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
Julia Chadwick at Sutter is the best. I worked with her postpartum with my first kid, and then pre- and post partum with my second child. It may take awhile to get an initial appointment with her, but she's worth the wait!
I saw Julia Chadwick (on Telegraph and 57th) last year and really liked her.
However, I very strongly recommend you have Sutter run your insurance and give you a written cost estimate first. I had them quoting me rough ballpark over the phone, but when the bill pay, my co pay per session was over $200. With ppo insurance and in network provider. When I challenged the bill, they said they’re considering it as part of Alta Bates hospital services and not as outpatient (and billing accordingly) which made no sense. We’re still disputing. In comparison, when I switched to RenewPT on Grand Ave in Oakland, my co pay with the same insurance was 30-40$ per session.
Andrea Freeman is wonderful! I didn't have any major issues but have seen her after two births for general evaluation and advice and she was highly recommended by my OBGYN and I would highly recommend her as well.