My patients suffer from pain and limitation that’s intensely personal: hard to talk about, harder to live with. They often feel alone and overwhelmed, unsure where to turn.
My staff and I offer unique expertise in pelvic floor physical therapy, combined with understanding, encouragement, and compassion. We create a safe space for women, putting them at ease and leading them from despair to recovery.
After a course of treatment, the majority of our patients feel significantly or completely better.
We’re proud of our many success stories—and we’re honored that gynecologists, urologists, urogynecologists, fertility specialists, gastroenterologists, primary care doctors, and sex therapists throughout Massachusetts and New England refer patients to our practice.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a relatively new specialty at the intersection of physical therapy, gynecology, and urology. Like traditional physical therapy, it employs hands-on techniques and exercises to rehabilitate an injured body part. But instead of treating the shoulder or knee, for example, it focuses on the pelvic floor in order to treat vaginal pain, painful intercourse, bowel and bladder problems, and several prenatal and postpartum conditions. Evidence-based studies are proving the effectiveness of pelvic floor physical therapy, and women around the world are testaments to its success.
Conditions We Treat
Painful intercourse and vaginal pain
Pain with intimacy can be a devastating blow to a woman’s sex life and self-esteem. Many women don’t seek help or can’t find the right help, so they suffer in silence. The good news is that after a course of pelvic floor physical therapy, the majority of women can start to enjoy pain-free, pleasurable sex—some, for the very first time.
Incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and constipation
Bladder and bowel problems can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and can disrupt daily life. Too often, women assume they “just have to live with” these conditions. Fortunately, after completing pelvic floor physical therapy, most women can return to a normal, comfortable life—free of leakage, bathroom emergencies, and distress.
Pain and incontinence during pregnancy and after childbirth
Pain and incontinence may go unaddressed during the exciting, exhausting time before and after childbirth. Women may not seek help for their vaginal pain, pubic pain, joint pain, or urine leakage. But after pelvic floor physical therapy, most moms and moms-to-be are much better—even back to normal.
Back and hip problems that can make sex hurt
Debilitating in their own right, back and hip problems can trigger a musculoskeletal chain reaction ending in pelvic pain and painful sex. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy can unwind this twisted chain of pain, restoring ease of movement and sexual pleasure.
Diastasis recti (gap in the abdominal muscles)
Diastatis recti can afflict many new moms—but is diagnosed by too few doctors. It can cause “baby pooch,” pain, and bladder and bowel problems. Standard core exercises can actually make matters worse. But physical therapy can close the gap and make all the difference.
Vaginal tearing during labor
To help minimize or even prevent vaginal tearing during childbirth, moms-to-be can begin perineal massage at 34 weeks of pregnancy. With a little instruction, they can supplement their physical therapy office visits with quick home sessions. Perineal massage and pelvic floor physical therapy are common in France. Vive le massage!
Painting by Atara Schimel
“By my 10th session I was having pleasurable, pain free sex with my husband. Raquel has opened so many doors in my life I assumed would always be closed. She helped change my life forever. My husband and I are so thankful for this new found connection between us and will always have Raquel to thank.”
— Brittaney, 23 years old