HEALING STARTS HERE

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in NYC

Healing Starts here

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in NYC

Beyond Basics is an international leader in pelvic floor physical therapy located in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. Since 2003, we have helped thousands of people recover from a broad range of conditions rooted in pelvic floor dysfunction. We create individualized treatment plans that relieve pain, improve function, and prevent unnecessary surgery, while providing comprehensive support to help you on your journey to recovery.

Want to find out if physical therapy can treat your condition? Give us a call and talk to one of our expert therapists free of charge for 15 minutes.

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A focus on pelvic health

You may feel like you have to live with pelvic dysfunction or pain. But you don’t. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) can help treat the underlying causes of your symptoms for long-term relief.
Pelvic floor PT is a specialty within physical therapy. Our experts have all received the necessary training and certifications to understand, identify, and effectively treat pelvic conditions.

Learn more about our services

RELIEVE PAIN · IMPROVE FUNCTION · REHAB INJURIES

Trained to treat pain and dysfunction wherever you feel it

We work with patients from all walks of life, in every phase of life. Whether it’s pelvic pain or an orthopedic injury, with Beyond Basics you’re not alone, and you can heal.

Back and hip pain

Our PTs have a musculoskeletal background and a broad range of experience dealing with all conditions affecting the back and the hips. Our specialty training in pelvic health helps us identify pelvic floor muscle conditions that could lead to injury or pain in other parts of the body.

Menopause

Our PTs can help alleviate your menopausal symptoms through a variety of pelvic floor physical therapy treatments and exercises.

Incontinence and constipation

Bowel and bladder dysfunction are common, disruptive and impact your quality of life. Pelvic floor PT can help and give you relief.

Abdominal pain and bloating

You may be surprised to learn that pelvic floor PT can relieve abdominal pain and discomfort. Our PTs are trained to diagnose and treat these conditions.

Sexual pain and dysfunction

Many people experience pain and discomfort during sexual activity. Our PTs employ a broad range of treatments to ease your pain and restore this vital area of your life.

Endometriosis

Physical therapy can help relieve the pain, sexual dysfunction, bladder and gastrointestinal symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Pediatric bladder and bowel issues

When pelvic floor muscles are too weak or too tight, they can cause accidents, tummy troubles, and bed-wetting. Pelvic floor PT is a gentle way to help children get past these issues.

Lymphatic Drainage

If you have swelling and pain in your arms, legs and pelvis, PT can help by unblocking the lymphatic flow and alleviating your discomfort.

Pregnancy and post-pregnancy care

Becoming pregnant changes your life. It also changes your body. Pelvic floor PT can help you through your pregnancy and your recovery.

Explore the conditions we treat

You’re a whole person. We treat you that way

The way PT
should be

We take time to understand everything that’s going on inside your body, so we can get to the root cause of the issue – and get you real, lasting relief.

What makes us different

Your session is personal. We keep it that way.

The way PT
should be

We see patients in private, 1-on-1, hour-long sessions. You’ll work directly with your PT for your entire treatment journey.

What makes us different

Leading means learning. We like it that way.

The way PT
should be

Our therapists devote time every week to continuing education so we can offer our patients the most current, comprehensive orthopedic and pelvic floor PT.

What makes us different

“At first, I was confused. I could not understand how a physical therapist could help with my increasingly painful and uncomfortable bladder problems. But when I went home, I felt so much better.”

Read more from our patients

“Six months after a laparotomy due to endometriosis, the doctor wanted to send me for surgery again. Another doctor told me that the pain could be due to scar tissue from surgery. Not wanting surgery after surgery, I looked for other alternatives. In Beyond Basics, I finally found the answer”

Read more from our patients

“After my very first session I felt almost total relief. After a few more sessions, not only did I feel complete relief, I am better than ever before.”

Read more from our patients

“Instead of numbing my pain with medication, physical therapy with Beyond Basics has fixed my pain.”

Read more from our patients

“I continued my PT treatments once a week up into my third trimester. Along with these treatments, my therapist devised an exercise program for me to do at home. It let me keep my muscles intact through the pregnancy. They definitely helped! After giving birth, my symptoms are 90 percent improved.”

Read more from our patients

We make payment less painful

We offer payment plans and work with many insurance plans as an out-of-network provider. Our billing support staff can walk you through everything you need to know and will submit all billing to insurance on your behalf.

We also offer interest-free financing and discounted package rates through Care Credit.

Call us to learn more: 212.354.2622 or email us: [email protected]

Google Reviews

Shira Bistricer

Jenny Laroche

Beyond basics is such an amazing space for rehabbing postpartum pains and aches.The therapists are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, gentle, and wonderful at their job!As a dancer, I received the expert care I needed to return to work with confidence.

Nali Malimage

Radhi K. was great. Have been using a few techniques she recommended and already seeing an improvement. I was at first skeptical but once I started seeing the results, I am grateful. Thank you!

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Beyond Basics is one the best places to go for physical therapy.... I'm extremely happy I started going here, and it's very convenient, being that it's directly across the street from Grand Central. My physical therapist, Radhi Kadakia, is awesome and highly recommended!

Sarah Maitland

Lisa Taylor

Vivian is fantastic! I felt like in just a few minutes she identified the reason I’ve been having so much so joint and hip area oain for the past couple of years. I had seen multiple different docs/specialists and no one had been able to figure anything out. She gave me some exercises to help gain more connectivity and activation on my glutes (I over-rely on my core and quads and not enough in my posterior chain), and when I said I’d be more likely to do them if I had a video demo she kindly did demos and let me record them!I’ll also add that I’m a childbirth educator and both doula and have been recommending this practice for years because colleagues and clients have raved about them but only recently did I get to actually experience this for myself. (In fact, I ran into one of my birth class students when I went to my appointment!) Now I can recommend even more highly!

Jeremy Pikser

Emily Moore is the most insightful, ingenious and effective PT I have ever worked with, and I've worked with over a dozen over the past 30 years. I wish they were a little more Medicare compliant, but even if it costs more, to me, it's worth it.

Virginia Meagher

PT Danielle is phenomenal. She knows about the entire body. She gave me exercises for my upper right back which are paying off. BBPT sends you a follow-up email with videos about how to do the exercises. They are awesome.

Sean H

Carson has been extremely informative and helpful in my PT journey. She has been great at keeping me at ease and explaining to process, and being straight forward about our goals in therapy. Very glad I found Carson and Beyond Basics.

serena

I had a great experience at Beyond Basics! I was nervous about going to physical therapy, but Sonali was so professional and nice, which made me feel a lot more comfortable. Sonali fully solved my pelvic floor issues in only a few sessions. She gave me stretches to do on my own time to move my progress along and also to ensure I don't lose any progress I've made. The receptionist Jasmine is also great-she is really helpful when it comes to scheduling appointments. I can't recommend Beyond Basics enough!

Frances Engoron

Great care - wonderful therapists. Head and shoulders above most other Physical Therapy practices.

Michele Bontemps

Sonali was wonderful! Extremely knowledgeable and understanding. Excellent facility.

Gail Brousal

The waiting room--always decorated--is a welcoming space. Makela is respectful, resourceful and wonderfully clear in spoken and physical instruction. It is truly a pleasure to work with her,

Bárbara Ipac

I highly recommend Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Great staff!

Colta Ives

Danielle Santora is exceptionally well-informed, a great listener and and a great educator. She is that rare person who knows her business and has the sensitivity to deal with a delicate subject.

Jessica Hebenstreit

Eliza is amazing! I am seeing her for pelvic floor PT due to pregnancy related discomfort and in just 2 sessions she has helped reduce my pain/discomfort a lot. She has a very kind and comforting bedside manner and makes you feel very at ease. I highly recommend her.

Wendy Katzman

Sonali Patel is an excellent physical therapist. She is very knowledgable about pelvic health, and has great manual therapy and communication skills. I highly recommend her.

Rebecca Blane

This place is amazing!!! I worked with Sonali. She was extremely knowledgable and our sessions were very thorough. Sonali was so compassionate and helped me feel so supported. I felt like she really understood what I was going through. I saw great improvements and am very satisfied with the whole experience. Highly recommend!

Ray Tekosky

Wonderful place, I've worked with Makela previously, she's "as good as it gets". Natural healer, empathetic, pleasant, smart,,,,,,,what more can u ask for?

Dylan Watson

If you’re looking for someone to address all your concerns, this is the place. Eliza is great

Anita Madison

Lizzie Benzik

Vivian Zhang at Beyond Basic PT is awesome! She took my concerns seriously and, using exercises and physical releases, improved my breathing and quality of life.

Nick B

My experience with Beyond Basics has been outstanding! Danielle is incredibly insightful, professional, and an excellent communicator. She is truly an expert and I am very grateful to have her in my journey!

Jazmaine Vitta

Sonali Patel is a miracle worker! I came to Beyond Basics with really bad TMJ issues and Sonali was able to provide me almost instant relief from years of tension. I've never felt better and she taught me some really awesome tips I can use myself moving forward. Overall I had a really great experience at Beyond Basics!

Jessica Hope

I’ve now been to Beyond Basics at two different points in my life for two different reasons. They are truly the experts. I walk away from each session in awe of the deep knowledge base of my physical therapist Sonali, who I trust and respect deeply. I have dealt with other physical therapy offices in the past and nothing can compare to the level of care, comfort, professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness of this office. I actually look forward to my appointments. Highly recommend for anyone with GI issues of any kind or has had a baby!

Marjorie Thompson

I highly recommend Beyond Basics for pelvic floor PT. My therapist, Vivian, was friendly, thoughtful, respectful, and knowledgeable. She knows what she’s doing and made great suggestions for exercises I could do on my own. I had great results in combination with treatment recommended by my doctor. The facility is clean and staff are welcoming. Highly recommend.

Barbara Pearson

A terrific therapist who made an awkward procedure comfortable and normal. She is smart, sensitive , knowledgeable and a delight to be with during therapy

YCB

Brian Singletary-Kirci

Beyond Basics is the Physical Therapy place to go for exceptional, friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized care for your physical rehabilitation, particularly following surgery and pelvic floor strengthening. Danielle, Physical Therapist, is awesome!

Ismeta Cekic

Leese Hamilton

Incredibly caring, experienced and professional. Highly recommended.

Joanne Sandler

Makela is an amazing PT. The office staff is wonderful and the space is great. Highly recommend.

Yassmin Dehesh

Danielle Santora saved my life! I have made more progress working with her than any other PT. She’s incredibly kind, always willing to meet you where you’re at but not afraid to push you to be better. I would not be anywhere close to where I am today without her detailed and consistent guidance.

Lisa Duggan

Rachel at Beyond Basics downtown is an outstanding, highly skilled, patient, kind and dedicated physical therapist. I love going to see her, she helps me so much. *Highly* recommended!

Stan S

Sonali is outstanding. She is very knowledgible and helpful. Plus, very pleasant.

Zoe Wood

Cindy C

I was afraid to go out because of my overactive bladder. Vivian Zhang saved my life. My life improved tremendously after spending two months with her.She is very patient, knowledgeable, and professional. She spends a full hour with me which I could not find in any other physical therapy. She gave me so much attention and continued to look for the root cause of my problems. She explains the purpose of the exercises. She teaches me the exercises and makes sure I do it correctly. She will check my understanding in the next session to make sure I do it correctly. If I don’t do it correctly, she will find another way to explain to me and check my understanding. All other physical therapy just spends 30 minutes on me and leaves me alone to do the exercises myself. They don’t check to see if I am doing it correctly. Before coming to Beyond Basic, I was in another physical therapy for a year and was not able correct my overactive bladder problem. I am so lucky to have found Vivian and Beyond Basic.

France Choa

You don't take my insurance.

Yasamin Bahadorzadeh

Very clean. Therapists are super friendly and extremely professional. Very knowledgeable and walk you through everything.

Lisa Nachtigall

Gary Fidel

Excellent in all respects. The therapists are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to help you deal with your issues.

bonnie kellen

Top notch therapists, excellent care, Carson great.

tobrien28

When I came to Beyond Basics I had already been to a couple PTs before with limited success.Working with Carson Judkins, PT, DPT, PRPC was completely different from my previous experiences. Carson took the time to listen to my specific concerns and develop a program of exercises that helped me meet my personal goals.I have regained so much functionality by working with Carson and have become much more confident in my body and myself. Cannot recommend her enough as a PT!

Lita Aeder

Great care

Smadar

Jan Sarro

One more session of relief and the promise of more flexibility and mobility and the fulfillment of all the goals I set out to achieve with Iris! At her gentle coaxing, and calm, careful and CARING concern for my well being now - and as we continue on our journey toward healing, the happy future - I feel heard, understood and so well taken care of that I, for the first time in such a long time, I can't count - feel that I am going to feel better enough to celebrate and rejoice! THANK YOU, IRIS! You make me feel like I've got a whole better future ahead of me - and I so appreciate you!

Claudia Aragon

Stopping putting this off and just make an appointment! Extremely knowledgeable and caring staff who want to see improvement in their patients lives. I saw Shana and would highly recommend her.

Maddy Hoffman

Superb and attentive care. Highly recommended!

Joseph Rauch

I've been going to Beyond Basics since 2018. Their team has been great. They've helped me with several of my severe chronic health conditions, as well as recovering from a surgery. Right now I'm working with Devon, and I highly recommend her.

Romy Sharma

Shana is incredible at what she does! Seeing her weekly at Beyond Basics has been pivotal in my pelvic floor physical therapy journey. Plus this office is incredibly conveniently located. 10/10 would recommend!

Amanda Taylor

Teri Barbero

Kind, compassionate therapist!

Mary Callahan

I've really appreciated my experience so far at Beyond Basics, working with Makela. I was nervous going into pelvic floor physical therapy and she was respectful and considerate of my hesitation. She also makes a great effort to connect with other members of my treatment team, which makes me feel like I'm being supported holistically. I have already noticed improvement in my daily life, and I'm very grateful!

Aashish Kumar

I’ve been seeing Vivian Zhang for almost a month now for chronic lower back pain. Her approach from the get-go has been based on translating my narrative of symptoms into a comprehensive treatment plan, combining targeted exercises, corrective behaviors, and skillful musculoskeletal manipulation. After almost a year of suffering pain I can finally see the end! Beyond Basics justifies their name. To speak nothing of those rockstar plants in the waiting area!

Justine Larbalestier

Beyond Basics has the best physical therapists I've been to in NYC. They've provided the best treatment for chronic fibromyalgia, reducing my pain & increasing my functionality enormously. Highly recommended.

Arleny Gonzalez

I had known about pelvic floor therapy for more than year before making my first appointment. My only regret is not booking my appointment sooner. Pelvic PT has helped me overcome a long-standing issue, and it has been life-changing.From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel welcomed and supported. They took the time to understand my concerns and designed a personalized treatment plan just for me.Vivian used a holistic approach, combining various techniques and exercises to address my pelvic floor concerns. With her guidance, I regained control and experienced a remarkable improvement in my symptoms.What impressed me the most was her caring and empathetic approach. She created a safe space where I could openly discuss my concerns, and she provided exceptional support throughout the entire journey.I am forever grateful to Beyond Basics. If you're struggling with pelvic floor issues, don't hesitate to seek their help. They are truly outstanding in their care and commitment to patient well-being.

Maria Rial

I am working with Devon who is the epitome of expertise. She is knowledgeable, caring and patient. My experience at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy has been outstanding.

Courtney Ruple

I can’t stress how amazing this facility and their staff is. Always with an abundance of knowledge to offer. PT via Beyond Basics is life changing and brings the client hope.

Manon Vergerio

Beyond Basics has been nothing short of transformative in my health journey. After years of having my pain dismissed by various doctors, I found an OBGYN who identified that I had a hypertonic pelvic floor and should seek pelvic floor physical therapy.I searched on Google and am so grateful I came across Beyond Basics - this is truly an outstanding place if you are looking for pelvic floor experts. I have never encountered such holistic, patient-affirming care before.I was fortunate to be matched with Joanna, one of their incredible physical therapists. Joanna is so knowledgeable and an absolute joy to work with. She is not only a very skilled pelvic floor therapists, she is also patient, incredibly emotionally intelligent, and funny, and could brighten up even the worst day in my long healing journey with the crack of a joke.Thanks to Joanna and Beyond Basics, I have learned so much about my body and have developed concrete tools and pelvic floor relaxation techniques. I feel empowered in my own journey and it was worth every cent !I will say that while the price of sessions can feel daunting, they do make an effort to make pelvic health more accessible through a sliding scale and spacing out sessions. Their goal is not to make you dependent on their physical therapists, but to help you develop tools and skills so you can take control of your own health and live a pain-free life.I cannot recommend Beyond Basics enough. I hope one day all women will know about pelvic floor physical therapy and be able to access this amazing practice !

Karla Lopez

At Beyond Basics I found the help I needed for my Postpartum recovery after a traumatic delivery. Little did I know all the benefits I could get from pelvic floor PT. Here I learned a lot of tools to have a better pelvic health and improve my wellbeing. I really recommend pelvic floor PT to all women! This will help you for life.Vivian has been my PT and she is great! She has helped me in a lot of ways, physically and emotionally, she’s caring and very knowledgeable.Also, the girls from front desk are very kind.Beyond basics is a great place!

Katie Kuntzman

My experience with Beyond Basics has truly been life changing!After having a variety of symptoms without a true diagnosis for months, I found Beyond Basics, and, while I was completely unfamiliar with pelvic floor physical therapy before going there, I quickly realized the benefits even after my first session.I've now been working with Vivian Zhang for almost a year, and I am continuously amazed by her work. Out of all of the medical professionals that I've worked with in the past, Vivian has shown the most care and interest in my well being. Healing is definitely a journey, and Vivian has shown the utmost respect and patience for me as I work through ups and downs of my personal path. With Vivian, I feel like I have a trusted resource and someone who genuinely listens to me, and that has made such a difference in my recovery.I cannot thank Vivian, and Beyond Basics as a whole, enough for the improvement that they've made to my quality of life and I highly recommend this practice to anyone who is even remotely considering pelvic floor PT!

Khin Myint

Mary Crawford

Ann Marie Reddington

My therapist, Sonali Patel has a very thoughtful approach. She gives time and attention to my treatment plan. I am in very good hands. And most importantly I've had positive results. Thank you so much.

S H

Eliza was so great to work with. She was very helpful. She is caring and compassionate. She helped me feel better. Grateful for all of her support. Can’t say enough good things. Would be better if they accepted insurance though.

sara adelstein

Barry Schiller

Beyond Basics PT identified my needs and listened to my concerns as well as planned a treatment regimen that addressed the fundamental causes of my issues. Makayla knowledge regarding body mechanics is extraordinary.

JoAnna Rodriguez

Beyond Basics is the pelvic floor PT by which all other therapy should be judged. They are professional, kind, organized, accommodating and innovative. They helped my daughter rehab from very involved pelvic floor surgery and got her to a great place. We moved to L.A. and it was nothing but a struggle to find someplace that even came close to Beyond Basics. If you have the opportunity to go to Beyond Basics do!

donal farley

I needed a specialized pt called pelvic floor therapy following rectal surgery. I found Vivian Zhang a very able and knowledgeable therapist at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy on William Street in lower Manhattan. After six weekly one hour sessions, I had a significant improvement in returning to a normal life. Vivian was very clear in her instructions, provided illustrated email instructions for at-home exercises and was available via email as needed. She was also very patient and kind with this 87 year old client.

Caitlyn West

Dr. Spielman and the Beyond Basic staff are amazing. The front desk is kind, friendly and very helpful when booking appointments.Dr. Spielman is a life saver. She helped me at a time when I had experienced months of debilitating pain. I had seen multiple specialists and tried various medications to no avail.Dr. Spielman was the first doctor to diagnose me with an overly tight pelvic floor. She has helped me with workouts, stretches and provided me with important anatomical information on my road to recovery.I am so grateful for her and I can't recommend both Dr. Spielman and Beyond Basics enough!

simlinkx

They took me from a high level of discomfort to pain free and I am very grateful! Beyond Basics is a highly professional and talented group of people in a field that often goes undiagnosed and should have broader reach and recognition. From the front office to the healthcare providers they are terrific. Thank you all so much!

stacia kargman

Very caring and knowledge PT. Clean and efficient office. Learning alot!

Dina

I received excellent care at Beyond Basics

Elka Gould

A lot of things going on in the pelvic floor. It’s interesting to learn how to relax and heal muscles in this area. My PT Carson Judkins is great, she is an excellent physiotherapist and listener.

Donald Fleck

I went to the 42nd Street unit of Beyond Basics and found the whole experience excellent. Carson was my physical therapist.She is knowledgeable and easy to be around while learning exercises to get the pelvic floor working better.

I L

I have been a patient at the Beyondbasics PT for almost 3 years and they successfully helped me with both the pelvic floor and orthopedic issues.I have health issues and I have used several physical therapists in the past.Beyond Basics is the best!!They were recommended to me by my doctorsAnd I am grateful for the recommendations.Beyondbasics PTs are knowledgeable, attentive, patient and kind.Front desk representatives are very friendly and kind.Thank you

Mark Scheflen

I am extremely grateful for Ekta's work. She figured out a complex problem within 2 visits. Importantly, I now understand the problem and know what to do to fix it. I went to so many medical specialists and Pelvic PT's and they couldn't figure out problem. I highly recommend Beyond Basics a perfect name.

lois jewell

Carson Judson is my therapist and my hero. Getting to the office from NJ is a challenge by car, but other transportation is not currently an option for me. Carson is why the trip is worth the effort. She is totally adaptable to whatever my condition is on a given day. Having had numerous surgeries over time, getting to a starting point for working my body back to a fully functioning machine feels overwhelming to me. But Carson just smiles and says, "Do you feel like trying this?" And there she is with exactly the right suggestion. As a result, I am so optimistic!

Nancy R

Iris was so caring and gentle with me (even sending me advice and pictures of exercises) I can't thank her enough!

Natalie Valentine

Excellent treatment, knowledgeable therapist. Very informative and comfortable experience.

Esther Gopin

Joanna was super helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. Would absolutely recommend!

Larry Lane

Eliza Etter is a wonderful physical therapist: knowledgeable, skilled, empathic, eager to help. I had a great experience working with her and recommend her enthusiastically.

Jillian Dowd

My experience at beyond basics physical therapy has been great. My weekly sessions with Vivian have been extremely helpful. She is kind and patient, as she takes the time to answer any and all questions you may have.

Amanda Ramsdell

I can’t say enough about what a valuable experience it has been starting Pelvic PT at Beyond Basics with Vivian. I finally decided to try pelvic PT after 6 yrs post partum! I had been told several times it was unlikely to be effective and was hesitant to even try. I am utterly amazed by what a difference it has made after only a few months. Vivian helped to educate and correct a lot of misinformation I received over the years and was incredibly encouraging with very clear and doable instruction. I can’t thank her enough! This has really changed my quality of life and given me hope.

L S

I'm having a wonderful experience at Beyond Basics. The secretaries are so sweet and PT Joanna is exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and thorough!

Janna Kaplowitz

The therapists at beyond basics are extremely knowledgeable and experienced. I have seen a lot of progress since I have started treatment there.

Payten Tucciarone

the most attentive care and informative sessions. Provide lots of at home exercises. Been a month an already seeing progress. The front desk staff are kind and helpful just as the therapists! Worth every penny!

Jenna

This place is a dream and an oasis of rest for anyone with endometriosis. I cannot recommend BB highly enough and the billing department and Yarisa are saints for the way they’ve helped me be able to receive physical therapy. Everyone I’ve interacted with there has been kind, compassionate and empathetic and have gone above and beyond what I expected from Memphis at the front desk to Stephanie, my PT, to Yarisa, the billing director. I feel like I can finally breathe so much more easily because they’ve made it possible for me to receive the treatment I need and I’m so grateful. Also, the space is so beautiful and well thought out and soothing. I’ve had nothing but good experiences and I always thought Beyond Basics was out of reach for me but the billing department have proven that they will work and advocate for anyone who needs treatment to be able to receive it and I so appreciate it. They’re wonderful allies and angels for women with endo. It’s so hard getting the treatments needed in NY and even harder to get them covered but Yarisa worked so hard for me and was able to get my treatment covered and I’m still in shock. Women with endo all need angels looking out for them like Yarisa. She has my deepest gratitude.

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Learn more about pelvic health by exploring our blog.

Stay updated about our seminars and access other educational resources here.

The Endometriosis Journey: A Comprehensive Resource from Diagnosis to Treatment

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Behind the movement

“I talk about the pelvic ﬂoor all the time. As one of the pioneer physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction, I have been treating patients afflicted with these disorders for over twenty years. I have seen how the exercises and therapies I prescribe — breathing, relaxing, strengthening, stretching, toning, diet — don’t just heal the disorders but can prevent them from occurring in the ﬁrst place. At the same time, these exercises and therapies can ward off the effects of aging while enhancing patients’ lives immeasurably.”

Amy Stein

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Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pelvic floor physical therapy take?

It depends on the patient and how long they have had the symptoms/condition for, how many other related systems are involved if there are any other contributing factors, like allergies and dietary restrictions, or any other injuries. Obviously, the more complex the case is, the longer it may take. For example, a patient who has had pain for 2 years, a hip labral tear, a herniated disc, pelvic pain, constipation, a high-stress job, and nutritional deficits, versus a patient who fell on their tailbone a week ago and is in today for coccyx pain with no other conditions.

What does a pelvic floor physiotherapist do?

Everything that a regular physical therapist does and more. We are experts in the musculoskeletal system, which includes all the bones, muscles, and joints in the body along with the structures that work with them, such as your nerves, organs, and arteries. We utilize a lot of different techniques to address identified restrictions within this system to promote more optimal function so that you can move better and lift heavier, but also stop having pain and other symptoms. We guide you through proper positioning, posture, relaxation techniques, home exercise, and pain management strategies, but since we are pelvic health specialists, we also dive deep into education on pain science, nutrition, toileting, bowel, and bladder health, as well as can discuss the physical aspects of sexual function and how to improve that.

What exercises are bad for the pelvic floor?

While in rehabilitation, there are some activities that may be too much right now for the pelvic floor and can overwhelm the system. The strength, flexibility, and endurance have to be increased to be able to handle harder tasks. Anything that causes pain, bladder leaking, causes you to hold your breath and strain, or forces you to compensate or lose form, could be detrimental to your rehab progress. Pelvic floor exercises and Kegels are appropriate in only certain conditions of pure weakness and sometimes are overutilized. In most cases, these exercises can aggravate pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction conditions.

Can you massage pelvic floor muscles?

Yes, but we prefer to use the word manual therapy rather than massage. Our physical therapists perform soft tissue mobilization and trigger point release or myofascial release to the pelvic floor muscles. Muscles are muscles, so increasing the blood flow, decreasing the myofascial restrictions, and decreasing the spasm/tone are all addressed through manual techniques to these specific muscles. It does typically require an internal vaginal or internal rectal approach because that is where the muscles live. The muscles surround the urethra, bladder, anorectal and genital regions; therefore, if there are restrictions or issues in the surrounding muscles, nerves, or organs it can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, including bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction and abdomino-pelvic pain.

How can pelvic floor dysfunction cause bloating?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles, can significantly contribute to bloating due to its impact on gastrointestinal functions. When these muscles are not functioning properly, it can impact the ease of emptying and make it difficult for your body to pass stool and gas through the intestines. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of waste and gas in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.

What are the first steps I should take if I suspect I have endometriosis?

If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in endometriosis. They can help you determine the next steps, which often includes imaging tests, symptom management strategies, and a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

How can pelvic floor physical therapy help with endometriosis symptoms?

Pelvic floor physical therapy can significantly alleviate symptoms of endometriosis by targeting the musculoskeletal system, which can help reduce abdominal-pelvic pain, bladder and bowel urgency, frequency, retention, incomplete emptying, and sexual pain. By addressing these areas, pelvic floor therapy can improve the quality of life for those affected by endometriosis.

How often should I attend pelvic floor physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of pelvic floor physical therapy sessions varies based on the severity of your symptoms and your individual treatment plan. Typically, patients might start with weekly sessions and gradually reduce frequency as they progress.

What can I expect during a pelvic floor physical therapy session?

During a pelvic floor physical therapy session, you can expect a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, a discussion of your symptoms, and personalized exercises to help relieve pain and improve function. Your physical therapist might also use techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation exercises.

Are there any at-home exercises I can do to complement my pelvic floor physical therapy?

Yes, your physical therapist will likely recommend specific at-home exercises tailored to your needs. These might include stretches, relaxation techniques, and strengthening exercises to support your pelvic floor health.

How long does it take to see improvements from pelvic floor physical therapy?

The timeline for seeing improvements varies among individuals. Some patients might notice relief after a few sessions, while others may take several months to experience significant changes. Consistency with physical therapy and at-home exercises is key to achieving the best results.

How do I know if my pelvic floor muscles are contributing to my endometriosis pain?

A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles to determine if they are contributing to your pain. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary issues, and bowel dysfunction can indicate pelvic floor muscle involvement.

Can pelvic floor physical therapy replace surgery for endometriosis?

While pelvic floor physical therapy is highly beneficial for managing symptoms, it does not replace the need for surgical intervention in cases where excision surgery is required to remove endometrial tissue. However, in many cases, physical therapy can significantly reduce symptoms so that individuals might no longer need surgery.

Should I get an assessment before doing Kegels?

Yes, it is important to get a proper assessment from a pelvic floor physical therapist before starting Kegels, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary issues, or discomfort. Not everyone benefits from Kegels, and doing them incorrectly or unnecessarily can lead to further issues. A personalized assessment will help determine the appropriate exercises based on your specific condition.

Why might Kegels not be beneficial for everyone?

Kegels are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution and might not be suitable or beneficial for everyone. Some people have overactive or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles, and Kegels can exacerbate their symptoms. A personalized assessment is crucial to determine the right treatment approach.

What are some signs that Kegels might not be the right exercise for me?

If you experience more pain, discomfort, or pressure in your pelvic region after doing Kegels, it’s a red flag. It’s important to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to find the right exercises for your condition.

What alternatives to Kegels might be recommended by a pelvic floor physical therapist?

A pelvic floor physical therapist might recommend several alternatives to Kegels depending on the individual’s specific condition and needs. Alternatives to Kegels might include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, postural correction, and manual therapy.

How can a pelvic floor physical therapist help me?

Our pelvic floor physical therapists can provide a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. They use various techniques to address pain, and dysfunction, helping you achieve better pelvic health and overall well-being.

Is pelvic floor physical therapy covered by insurance?

At Beyond Basics, we are out of network with most insurance providers. This allows us to offer better care, including full-hour, one-on-one sessions without passing you off to aides. We create a treatment plan based on your specific needs rather than the limitations set by insurance plans, and we focus on functional goals that truly improve your life.

We accept out-of-network plans from Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Oxford. Our internal billing staff will work with you to submit claims on your behalf and walk you through your options. You can also make convenient monthly payments with various finance options through Care Credit, offering special interest-free financing of 6, 12, or 18 months, as well as discounted package rates.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or financing, call our billing office at 212.354.2622, text us at 212.354.2622, or email [email protected].

HEALING STARTS HERE

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in NYC