PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES
Proven and Professional
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
The pelvic floor comprises of muscles attaching to the pelvic bones and connective tissue and acts as a hammock with the rectum, urethra and vagina passing through. These muscles support your organs (bladder, bowel, uterus, prostate), control bowel and bladder function and play a critical role in sexual and reproductive health. These muscles work with your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to control the pressure in your abdominal cavity. The pelvic floor muscles attach to bones and connective tissue in your pelvis, hips, abdomen and back, so when these muscles get injured, painful or weak, they can directly impact other parts of your body. Conversely, other areas of your body such as your neck, spine and ribs have an effect on your pelvic floor.
Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, lymphatic system and joints inside and surrounding the pelvic girdle and other areas of the body contributing to pain and dysfunction. We have specialized training in the pelvic floor, urological and gynecological systems to evaluate and treat muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, postural impairments, soft tissue and scar adhesions, nerve entrapment and other musculoskeletal issues which can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapists commonly treat urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic and sexual pain, abdominal pain and bloating, and prenatal and postpartum conditions.
ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
We are specialists in orthopedic physical therapy, not just the pelvic floor. In fact, our knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system and how it affects the rest of the body allows us to address your ailments more effectively. For instance, coccyx (tailbone) mal alignment can affect your neck range of motion and hip strength. We are skilled in a variety of techniques (i.e. manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, nerve glides, etc.) to get you pain-free and moving again.
PREGNANCY
We believe that adequate birthing preparation and addressing issues during pregnancy can help prevent complications post-partum. Pelvic floor therapy can help with your alignment, core and pelvic floor strength and teach you how to control your pelvic floor muscles (i.e. relaxing the muscles when pushing a baby). We teach you different labor positions and effective ways to push during labor. We treat pregnancy related problems like low back, groin, tailbone and pelvic girdle pain.
POSTPARTUM RECOVERY
The Tools You Need
Postpartum recovery can be challenging for a new mother due to lack of time and sleep. Trust me, we’ve been there and we understand. However, it is a critical time to work on your core, posture, alignment and pelvic floor for your future urogynecological and sexual health. The stress of having a vaginal delivery (or even a C-section) compounded by the load of having to care for a newborn and breastfeed with little sleep increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (when your organs fall out of place). We work with women to address all sorts of postpartum issues ranging from incontinence, diastasis recti, episiotomy pain, C-section scar pain, nerve pain, etc… Or, do as the French women do – go see a pelvic floor therapist after having a baby to make sure that everything is working the way it should.
PREHABILITATION
Get Strong for Surgery
Surgery is a big deal. Numerous research studies show that patients undergoing prehabilitation before surgery can lead to positive physiologic effects and fewer complications.
TELEHEALTH
Our Palo Alto clinic is open for one-on-one sessions, but we offer virtual physical therapy for patients located in California, New York and Connecticut.
