For patients living with pain, leakage, or other pelvic health challenges, finding the right help can be life changing. At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, that help comes from dedicated pelvic floor physical therapists in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that controls essential bodily functions. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the muscles that control bladder, bowel, and core function. When those muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, patients may experience issues such as urinary leakage, constipation, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction —conditions that can be difficult to talk about and often go untreated.

“Pelvic floor therapy isn’t taught in standard physical therapy programs — it’s a subspeciality that requires advanced training,” said Dr. Kirby Smith, pelvic health physical therapist in the Urogynecology Division. “Here, it’s all we do. Every patient we see has a pelvic floor concern.”

Walter Reed’s pelvic floor therapists provide individualized, evidence-based care for conditions affecting both men and women, from postpartum complications and incontinence to pain and pelvic dysfunction resulting from surgery or injury.

Smith is one of only two full-time specialists who provide this level of care through the NCR. Together they make up the region’s only dedicated therapists treating patients exclusively for these complex conditions.

“There are other therapists across the NCR who treat pelvic floor dysfunctions as part of the general physical therapy,” said Smith. “But here, it’s our entire focus. Every patient we see has a pelvic health concern. That specialization makes a big difference in outcomes.”

While many patients arrive after months or years of discomfort, effective therapy often leads to significant, and sometimes life-changing results.

One of Smith’s patients faced an extensive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. After pelvic floor therapy, her symptoms were resolved, and surgery was no longer necessary. Another patient, an active-duty service member, overcame chronic constipation that had limited his ability to deploy.

“Once we identified how he was using his muscles and retrained the function, he regained control and confidence,” said Smith. “These are the kinds of results that remind us that this work directly supports readiness.”

The physical therapy team’s mission aligns with Walter’s Way, the medical center’s new initiative to simplify patient access and strengthen collaboration across specialties. By connecting patients to targeted, specialized care, Walter’s Way helps ensure every patient receive the right care at the right time — all under one coordinated system.