HEALING STARTS HERE

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in Downtown, Manhattan

Healing Starts here

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in Downtown, Manhattan

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

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, text us: 212.354.2622 or email us: [email protected]

Stay informed

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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Exploring the Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Managing Endometriosis

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Understanding the Ties Between Bowel, Bladder, and Sexual Function

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Beyond Basics in the media

Take a look at our appearances in these top media venues.

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

OUR SPECIALISTS

Dr. Corey Hazama(She/Her)

PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT, PRPC, WCS

Eliza Etter(She/Her)

PT, DPT, CLT, PRPC

Emily Moore(She/Her)

PT, DPT

Makela Spielman(She/Her)

PT, DPT

Rachel Clausen(She/Her)

PT, DPT, PRPC

Vivian Zhang(She/Her)

PT, DPT

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.

Does insurance cover pelvic floor therapy?

The majority do. Our office accepts most insurances out of network and will file a claim on behalf of the patient. For more details on your own insurance and what it offers, you can talk to our billing manager/department. We are here for you and can give you a better understanding of what will be covered.

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 Downtown, Manhattan

Healing Starts here