Physical Therapist for Pelvic Floor & Pregnancy Issues
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Parent Q&A
Glow in Oakland does post-partum massage, see their services and resources pages https://www.glowbirthandbody.com. Otherwise I would see a pelvic physical therapist for post-partum healing and support. They would probably recommend belly binding and do tissue work post-partum. Two key places for that are Pelvic Health and Rehab in Berkeley (doesn't take insurance) https://pelvicpainrehab.com/ and the Women's Health Center in Lafayette (need referral from primary care Dr. or OB and takes insurance) https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/womens-health-center-in-lafayette There are also independent ones around, you can check the Herman and Wallace website https://pelvicrehab.com/
Alison at Reclaim Pelvic Therapy (https://www.reclaimpelvictherapy.com/) is the most amazing pelvic PT ever! I don't think she does belly binding but she's so incredibly knowledgeable about all things pregnancy and postpartum related. She was a lifesaver during my second pregnancy when I had some SI and sciatic issues. Unfortunately she's in Lafayette but I'd drive ten times that far to see her.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
- Physical therapist for prenatal lower back pain
- Physical therapist for pelvic/lower back pain and hands
- Physical Therapist for strengthening pelvic muscles
- Pelvic floor reconditioning
Physical therapist for prenatal lower back pain
Dec 2012
Hi, I just found out I am 6 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I have severe lower back problems that gave me trouble during my previous pregnancies to the point where I couldn't quite walk. I am a member of Kaiser, but have been unimpressed by their PT and am willing to go outside the network. So I have a few questions: 1. Does anyone have a PT at Kaiser or elsewhere who specializes in dealing with pregnant women? I am looking for someone amazing and understanding. 2. If you had lower back problems during pregnancy, what helped you? Did anyone do acupuncture? If so, did it help? Where did you go? Thanks for your help! nicole
There is prenatal physical therapy that is specifically geared towards prenatal and postpartum women at ProBalance in Alameda. It is worth it to get help from a specialist with advance prenatal and postpartum experience and this place has it! www.probalancept.com 510-523-1900 ext 55 There are also Pilates classes/sessions for maintenance and fitness after your physical therapy is complete. Suzanne
Awaken chiropractic in Oakland! They work with a lot of pregnant women and it really helps! The initial diagnostic was somewhere around $150 and each appointment was $55 thereafter and I found it to be really helpful in pregnancy. Swimming helped too! Good luck! Akat
Hi, I recently started going to SOL http://www.solpt.com/services/physical-therapy/ to deal with some nerve pain in my arm, which needs to heal before I give birth in May. They list pregnancy lower back problems specifically in issues they treat, though I am not sure if they have a specialist per se. The PT I have been seeing, Bryan, is truly amazing. He approaches my arm problem holistically, and is knowledgeable about what shifts in a woman's body throughout pregnancy, how we hold ourselves differently, as well as the typical physiological issues new mom's deal with (i.e. neck and shoulder problems from how we pick up and hold our newborns). He's also helping me with lower back pain that is increasing as my belly size does. He does mobility testing, hands-on muscle release, and strength training in every appointment with me. I have been very satisfied and am seeing results! They have offices in Oakland and Walnut Creek. Syd
Physical therapist for pelvic/lower back pain and hands
March 2011
I'm looking for physical therapists (preferably in Berkeley/Oakland) to continue work with my hands and pelvic/lower back. I'm currently treating with two different therapists at Standford but would really like to find some that are closer to where I live. The only complicating factor is that I really need physical therapists that either specialize in or are very familiar working with people experiencing chronic neuropathic and myofacial pain conditions and the hypersensitivity that often accompanies such conditions. If anyone happens to know of any I'd be really grateful for the referrals. Thanks. NS
Did you try Alta Bates outpatient physical therapy at 5700 Telegraph? Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy 5700 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 204-1788 I saw Esther Dolowich for pelvic floor work (she is amazing), and they have PTs working with hand injuries right outside. Call and ask if they have the experience you're looking for. anon
If you are looking for a Physical Therapist, look into Physical Therapy Innovations. They have offices in Oakland, El Cerrito, and Orinda. Theire website is here: http://www.ptinnovations.com/ Happy with PT
Try Edie Murphy at Lakeview Funcitonal Rehab Center in Oakland. She is excellent, and has helped me through several serious injuries, incuding pelvic pain and shoulder surgery. When the problem started, I tried quite a few physical therapists, and can say with some experience that Edie's competence and experience really stands out. Myofacial pain is part of many physical problems, and she definately works with it. For the neuropathy, it would probably be best to call and see what she says - she has a lot of advanced training, so it's quite possible that she has worked with this. (510) 451-5560 Pat
Dear NS: You will be oh so happy if you seek treatment at Avery and Associates in Oakland. I can personally recommend Linda (the owner) and Leigh, both of whom saw me extensively for low back & pelvic floor work. I received excellent treatment and saw truly amazing progress in my body thanks to their help. The women at this office are amazing human beings as well as being gentle, skilled, knowledgeable, kind, trustworthy, and just all around great. As a lovely bonus, the office is beautifully decorated, which adds to feeling comfortable and relaxed. I saw your post this morning, and happened to go there this afternoon for a cranio-sacral treatment (they also offer massage and Feldenkrais), so I asked the receptionist if the PTs focus on myofascial pain, and she said that they do! Please give them a call. You really won't be sorry. They are at 3000 Webster St. Suite 402 Oakland 94609. Their website isn't very complete, but don't let that deter you one bit: http://www.physical-therapy.com/ I wish you health and pain reduction. Caryn
Edie Murphy is a fantastic physical therapist. Between us, my husband and I had seen probably a dozen physical therapists for a variety of problems (elbow tendonitis, neck and shoulder problems, lower back and hip pain) before we found Edie, and she is hands down the best. Edie has an impressive knowledge of the human body and is a gifted body worker. Sessions are usually a combination of assessment, body work, and review of a specially crafted set of exercises to do at home. I don't know for sure if Edie has experience with your specific conditions, but I would highly recommend at least calling and speaking with her. Edie Murphy (510) 451-5560 www.handsonpt.com Happy PT Patient
I have been to many physical therapists in the past for my back and ankles. Deena Levy at Move Easy PT is the one person who has been able to help a persistent SI (lower back) problem that no one else could figure out. She sees you herself for a full 60 minutes in a completely private office, which is very different from a group practice where you might see an assistant in a large gym filled with patients. Fascinated by the body in motion and at rest, she is a dancer and also volunteers to help dancers understand how to move well to avoid injury. www.moveeasypt.com, 540-7816. Reba
I highly recommend Em Squires for anybody with chronic issues. She is gentle and knowledgeable, and has done better things with/for my pelvis than anybody I've ever seen. She has her own office on Grand about a mile up from Lake Merritt; she spends a full hour with you (and will let the session run over if it's what your body needs). I have seen countless PTs and chiropractors over the past couple of decades, and nobody comes close to Em in terms of sensitivity to the wholistic nature of body function and dysfunction. You can schedule an appointment with Em at https://www.genbook.com/bookings/onlinebooking/receipt/30102345/186943740/reviews?bookingId=186943740=157364661 Em's phone number only shows up on the website once you've made an appointment. If you'd like to talk with her first, you can email me directly I'll put you in contact with her. n.n
Physical Therapist for strengthening pelvic muscles
Oct 2008
Prolapsed Bladder - any recommendations for physical therapists who can mend/strengthen muscles. I'm not interested in surgery. thanks for your help
For pelvic floor problems, the greatest doctor/phys therapy team is Dr. Jerome Weiss in S.F. See here for info: http://www.jmweissmd.com/ Great doctor, great staff! joanna
I have the same issue and have been working with Avery and Associates on Pill Hill. They are very knowledgeable, and make you feel comfortable. I have had some success with the treatment (has been going on for 8 weeks now), but if you are breastfeeding, be prepared for this to take a long time to get better. Best of luck! Sister in suffering
Try Leigh Hollowell, one of the PT's at Avery & Associates on 3300 Webster St, Oakland, CA. 510-451-6020. www.physical-therapy.com. She is licensed to do pelvic floor therapy. Good luck! rosie
Linda Avery and Associates is a fantastic PT practice that specializes in women's health issues. They greatly helped me with rather substantial pelvic floor issues. While, ultimately, I will probably have to have surgery down the road, they provided me with lots of information, exercises etc. to slow the process and make an educated decision about my physical status. I highly recommend that practice! saggy yet strong!
i've posted about liz rummer at the pelvic health and rehabilitation center in the past. my mother saw her for a different, extremely bothersome issue, but - knock on wood - is cured at the moment. i believe she sees patients for a variety of pelvic issues. liz is in sf at 2000 van ness.
I posted a similar question a while back, seeking a physical therapist and a personal trainer who could help with nonsurgical options for my uterine, bladder, and rectal prolapse. Maybe the moderator could check the responses, because I've lost them! [Editor: See Jan 2008 question, below]
I ended up doing PT with Esther Dolowich at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center on Telegraph in Oakland. I think the number is 510-204-1788. Once she's taught you the right way to do them, the exercises themselves are pretty minimal (different variations on the Kegel), but the lifestyle and behavioral education was useful. Good luck! Droopy
Check out ProBalance Pilates and Physical Therapy for a Women's Health therapist. They are on Park St. in Alameda and the phone number is 510-523-1900. www.probalancept.com anon
Pelvic floor reconditioning
Jan 2008
I was just diagnosed with various pelvic organ prolapses (uterine and bladder) and my OB gave me a referral to see a physical therapist to recondition my pelvic floor. (Public service announcement: when they say ''Do your Kegels,'' they MEAN it! I'm only in my 30s and my OB is already talking hysterectomy because all my pelvic organs are drooping out of my body.)
I need two things:
1) A PHYSICAL THERAPIST. The person my OB recommended is a pelvic floor specialist (Esther somebody), but she isn't available until March. There are two physical therapists who treat postpartum issues mentioned in the archives (Suzanne Koval and Em Squires). Does anyone have experience working with any of these three women? Any other great PTs I should look into?
2) A PERSONAL TRAINER. I made my prolapses worse by doing Pilates incorrectly on my own, so I've decided to treat myself to some one-on-one training. Someone who specializes in postpartum issues in general, and the pelvic floor in particular, would be awesome, but I'm open to any recommendations.
Thanks so much! -- Droopy
Linda Avery and Assoc is a fantastic practice! They specialize in pelvic floor, and other ''women's issues''. Each PT has their own sub-niche of specialization, and they are all wonderful. Good luck with your prolapse issues. Even if they can't ''fix'' everything, they will be able to give you lots of great information (that all women should know), and help you to decrease your symptoms. been there, done that!
Try Helene Byrne for post-partum reconditioning. She used to run these classes 2x/week for 8 weeks - it worked fabulously after my first child. She stopped running the classes by the time my 2nd came around, but she did visit my house for a private session one time. She has a website: http://www.exerciseafterpregnancy.com/ and a book by the same name. Good luck! Sharon
I recommend Andrea Kennerley at Optimum Pilates in Montclair for pilates. She is great with pre and postnatal issues and is very knowledgeable about pelvic floor issues. I had a lot of pelvic floor problems (leaking when i coughed, etc) and she has helped me immensely with that. also, i have scoliosis and the exercises she has given me have been really helpful at making my back even and keeping the scoliosis from progressing. Anyway, i cannot say enough good things about my experience with her- she is really kind and supportive. she is at www.optimumpilates.com no longer embarrassed when i cough
I recently worked with Esther Dolowich at Alta Bates Physical Therapy, on pelvic floor and tailbone issues, who may be the same Esther your OB recommended? In any case, she was fabulous: very knowledgeable, very encouraging, very patient. She was also very good about explaining the relevant anatomy to me at just the right level -- not overwhelmingly technical, but not dumbed down either. And so far her treatment and exercise program has kept me pain-free where other solutions have failed. I highly recommend her! No more pain in the (...)
you should call and make an appointment with either liz rummer or stephanie prendergast at pelvic health and rehabilitation center in sf. they are in the medical arts bldg. at van ness and jackson. the therapy they do has made a huge difference for my mother, who had a different problem, but felt hopeless after seeing countless specialists for over a year. she said just the other day that they mentioned working with a lot of postpartum women. their website is: http://www.pelvicpainrehab.com/welcome.html good luck
Em Squires is very good. I would recommend you at least go talk to her she will make you feel very comfortable. Of course if you can afford it she doesn't bill insurance. I would also recommend looking into some complimentary alternative treatments. I had a similar but not the same kind of problem and accupuncture can also really help. i would do it all at the same time. If think with these kinds of problems you really need to dedicate some time to it and then really be on top of it working on it all the time for a little while. Hope that helps
I use Armene at Awaken Chiropractic on Grand - she was wonderful throughout both my pregnancies and I still see her regularly now. I have sent many of my friends postpartum who also swear by her!
Karen Hodges at Bayo Vista Physical Therapy helped me so much postpartum. Unfortunately they're not in-network with any insurance but if you have an FSA or HSA you can use those funds to cover it. https://bayovistapt.com/
Had EXCRUCIATING pubis symphysis dysfunction from 5.5 months of pregnancy onward, through delivery. Most of it relieved itself after delivery, but still had sharp pain for a good 4-5 mos postpartum. Put together the best combo care team through research and referrals that helped me manage my pelvic pain in pregnancy and re-build strength after. Do not have much pain at all now.
I will rank these in order of importance based on my experience treating my pelvic pain:
Physical therapy with whole-body approach: Karen Hodges at Bayo Vista Physical Therapy. She saved me. She is a private PT; I submitted super bills to my insurance directly.
Chiropractic: Awaken Oakland. Saw them during pregnancy and still see them today (have an appointment this afternoon). Love Dr. Armene Boatright. Cannot recommend enough. I was skeptical about how much this could help me, but after one visit Dr. Boatright was able to give me some relief, which kept me coming back.
Bodywork: Ereene at Bravebird Bodywork. Wonderful during and after pregnancy. Still see her now. She releases the following month's availability on the first of every month; online booking. Great for massage and relaxation; not a pelvic "fix" per se, but great in concert with physical therapy.
Orthopedic surgeon: Cal Sports. Have found them to be great, but super hard to get into. I have been covered with them on both Aetna and Blue Shield PPO over the years. I have long-standing knee issues (20+ years with 3 surgeries) so I only saw them re: my pelvis because I was already there for hyaluronic acid injections in my knee. They did an x-ray of my pelvis in-office (everything was fine) and later an MRI of my pelvis, which revealed torn labrum in my hip. They do not push surgical intervention and have other ideas and options, which I like.
Good luck. Wishing you healing and peace.
Karen Hodges! She fixed my pelvis before and after kids :)
She's a PT and a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT)
https://bayovistapt.com/
I would highly recommend my acupuncturist! Jenny Nieters is a sports acupuncturist (works with the 49ers so you might not get her but her colleague Erin is also FABULOUS!). Ligaments and tendons response well. I had significant tail bone pain. I tried pelvic floor PT but that didn’t really help (not sure I believe the answer is “just do my kegels”….)
i also started post partum pilates and noticed a huge difference in my core strength. I follow Kim Saha on YouTube. CanNOT recommend enough! (PS make sure you’ve been cleared for exercise by your OB…)
I worked with a physical therapist at PHRC (Pelvic Health Resource Center) and she was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would imagine anyone there would be great. I think they did require authorization from PCP so you may need to talk to your OB/GYN to get a referral. But having to still ice at 4 months postpartum is not normal so you should definitely get some support!!
Hi! I wanted to respond to you because I was in the same boat and the thing that finally helped me was 1-on-1 megaformer pilates sessions. After just a few sessions, I was pain free. I learned that I needed to strengthen surrounding muscles that had weakened during pregnancy to support my pelvis. I hope you find relief!
If you are open to a more self-guided approach (or as an addition to personalized care), I am currently doing this program and finding it really valuable: https://every-mother.com
Went to Origin Women's Physical Therapy in SF. Not in Berkeley, but they take insurance and will breakdown costs before the first appointment. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Lots of different techniques available to try and ease pain.
https://www.theoriginway.com
Hi There,
Im not sure if they accept Anthem Blue Cross but I’d like to recommend Awaken Chiropractic in Grand Ave in Oakland. Awaken is woman-owned / operated and they specialize in everything you mentioned. I went there all through out my pregnancy.
https://www.awakenoakland.com
Best of Luck!
Dr.Melissa at life chiropractic is excellent.
not in network but she has affordable family plans and is worth it! Excellent hours too
The only pelvic physical therapist I found that takes insurance was at the Women's Health Center in Lafayette, and they were great. https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/womens-health-cente… I looked really really hard in 2018, so there might be other options now, but the general issue is that there are great practitioners around, but they don't take insurance, and give you superbills to submit on your own. I also went to Reclaim in Lafayette, and she was amazing. But we could not get Blue Shield to process my superbill claims, all of them were denied, which we have unfortunately found is common with superbills from various practitioners with various insurance providers over the years (we've had issues with Aetna and Cigna with another provider my husband sees). I would also add that it's totally worth seeing someone, even if you have to pay out of pocket, and can't really afford it, it's that important to go.
This isn’t the type of service you mentioned, but a very dear friend in the Santa Cruz area has dealt with pelvic floor issues and significant pain for over a decade & your situation has similarities to hers. She recently found fantastic benefits from myofascial release work. The provider really “gets up in there” (her words), so something to be aware of. She’s also found that crying often occurs during the sessions as the pain she has experienced is the result of her body physically holding on to past traumas. So maybe something to check out? Wishing you luck and the end of pain.
I’ve been going to Origin PT in SF for my pelvic floor issues, seeing Madeline Mannion. I am very impressed with her and the clinic. And they take insurance! It’s a bit of a journey to Cow Hollow from the East Bay but they do have video visits for some problems.
I love Kendra and and Armene at Awaken for chiro. They literally helped me walk during my pregnancy and moved things around later. I also saw a pelvic physical therapist. The team at Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center is amazing. My insurance didn’t cover it but it really helped.
The chiros at Awaken Chiropractic are both incredible. Highly recommend.