What to expect from us
At Raquel Perlis Physical Therapy, your physical therapist spends a full, uninterrupted 50 to 60 minutes with you during every appointment. This gives us time to listen, explain, and answer all your questions. It gives you care that’s thorough, attentive, and exceptionally supportive.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
First of all, what is the pelvic floor? Do you experience leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or cough? Or perhaps you struggle with constipation, pain during sex, or a weakened core? These concerns might be linked to a weak pelvic floor, a group of muscles often overlooked yet crucial for optimal health.
Symptoms & conditions like painful intercourse, vaginal pain, incontinence (urine or stool leakage), overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, diastasis recti, and vaginal tearing can be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction and are more common than you may think. They’re also treatable! You don’t need to “just live with” these distressing conditions, and in most cases you don’t need surgery. Pelvic floor physical therapy may be just what the doctor ordered.
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. This is the “sling” of muscles and tissues in the lower abdomen that supports, and holds in place, the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
Growing numbers of evidence-based studies are proving the effectiveness of pelvic floor physical therapy, and women around the world are testaments to its success. The American Physical Therapy Association created the Section on Women’s Health to support this specialized, and much-needed, type of physical therapy.
Our Tailored Treatment Approach
We tailor our treatments to each individual's unique medical history and symptoms. Our therapists are skilled in a variety of techniques including manual therapy, biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises, designed to alleviate discomfort, strengthen pelvic muscles, and restore function.
Commitment to Inclusivity
We are dedicated to providing exceptional care to all individuals, regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic status, or physical or mental disability. Our goal is to enhance the wellbeing of every member of our community.
“To my suffering sisters out there. Until recently I have been a long-time sufferer of vulvodynia. Thanks to Raquel Perlis PT, I have learned how to rehabilitate my pelvic floor and reduce pain considerably. These gifted, dedicated women have shown me that if I can do it, you can do it! My heart goes out to all who suffer from this condition (families too), so this testimonial is a way of passing along the gift of healing that I received.”
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!
