What can I expect at the initial evaluation ?
I start the evaluation by carefully listening to you. I want to get to know about your symptoms, medical history, and any other pertinent information (surgery, medications, childbirth history) that you feel is important for me to understand regarding your care and start you on a healing pathway. I want to know your specific goals with regard to your most troubling symptoms.
After I have an understanding of your history, condition and goals, I conduct an external evaluation of your overall posture, movement patterns and, in particular, your pelvic/trunk region. I assess your pelvis, hips and back for alignment, movement, function and dysfunction.
After the external exam is complete, I move to an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles. Depending on your comfort level, this can be done either externally or internally. This exam is likely completely different, (and more comfortable), from a previous internal exam you may have had performed by your urologist or gynecologist.
The remainder of your initial visit is spent in treatment, so you can start feeling better, and learn how your body responds to physical therapy treatment. I will create an individualized treatment plan focused on meeting your goals. This Plan of Care will be sent to your physician for approval. In Texas, an initial evaluation may be done without an authorization from an MD, but the resultant Plan of Care needs to be ‘approved’ by a physician.
Does insurance cover pelvic floor physical therapy?
Each insurance plan is different, but in general most cover pelvic floor physical therapy. In order to provide the best care, 45-55 minute treatment sessions of individualized, hands-on physical therapy, is set aside for you. I am an ‘out-of-network’ provider. This means, I do not have any ‘arrangements’ with insurance companies, and therefore, only accept cash payment at the time of service. I can provide you with a superbill, and you may pursue reimbursement from your insurance company.
Who uses Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Those who benefit from this specialized PT are individuals who may have answered “yes” to any of the questions regarding symptoms or conditions noted under Women’s or Men’s Services. Additionally, individuals seeking pain reduction, education about pain science, increased flexibility, or strength, benefit from physical therapy. Those who need help understanding that ‘healthy’ nutritional and lifestyle choices are often keys to their well-being and healing. Additionally, physical therapy benefits patients who have undergone pelvic, genito-urinary or abdominal surgeries and seek therapy to regain optimal functioning of bowel, bladder, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
If possible, please bring any records from your doctor, and a list of your medications, supplements, and doctors involved with your care. I also recommend coming with a list of any questions or concerns you may have.
Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled appointment so you can provide the necessary paperwork, and we may start promptly. To save time, you may also print the Intake Forms located on the Forms Page, and bring them, completed, to your appointment.
What should I wear?
I recommend you come comfortable, in nonrestrictive clothing or athletic wear. Your clothes should also allow me to evaluate your posture and global movement patterns. With your permission, I will also be assessing your pelvic floor muscles, keeping you draped, modest, and comfortable. If you have any questions, please contact me prior to your first appointment.
How long does each visit take?
The initial visit may take 60-75 minutes and is a little longer than subsequent visits due to a thorough evaluation process of “getting to know you” and completing paperwork. Normally, follow-up appointments are usually between 45 and 55 minutes.
How long will I need physical therapy?
It is my belief, and experience, that you should see and feel improvement in your condition within the first 3-4 sessions. The severity of your issues will also play a role in how quickly you respond to therapy interventions depending on how long you have been ‘ battling’ them, and how devoted you are to carrying through with suggested self-care at home. My goal is to empower you with knowledge and skills to use at home that facilitate your healing and shorten the number of visits with me. Together we will develop a Care Plan and you will always be kept abreast of your progress. Often therapy/progress will also be monitored by your physician.
When should I start seeing improvement?
Again, this depends on the same factors associated with how long treatment will take. We make a treatment plan for you, which includes follow up visits and perhaps an occasional maintenance visit months after you have stopped coming for ‘routine’ visits. Traditionally, most of my patients report feeling better within a few visits. If at any point you feel like you are not progressing at a satisfactory rate, we will collaborate and modify your treatment plan.
Will you keep in contact with my doctor?
After your initial evaluation I will send a copy of the examination and Plan of Care to your doctor. In Texas, routine physical therapy care must be ‘approved’ by a doctor.
Will I see the same physical therapist every time?
Yes, you will be seen and treated by me.
Will my insurance pay for therapy?
Generally, most insurance companies pay for physical therapy. Some companies only offer limited coverage. I recommend you call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your specific benefits before you start therapy. Again, please keep in mind that this is a Cash-Based service, with payment expected at the time of service.
Do I need a physician’s referral for physical therapy?
Yes, I only work with clients who have a referral for PT from a physician.