Physical therapy is a holistic discipline of the healthcare system that specializes in the development, maintenance, and restoration of the musculoskeletal system and its ability to perform functional movement for a high quality of life. Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries/surgeries, relieve acute/chronic pain, improve balance for fall risk reduction, and assist with injury prevention. Physical therapy can be beneficial at any age or stage of life and is performed in multiple clinical settings (hospitals, inpatient, skilled nursing facilities, home care, and outpatient). Within the scope of practice, physical therapists can assess for function of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems, create exercise plans for recovery, perform manual therapy (massage, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, dry needling, etc.) and use modalities for pain modulation (cold/heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc.).

Physical therapy sessions will vary from person to person, so clothing may also vary. For sessions including internal pelvic work, patients may feel comfortable wearing a dress/skirt. For exercise-based sessions, patients should come prepared to work out. I would suggest dressing in something comfortable with shoes that would be safe for exercises such as sneakers or closed-toe shoes with foot secured. 

For massage gun & stretch sessions, women are recommended to wear shorts/leggings an a t-shirt.

For dry needling services, it is best to have whatever area of work exposed for needle treatment. Shorts for the legs and short sleeves for the arms would work fine. For work on the back, please wear a top and bottom to be sure that your bottom remains covered while working on the back region. Sports bra is recommended for this services.

The first visit is usually the time where we both really get to know each other. This evaluation session will take place in the home. During this time, we will discuss medical history, reasons for therapy/service of any kind, and injury history to guide the assessment and exam process. This will be the time to set expectations, goals for therapy, scheduling, and answer any questions. The first session will be 45 mins to 1 hour. It is important to fill out all the documentation prior to your first session in order to optimize time during your initial session and help give the therapist a picture of where you are physically.

Currently, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies and payments are collected upon rendered services or with packages.

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized physical therapy service that focuses on restoring the function of muscles that line your pelvic floor. These muscles are important in sexual function, urinary/bowel continence, the assistance of proper gastrointestinal function, and overall stabilization of your trunk for overall health and wellness, especially related to abdominal, hip, and low back health. Assessment of tissue quality and functions can be assessed both externally and internally via vaginal and rectal canals. Assessment includes strength testing, performance of voluntary contraction of pelvic floor muscles, palpation for tenderness, tissue extensibility, and tissue appearance. Pelvic floor therapy is best performed internally for optimal rehabilitation benefits, but of course patients guide the treatment sessions based on how they feel that day. As with any treatment, a patient should work in partnership with the therapist and request to stop any treatment that they are not mentally prepared for or that makes them uncomfortable, especially with pelvic floor therapy. As the patient, you are truly boss and in control of how your sessions flow. Is is important to maintain an open line of communication with your therapist and be mentally engaged and present during your sessions. Depending on history, pelvic floor therapy can become very emotional, so take your time during this healing process. It is more than okay!

Absolutely! This is a medical-based service that is eligible for funds to pay for services.

Yes! Physical therapy can help with diastasis recti rehabilitation and is very much related to the pelvic floor. Training to improve the diastasis recti takes time, but with proper form, education, and dedication one can definitely make improvements in appearance and functional mobility.

The pelvic floor can be a very sensitive region with very sensitive topics, so please know that your evaluation is on your terms. There are a variety of specific assessments for the pelvic floor, but in conjunction with your therapist, you guide the assessment process and your participation is extremely important. Here at Restore U PT, we treat the body as a whole, not just the area of symptoms. If you are having symptoms that are likely due to a pelvic floor dysfunction: leaking, pain with sex, pelvic heaviness, or pelvic organ prolapse, it is highly likely that there are always other things going on as well. Posture, weakness, tightness, diet, stress, and body mechanics are all factors that can contribute to what’s happening in the pelvic floor. We are here to actively listen, without judgment, and discuss your story, history, and goals for therapy in order to design an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs. This plan of care will always be dynamic and change as your needs change.

Medical History: During the evaluation process, your therapist will begin by asking you several questions to get a better idea of your pelvic floor experience. After a thorough review of your medical history, you’ll give information about your pelvic floor condition and the reason for seeking treatment. You will also go over details about your pelvic health and may be asked to fill out a questionnaire with specific questions related to bowel, bladder, and sexual function, lifestyle, including your goals for treatment.  

Physical Assessment: Once we have collected and gone over all pertinent information with your Physical Therapist, we will begin the physical assessment. This assessment will observe your posture, alignment, and how you move. Tests and measurements of balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion, sensation, and coordination may also take place. There are tools that can be used to assist in assessing pelvic floor muscle function as well as abdominal and gluteal muscles including internal examination and biofeedback.  

Internal Exam: During muscle assessments, an internal exam may be warranted in order to assess internal muscle strength and coordination. First, the examination is explained verbally with visuals such as pictures and a pelvic floor model so that you would know exactly what to expect. The therapist will talk you through the entire exam, allowing you to connect to your pelvic floor and work as a team throughout the process. While in a supine (lying on back) position, your external pelvic floor is assessed visually and tactilely to look for discoloration, movement during active contraction and relaxation, and bearing down of the pelvic floor. The external pelvic floor is also assessed for sensation and pain. The nervous system is tested for normal reflexes with touch. Following the external exam, if patient is comfortable and provides consent, the internal examination will begin using a water-based lubricant. This is done with 1-2 fingers based on comfort. Tissue is assessed for elasticity, pain, and trigger points. Strength is tested with the patient doing active pelvic floor contractions and relaxations. Prolapse is assessed and measured if applicable. Internal exams, if tolerated, are tested in supine and standing. Therapist may ask you to perform a lunge, squat, or functional action to assess how the pelvic floor meets the demand of activity, gravity, and intra-abdominal pressure.  

Assessment: Depending upon findings and patient’s tolerance, treatment will also begin at that time. This could be education to correct a dysfunction, manual work to the painful or restricted areas of tension in the pelvic floor, postural training, and coordinating the pelvic floor work with breathing techniques and postural alignment. At the end of the assessment, a treatment plan is made with the patient for the goals moving forward.