Do you offer men's pelvic health services? I do not. My specialty is in women's health and conditions surrounding motherhood.
Will my session be painful? Absolutely not! I believe in always respecting what the body is telling us. I will continuously check in and ensure that nothing we do during a session ever feels like “too much”.
Is internal pelvic assessment required? Though there are many cases in which intravaginal assessment can provide valuable information, it is never a requirement. Your feelings of safety are a priority. If and when you and your body tell me that you are open to it, we can gradually approach internal work.
Do you use biofeedback? Biofeedback includes any tools that provide real-time insight into what is happening in your body, thus giving you increased control over your body’s function. In a physical therapy session, I will help teach you to listen to your body. We can use tools like mirrors, either during the session or at home, to visualize your pelvic floor and perineum. I do not, however, use electronic biofeedback.
What are you looking for when you do an internal assessment? A typical assessment will look at pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, and tone. I can assess and treat the position and mobility of your bladder and cervix, release fascia, and mobilize perineal scar tissue. All my internal assessments and treatments are performed intravaginally, meaning through the vaginal canal.
Do you use a speculum for intravaginal work? Pelvic health physical therapists do not use speculums. I will use a gloved hand and minimal lubrication to insert one or two gloved fingers into the vaginal canal.
I have sharp pain with bowel movements. Can intravaginal work help with this?
Sharp pain with bowel movements after birth can be very common, and is often caused by anal fissures. An anal sphincter muscle release (this is an external muscle) can be very beneficial, especially if you had a vaginal delivery. There are many other techniques as well as dietary considerations, which can help tremendously with this painful challenge.
How soon after giving birth can I receive internal treatment? I work intravaginally as soon as your postpartum bleeding has ended.
Physical Therapy Questions
Traditional Moroccan Postpartum Questions
Is childcare included in your services? My postpartum birthworker training is specific to care of the mother. You will be responsible for your own children, however, children and family members may be present. I would recommend pre-planning, especially if you have older children at home. I can help you plan during our prenatal meeting.
Will you spend longer at my house if I have to feed my baby? The estimated time in your home indicated here accounts for breastfeeding and other demands of the postpartum period.
Can I receive these services following a cesarian birth? "Closing of the bones" requires you to be at least 12 weeks post cesarian section. If you would like to receive nutritional support based on traditional postpartum medicine, you may contact me to discuss a unique plan for you. You may also benefit from physical therapy services prior to 12 weeks postpartum.
How soon after vaginal delivery can I receive these services? I provide these services as early as 3 days post vaginal delivery.
Do I have to provide my own ingredients if food prep is included in my package? I will provide all the necessary spices and teas, however, other ingredients and cookware will be your responsibility. Meals will be prepared in your home kitchen.
Financial Questions
Do you accept insurance? For physical therapy services, I am an out-of-network provider, and do not directly accept insurance. Payment is due in full at the time of service. Upon request, I can provide you with a receipt of services, which you can submit to your insurance company, but no guarantee of reimbursement can be made. Traditional postpartum services are not covered by insurance.
Can you contact my insurance company on my behalf? As a one-person business, I do not have the resources to contact insurance companies. I can provide you with a document outlining the general process of insurance reimbursement for out-of-network services.
Do I need a referral to receive physical therapy services? Due to Direct Access laws in New York where I work, I can evaluate and treat you for ten visits prior to requiring a referral.
Do you treat Medicare clients? I am a non-participating provider with Medicare. Medicare laws dictate that I am unable to accept cash payments from Medicare beneficiaries for services normally covered under Medicare, including services that only a trained physical therapist can provide. I am allowed to accept payment from Medicare beneficiaries for services rendered "not covered" by Medicare, including general wellness and fitness. As such, if you are a Medicare beneficiary, I cannot provide physical therapy services but I am able to provide traditional postpartum services.