Pelvic care
Pelvic complaints. You’re not alone, even if it often feels like it.Pelvic pain and other pelvic issues are incredibly common.
An estimated 1 in 5 of women experience serious pelvic problems, and men are affected too, more often than you might think. That’s why I work with both women and men in my practice. Most people suffer in silence. Because of the taboo surrounding pelvic issues, it often comes with a sense of loneliness.
The pelvis is a common place to unconsciously store pain, trauma, and emotions. This means that pelvic problems are often much more than just a physical challenge. They can affect your sexuality, physical activity, relationships, and even your mental well-being. Many people continue to live with pelvic discomfort after having gone through regular pelvic therapies, assuming it’s just “part of life”. Sometimes this goes on for decades.
In conventional pelvic care, options can sometimes be limited and may not always be sufficient. Pelvic care is often approached from a strictly medical perspective, with little attention to scars, trauma and emotional stress that may be stored in the pelvic region.
My practice fills this gap, offering holistic, trauma-informed pelvic care for both women and men.
What is pelvic care?
More than just physical
Pelvic problems usually involve physical, emotional, and energetic layers. Fascia can hold tension. Muscles can be chronically tight and forget how to relax. Trauma can literally get stuck in your tissues. That’s why pelvic care requires a holistic approach, not just treating symptoms, but supporting the healing of the whole system.
Many people also experience energetic stagnation or blockages in the pelvis: a sense of “not being grounded in your body,” difficulty receiving or letting go, no connection with your own desire, or feeling “off-center.” These energetic layers are not abstract; they are closely linked to muscle tension, fascia restrictions, and a dysregulated nervous system. That’s why I approach pelvic care on both a physical and deeper level.
Your pelvis plays a huge number of crucial roles: stability for your entire body, reproduction and sexual pleasure, elimination (yes, peeing and pooping), and the creation of new life (pregnancy and childbirth). The pelvis is literally our foundation, both physically and energetically.
The pelvis is made up of bones, muscles, fascia, organs, and nerves. The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles at the base of your pelvis that supports everything above it. These muscles need to be able to both contract and relax. Problems often arise when they are too tense (hypertonia), too weak (hypotonia), or don’t coordinate properly. Restrictions in the connective tissue, caused by scars, stress, medical procedures, or physical trauma, can also lead to discomfort.
Why people lose connection with their pelvis
Many people feel disconnected from their pelvis, because of pain, trauma, shame, or simply because we’ve learned not to feel “down there.” Long-term stress can also create chronic tension in the pelvic floor without you even noticing. The pelvis can become a kind of blind spot.
This disconnect isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s often a survival strategy. Especially after trauma, whether sexual, medical, or emotional, your system may “shut down” feeling in the pelvis as a form of protection.
More than just physical
Pelvic problems usually involve physical, emotional, and energetic layers. Fascia can hold tension. Muscles can be chronically tight and forget how to relax. Both physical and emotional trauma can get stuck in your tissues. That’s why pelvic care requires a holistic approach, not just treating symptoms, but supporting the healing of the whole system.
Many people also experience energetic stagnation or blockages in the pelvis: a sense of “not being grounded in your body,” difficulty receiving or letting go, no connection with your own desire, or feeling “off-center.” These energetic layers are not abstract; they are closely linked to muscle tension, fascia restrictions, and a dysregulated nervous system. That’s why I approach pelvic care on both a physical and deeper level.
COMMON PELVIC COMPLAINTS
These complaints are very common among my clients.
Do you recognize one or more of them?
- Chronic pelvic pain
Pain for which no medical explanation has been found, but you’ve been living with it for a long time already. - Pain during sex (dyspareunia, vulvodynia)
Pain or extreme sensitivity during sex. During penetration, touch, or sometimes spontaneously without sexual stimulus. - Vaginismus
Involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor, making penetration painful or simply impossible, as if your vagina is “locked.” - Pelvic floor dysfunction
Too much tension (hypertonia) or too little tension (hypotonia) in the pelvic floor, or a combination of both. - Incontinence & urinary issues
Unintended urine loss, bladder cramps, recurring UTIs or difficulty urinating. It’s often linked to pelvic floor tension. - PMS & menstrual complaints
Severe menstrual pain, extreme PMS, endometriosis, or adenomyosis-related complaints.
- Scar pain or tension
Pain or tension caused by scar tissue after childbirth (C-section, episiotomy, or perineal tear) or surgery (such as vasectomy, circumcision, or hysterectomy). Scars can cause pain not only at the surface but also deeper in the tissues, radiating into the pelvic floor, abdomen, or back. - Low libido
Often related to disconnection from the pelvis. Lack of desire, lack of sensation, or fear of sex. It can feel like your sexual center is simply “not online.” - Trauma: sexual, medical, relational
Complaints following unwanted sexual experiences or sexual trauma, invasive medical procedures, difficult childbirth, or other traumatic events that wiped out your sense of safety. Unfortunately, pelvic complaints are very common with these types of trauma. - Numbness & disconnection
Feeling no connection with the pelvis. It can feel numb, shut down, or like it’s “not mine.” - Prolapse
A feeling of pressure or “something hanging down.” Often occurs after childbirth or with severe constipation.
Why trauma-sensitive pelvic care?
The link between trauma and the pelvis
The pelvis stores trauma. Not metaphorically – literally. When you experience something intense, tension can get stuck in your tissues. Fascia becomes stiff, muscles stay contracted, your nervous system keeps sending alarm signals.
Sexual trauma often leaves the deepest traces in the pelvis. But medical trauma (exams, fertility treatments, surgeries, difficult childbirth), chronic stress, or relational pain can also show up there.
For many people, the pelvis is a closed-off area. Too painful, too vulnerable, too scary to feel. That disconnection is understandable, but it often keeps complaints in place.
How it differs from regular pelvic care
In conventional care, pelvic issues are usually treated piece by piece. Gynecology, pelvic physiotherapy, urology, and sexology each focus on their own specialty -muscles, organs, medical causes, or behaviors- often without really looking at the bigger picture.
But when trauma, shame, dissociation, or chronic stress are involved, that’s often not enough. Trauma-sensitive pelvic therapy works not just with muscles or symptoms, but with the nervous system, stored tension, and regaining a sense of safety in the body.
We focus not only on “what doesn’t work,” but also on “how can you feel safe enough to reconnect with your pelvis.”
Consent & embodiment
In trauma-informed pelvic care, consent is central. Not just saying “yes” because your mind wants you to go there, but truly feeling it: does my body want this? Does this feel safe? Do I need something else before taking the next step?
We practice in-depth with embodied consent. Your boundaries, your yes, your no, your maybe. You decide what happens, at what pace, and how far we go.
This is not a medical procedure that just “has to happen.” This is your journey back to your pelvis.
Somatic Experiencing® in pelvic care
If trauma is part of your situation, it’s crucial to work with a therapist who is deeply trained in trauma. Many pelvic therapists see clients with trauma, but few have extensive training in trauma healing.
I completed the three-year training in Somatic Experiencing®, a world-renowned method for body-oriented trauma therapy, and since then I have continued to specialize in trauma-sensitive bodywork. I apply its principles in every pelvic session I offer.
This is the difference between someone who “works with trauma” and someone who can truly guide you through it, with care, nuance, and deep knowledge and understanding of a nervous system under stress. Gentle, effective, and never retraumatizing.
Scar tissue therapy or SCARWORK® for the pelvis and abdomen
Scars are much more than what you see on the surface. Scar tissue can create deep tension in your fascia and muscles that extends into your pelvic floor, abdomen, or back. Scars can cause unnoticed pain, tightness, or numbness for years, even when they appear neat on the outside.
For women, common scars in the abdominal and pelvic area often result from childbirth -whether a cesarean section or an episiotomy- but also from hysterectomy, laparoscopy, or other abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
For men, scars from procedures such as prostate surgery, vasectomy, orchidopexy or circumcision can also create tension and pain in the pelvis. It is often difficult to recognize that a scar may be the cause of complaints such as lower abdominal tension, pain during sex, or reduced pelvic flexibility.
How scars cause problems
Scar tissue differs from healthy tissue: it is stiffer, less elastic, and prone to adhesions. These adhesions can pull on the pelvic floor, bladder, uterus, prostate, intestines, or other structures, causing issues that are not immediately connected to the scar.
Many women experience a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, lingering back pain, or reduced sensation in the lower abdomen and pelvic area after a cesarean. Men may notice tension during sexual activity or tightness around the lower abdomen and pelvic floor.
Conventional medicine still pays little attention to scars. If a surgery is successful and the scar looks good on the outside, no further investigation is usually done. With lingering complaints-sometimes years or even decades later- it often becomes clear in my practice that the scar plays a much bigger role than expected. Fortunately, scar therapy can make a significant difference.
How I work with scars: ScarWork® scar tissue therapy
In my sessions, I integrate scar treatments when needed, using ScarWork® therapy. ScarWork® is a gentle, unique method for addressing scars without force or pain. Through subtle, soft, yet effective techniques, the tissue becomes more supple, better circulated, and integrated into the whole body over a series of sessions, often with surprisingly quick results.
Work can be done both externally and internally.
- Externally, I work on visible scars and surrounding tissue to release adhesions and improve circulation.
- Internally (vaginally or anally), I work with the scar and tissues beneath the scar that often extend into the deeper structures of the pelvic floor.
During treatment, we use slow, specific strokes and movements to help the scar relax, integrate, and improve circulation. The work is always pain-free and gentle. Many people notice after just a few sessions that the area starts to feels softer, freer, and more “their own.”
Emotional healing is also part of the process.
Scars often carry the memory of what happened: a difficult birth, a major surgery, or an experience of loss. In this trauma-informed work, we make space for that story while the body softens, recovers, and heals.
How i work
HolistiC PELVIC THERAPY
In my practice I combine Integral Pelvic Therapy and Holistic Pelvic Care: two holistic, complementary forms of pelvic therapy. We work on physical, emotional, and energetic levels.
CONSENT IS CENTRAL DURING TREATMENT
Embodied consent means: your body, your pace, and following the choices of your body. You are always in control. Nothing is ever imposed. You consciously choose each step.
Empowerment - taking charge of your pelvic care
You are not just treated – you are empowered. You’ll learn exercises and self-bodywork techniques so you can better care for your own pelvis, both between sessions and after your therapy journey.
Holistic therapy for your pelvis
In my practice, I combine Integral Pelvic Therapy® (IPT) and Holistic Pelvic Care™ (HPC): two in-depth, holistic forms of pelvic therapy that work with both external and internal release of fascia and muscles to address pelvic complaints.
IPT is a broad, inclusive method suitable for men and women, while HPC comes from the work of Tami Lynn Kent and focuses specifically on the female pelvis. Both approaches go well beyond anatomy alone: we work on the physical, emotional, and energetic layers of the pelvis.
We always start by exploring why your complaints have arisen. Chronic pain, tension, pelvic floor dysfunction, low libido, or disconnection rarely appear out of nowhere. Stress, trauma, scar tissue, hormonal phases, and long-term compensatory patterns often play a role. In bodywork sessions, we create space in the tissue, restore balance, and support your nervous system so your pelvis can open and relax safely again.
Embodied consent: your slowest parts set the pace
In my sessions, consent is more than saying “yes” or “no.” It means deeply sensing in your body what feels right, what you want, and what feels safe. Embodied consent means your body, your pace, your choice – every minute.
Each session begins with grounding: slowing down, breathing, and connecting with your body. Some people need extra time or guidance, for example after trauma, medical experiences, or years of “not feeling.” This is completely normal, and we create space for it. My thorough trauma training allows me to support even these sensitive situations.
During hands-on work, you remain in control at all times. We check in, pause, and follow your signals. Many clients notice that just this process strengthens their ability to feel and express boundaries outside of sessions as well.
Somatic coaching is woven throughout the entire process. You learn to read your body, recognize and regulate tension, and stay in contact with your sensations without overloading your nervous system.
Empowerment: taking your bodywork into your own hands
My goal is that after your sessions you are not dependent on a therapist, but strong and capable on your own. You’ll receive simple, effective exercises tailored to your pelvis: breathing, relaxation, nervous system regulation, body awareness, and gentle self-care techniques you can continue at home.
I also teach, when appropriate, safe and delicate techniques for self-bodywork: ways to release tension, restore connection, and support your pelvis yourself. Many clients describe this as life-changing: finally knowing how to care for your own body, even on challenging days.
You are not just being treated, you are being empowered. You learn to trust your body, your inner guidance, and the wisdom of your pelvis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The first session: space, calm, and a careful intake
In the first session, we take plenty of time (2 hours) to settle in. I want to know what you are experiencing right now: what is the background of your complaints? Where exactly is there tension or pain? Where does it feel numb or “absent”? What are your wishes and concerns?
We also lay the foundation for how we will work together: practicing grounding in your body, learning to feel your body, discovering what a yes, no, or maybe feels like. In short: the basics of embodied consent, so your body can experience control and safety during the sessions.
If it feels right and we have a clear starting point with embodied consent, we begin hands-on work. In the beginning, this will always be external, for example on your abdomen, diaphragm, or legs, and the outer pelvic area.
If trauma is a significant part of your situation, or if it is very difficult for you to connect with your body, the bodywork on the treatment table may be delayed. More time may be needed to create safety and to experience consent deeply in your body. This work is so fundamental and valuable that we never skip it.
Follow-up sessions: bodywork, regulation, deepening
A follow-up session lasts 1.5 hours. No rushed medical appointments where everything “has to happen” in 20-30 minutes on or even in your pelvis. We take ample time to slow down, relax, and settle into your body.
In addition to the pelvis, we also work on other body areas that have an important connection to your pelvis, such as the abdomen, diaphragm, and legs. In fact, we’ll likely be starting with those areas first. Everything is connected – your breathing, abdominal cavity, pelvic floor. If these other areas are “off,” your pelvic region cannot feel optimal either.
The following components may be included in a session, always and only when there is embodied consent:
- External work: We work on the abdomen, diaphragm, groins, upper legs, the outer pelvis, and the muscles and fascia directly connected to these areas. We also work on body parts beyond the pelvis, which often contribute to pelvic complaints.
- Internal work (vaginal or anal): Internal work is never mandatory, but in many situations it can help reduce complaints. Internal work only takes place if you want it and always in full alignment. It is a very direct way to map and treat deep tension, hypertonia, trigger points, or fascia restrictions. It is also the most intimate aspect of the work, and can feel intense for some people. That is why we proceed very carefully, step by step, with embodied consent. You are always in control.
- Scar therapy when needed
If scars play a role in your complaints, we integrate ScarWork or myofascial scar therapy. This can be done externally or internally. This is also a pain-free treatment. - Somatic coaching and trauma work
Pelvic work can release a lot, especially after sexual, medical, or relational trauma. We work trauma-sensitively. I help you regulate, feel what is happening, and connect gently with your body without overwhelming it. I never push you toward a breakthrough or catharsis. With the right guidance, your body is wise enough to do this at its own pace. - Practical exercises for home
You will receive simple exercises to do at home. No heavy “homework package,” just targeted tools that really make a difference. This can include relaxation exercises, breath regulation, connecting with your pelvic floor, learning to relax more, techniques to actively reduce tension, and gentle forms of self-bodywork.
What can you achieve with this?
My clients report significantly reduced or improved complaints after their sessions with me. Some clients become completely free of complaints.
Of course, each body and situation is different. But my clients often report less pain and tension, reduced leakage, more relaxation and regulation, greater awareness and better sensation in the pelvic area, deepening of the connection with their body, improved sexuality and more pleasure, more trust in their body and boundaries.
They also report: more connection with their body, a stronger sense of grounding, more vitality and energy, and often for the first time in years: deep relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
Are you a pelvic physiotherapist?
No, I’m a complementary pelvic therapist. This means I don’t make medical diagnoses and I don’t offer conventional pelvic physiotherapy. Many of my clients have already seen a pelvic physiotherapist for diagnosis and initial treatment. After that, I can go deeper into layers that conventional physio often does not address, such as trauma, fascia, emotional blocks, and connection with your pelvis.
Sometimes people come directly to me because they already know what is going on, for example after previous work with other professionals. During the intake, we discuss whether my approach is right for you, or whether you need diagnostics elsewhere first.
What is the difference with conventional pelvic physiotherapy?
Pelvic physiotherapy mainly focuses on muscle training, coordination, and rehabilitation. It primarily addresses the physical component: muscles, strength, relaxation, posture, pelvic floor function, bladder and bowel issues. This is very valuable work and for many of my clients it is an important first step in their journey.
But for quite some, pelvic physiotherapy is not enough, especially when trauma, chronic stress, fascia restrictions, scars or other blockages are involved. In my practice, I work holistically and trauma-sensitively, addressing physical, emotional, and energetic layers. Integral Pelvic Therapy and Holistic Pelvic Care are excellent approaches for this.
What makes my approach unique is that I combine it with Somatic Experiencing and, when relevant, intimacy coaching. I look at the whole system: muscles and fascia, breathing, the nervous system, emotions, stress, trauma, energy, and body awareness.
Does this work for men?
Yes. Almost 40% of my clients are men. Men often come with chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor tension, erection issues, problems with ejaculation (premature or inability to climax), post-surgical scars, or a lack of connection with their pelvis. Men are also survivors of sexual trauma (more often than we might think), which can have a major impact on the pelvic area.
Is internal work always necessary?
No. For some people, external work (abdomen, outside of the pelvis, legs, etc.) is enough. For others, internal work (vaginal or anal) is the most effective way to reach deep fascia and muscles. We explore together what you need, and only go as far as you feel safe. You decide, and that means listening not just with your mind, but with your body. We work step by step and always with embodied consent.
What if I have trauma in my pelvic area?
If trauma is part of your situation, it’s especially important to work with a pelvic therapist who is thoroughly trained in trauma-sensitive methods. My approach is specifically designed for this. We work step by step, integrating the principles of Somatic Experiencing into the sessions. We proceed slowly, at your pace. No forcing, no overwhelming. Consent is always central, and sessions are structured so that your body can re-learn how to feel safe.
Can this be done online?
Hands-on pelvic work cannot be done online. However, we can do deep online work around your pelvis: exploring underlying causes, deep relaxation techniques, embodiment exercises, and teaching self-bodywork methods to help alleviate various pelvic complaints.
Online work can stand on its own or be used as a supplement between in-person sessions. It can also be a starting point if you are not yet ready for hands-on work.
Do you work with scars?
Yes. Scar therapy (ScarWork) is an important part of my pelvic work. This can help with pain, tension, pulling, or numbness after procedures such as cesarean, episiotomy, circumcision, or other surgeries or invasive procedures in the abdomen and pelvic area.
Is this work intended for pregnancy and postpartum?
The work I offer can be done before pregnancy and after birth.
Before pregnancy, it is a beautiful way to “prepare the nest,” supporting your body and pelvis.
After birth, these sessions can be deeply healing, both after vaginal delivery and cesarean. We can work on scar tissue (externally and internally), tension from the birth process, and reconnecting with your pelvis, which is fully yours again. Emotional recovery after a traumatic birth is also part of this work.
During pregnancy, my hands-on options are more limited due to regulations that restrict who may work with pregnant clients, such as gynecologists, midwives, and pelvic physiotherapists. Depending on your situation, I may refer you to a colleague. We can talk about this during an introductory call.
Does this help after miscarriage or pregnancy loss?
Yes. Pelvic care after pregnancy loss can be comforting for your body and help restore connection with your uterus and pelvis. Many women feel disconnected from their pelvis after loss. This work helps you return slowly, at your own pace.
Does it help when I face fertility challenges?
Fertility treatments can be very demanding, especially on the female body. Many women lose contact with their body during such treatments because there is so much “to do” and control feels taken away. My sessions can support you before, during, and after a fertility process, helping you stay connected to your body and pelvis.
Pelvic care can be supportive during fertility treatments or when trying to conceive. It improves circulation, relaxation, and connection to your uterus and pelvis. It is not a “cure” for infertility, but it can help reduce stress, support your body, and maintain self-care.
How many sessions will I need?
This is a very understandable question, but it is not always easy to answer. The number of sessions depends on how long you have had your complaints, and whether trauma or chronic stress plays a role. Some issues improve quickly, while others take more time. This work is not a quick fix; it is aimed at lasting change, not just symptom relief. During a discovery session, we can discuss your situation and expectations.
Are these sessions covered by insurance?
No. My treatments are not covered by basic or supplementary health insurance. Some employers reimburse treatments under a wellness or vitality budget. You can check with your employer.
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Client experiences
Powerful releases and much deeper insight into my own body
In the past, I had already discovered through a urologist that I have a very tense pelvic floor. This showed up in problems with urination, among other things. I then followed several sessions with a conventional pelvic floor therapist, which gave me even more insight into the huge tension I had built up in this area over the years.
I eventually found my way to Elisabeth, even though I live in the North. Initially, I contacted her in her role as a sexuality coach, but given her specialization in pelvic floor issues, I immediately felt I was in the right place.
Elisabeth is extremely dedicated and professional. Because she asks questions thoroughly and approaches the underlying issues from a much broader perspective, my understanding of my own body and my own development has grown tremendously. I experience the combination of coaching and direct pelvic therapy as a very powerful approach.
In addition, on her own initiative, she looked into how my strength training and gym activities affected my pelvic floor. This led to a different approach to my workouts, including a new way of breathing during certain exercises.
Through pelvic therapy, I experienced several very powerful releases, and as a result, I now enjoy much longer periods of relaxation in my pelvic floor. I am also sleeping through the night more often, as I can empty my bladder better before bed. I am still working with Elisabeth and look forward with confidence to the rest of our journey.
– Bernd, 56, Groningen
Much more relaxation in my pelvic area
Sometimes you meet people with whom you immediately click because of the warmth and sincerity they radiate. Pure authenticity. Elisabeth is such a remarkable woman. From our very first contact, I felt genuine care. She takes the time for you, sees you, and listens to you. Her treatment space is spacious and very welcoming.
There is time first for a conversation, a cup of tea, and then her warm, intuitive touch, always tuned in and in rhythm with what feels right.
Elisabeth, you are a true professional! You know exactly what you are doing. Thank you for our special sessions. We concluded our work with much more relaxation in my pelvic area.
– Heidi, 50, Gelderland
I never expected this work to be so profound
I never expected pelvic care to be so profound. It was not just about my physical complaints, but about healing old pain I had been holding onto for years. Elisabeth guides with so much respect and patience. I feel stronger, more grounded, and finally connected with my body.
– Leon, 39, Utrecht
For the first time, I felt safe enough to feel
I had the pleasure of experiencing very gentle pelvic therapy sessions with Elisabeth. She is kind, calm, and warm, and I quickly felt at ease. I came to her because I struggled to feel my boundaries and generally had difficulty feeling at all.
What happened during the sessions was truly beautiful. We did exercises where I was allowed to feel and communicate my boundaries, and for the first time, I actually felt my body. Sometimes it was just very small things, but I noticed them, and could feel what my body was telling me.
This has helped me enormously in daily life. Knowing that I can feel things, but sometimes just need to pay better attention to the small signals. Asking for space and receiving it is something I have worked on during and after the sessions. If you are thinking about pelvic therapy, do not hesitate – book time for yourself with Elisabeth!
– Myon, 30, Gelderland