Core & Pelvic Floor Reconditioning

The core and pelvic floor work as an integrated system — the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, spinal stabilizers, and pelvic floor muscles must coordinate together for proper trunk stability, continence, and functional movement. When this system becomes deconditioned — whether from pregnancy, surgery, prolonged illness, or inactivity — a structured reconditioning program restores coordinated function.

Signs that your core and pelvic floor system may need reconditioning include:

• Chronic low back pain that has not responded to general exercise
• Urinary leaking during physical activity or with coughing and sneezing
• A feeling of core weakness or instability during daily tasks
• Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) that has not resolved
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness, especially after prolonged standing or activity
• Difficulty engaging your core muscles properly during exercise
• Persistent trunk weakness after surgery or extended bed rest

This program goes beyond basic Kegels or sit-ups. It systematically retrains the deep stabilizing system from the inside out, building a foundation that supports everything from daily activities to return to exercise and sport.

Core and pelvic floor reconditioning at The Back Clinic is designed for a range of patients who need to rebuild their deep stabilizing system:

• Postpartum women — Rebuilding core and pelvic floor function after the demands of pregnancy and delivery
• Post-surgical patients — Restoring deep core stability after abdominal, pelvic, or spinal surgery
• People with chronic low back pain — Whose core stabilizing system has become inhibited, contributing to ongoing pain and dysfunction
• Anyone returning to activity after extended illness or inactivity — Rebuilding the foundational strength needed for safe return to daily function and exercise

Our program follows a progressive sequence: first we restore awareness and activation of the deep stabilizers (transverse abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm, pelvic floor), then build endurance and strength in those muscles, and finally integrate the core system into functional movements and your target activities. Each phase builds on the last, ensuring your body is ready for the next level of challenge.

Every session at The Back Clinic is one-on-one with your physical therapist — never handed off to aides or shared with other patients. This hands-on, individualized approach is essential for core reconditioning because proper muscle activation requires real-time feedback that cannot be replicated in a group setting or with a generic exercise sheet.

Your evaluation assesses the individual components of the core system — diaphragm breathing patterns, transverse abdominis activation, pelvic floor function, and multifidus engagement. We identify which components need the most work and build your program accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

Sessions are hands-on and highly individualized. Your therapist provides real-time feedback to ensure correct muscle activation — a critical factor since research shows that most people cannot properly activate their deep core muscles without professional guidance. Many patients are surprised to learn they have been compensating with superficial muscles rather than engaging the deep stabilizers.

Most patients complete a six to ten session program with a clear progression from foundational activation exercises to full functional integration. You will also receive a home exercise program that evolves as you progress, giving you the tools to maintain your gains independently.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover core and pelvic floor reconditioning. You do not need a referral to start treatment in Delaware. Call (302) 529-1900 or schedule online to book your evaluation.