?

We’ll begin by talking through your story, symptoms, and goals.

Your first visit may include education, movement or breathing assessment, hands-on treatment, and practical strategies you can begin using right away.

How long are appointments?

All appointments are one hour. This allows enough time to listen, assess, treat, and make sure you understand your plan without feeling rushed.

Will I just be given exercises to do on my own?

No. Exercise may be one part of your plan, but treatment often focuses on better understanding your body, habit changes, symptom-management strategies, and movement practice with meaningful daily activities.

Any home recommendations will be realistic and collaboratively designed to fit into your routine.

Internal Pelvic Floor Assessment

Do I have to have an internal pelvic floor assessment?

No. You always have a choice, and there are many other ways we can assess and address your pelvic floor muscles. If an internal assessment could be helpful, we’ll start externally, explain each step, and you may pause or stop at any time.

What is an internal pelvic floor assessment like?

An internal assessment is very different from a Pap smear at your gynecologist. There is no speculum, stirrups, or scratchy paper. If you choose to have an internal assessment, Sarah Kate gently uses a gloved, lubricated finger to assess how your pelvic floor muscles contract, relax, lengthen, and coordinate.

The assessment is always optional and can be modified or stopped at any time based on your comfort. Depending on your goals and symptoms, assessment may be performed in different positions, including lying down or standing.

Getting Started

Do I need to see my physician or have a referral first?

No. You can begin occupational therapy services without first seeing your physician or obtaining a referral.
You can start care whenever you are ready and Sarah Kate is also happy to collaborate with your healthcare team when helpful.

Where do you provide care?

Charleston Pelvic Health offers:

• In-home visits throughout Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, and select Charleston-area communities

• In-office appointments in West Ashley or Downtown Charleston

• Telehealth throughout South Carolina

Should I choose an in-home or office visit?

Both options provide the same personalized, one-on-one care.

• In-home visits are ideal if you'd like support within your own environment, prefer not to travel, or want help applying strategies directly to your daily routines.

• Office visits are a great option if you prefer coming to a dedicated treatment space or live outside the primary in-home service area.

Choose whichever setting feels most comfortable and convenient for you.

Can I switch between in-home and office visits?

Yes. Many clients choose to mix and match based on their schedule, childcare needs, or where they are in their recovery. We'll work together to determine what makes the most sense for each visit.

When should I start pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy?

You can begin at any point during pregnancy, and you do not need to wait until you are having symptoms to benefit. Many women begin in the first or second trimester to improve body awareness, promote better habits, prevent discomfort, and prepare for birth and postpartum recovery.

Pelvic floor therapy can also help you learn to connect with, relax, and coordinate your pelvic floor, explore birth positions, and address any pain or symptoms that arise.

How soon can I begin pelvic floor therapy after giving birth?

Charleston Pelvic Health encourages a postpartum check-in within the first week after delivery.

Early visits focus on safe movement, feeding positions, comfort, rest, pain management, and adapting your routines to support healing. As you recover, care progresses toward gentle core and pelvic floor connection, comfortable infant care, preventing or addressing aches and pains, and returning to your usual activities.

How do I get started?

Call Charleston Pelvic Health at 843-256-6775 to connect dirrectly with Sarah Kate. We’ll talk about what’s going on, answer any questions, and determine whether Charleston Pelvic Health is a good fit for what you need.

You can also request an appointment using the button below, and Sarah Kate will reach out to you directly.