What should I expect at my first visit?

I will begin by listening to your story allowing for ample time for me to understand your symptoms, answer your questions and educate you on what your body may be experiencing. Remember, nothing is “TMI” and any and all information can be crucial. The goal is to have a clear picture of you and your pelvis as we move forward into an examination.

Physical examination of the external body including posture, breathing, spine and hip mobility, strength, foot posture, gait mechanics and dynamic movement assessment will be performed. Dysfunction in these areas can drive pelvic floor dysfunction and are important to identify.

Next, the idea of an internal examination will be introduced. This occurs only with your consent and comfort, though it is vital to understanding the functioning of the pelvic floor musculature. A pelvic floor examination is different from a gynecological exam, without the use of a speculum or stirrups. I will use one or two gloved fingers with lubrication to enter the vaginal and/or anal opening with precise and purposeful palpation to the tissues to examine tone, strength and coordination. Thorough explanation will continue throughout the exam and we can stop or pause at any time. YOU are in control here!

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in! Many patients come in athletic wear while others are in business attire between work meetings. For future sessions, movement will be a focus of treatment, so I do recommended wearing comfortable and moveable clothing that is easy to get on and off.

Do I need a prescription from a doctor?

Not to begin! In New York State, patients can seek physical therapy services without a referral from a physician for 10 visits, or 30 days - whichever accumulates first. After this period, it is my duty as a physical therapist to either refer you to your physician or require that you obtain a physical therapy prescription to continue services.

Do you accept insurance?

Modern Pelvic Health is a cash-based facility and this is for a few different reasons. First and foremost, I am dedicated to YOU. I am NOT dedicated to your insurance company. Quite often, in-network practices do not allow for patient-centered care as insurance companies will place restrictions on visits, mandate authorizations that take time to obtain and restrict access to care based on diagnosis. This is because they have entered in a contract with that insurance company where they are bound by their rules and regulations, have capped reimbursement and restrictions on frequency of care. At Modern Pelvic Health, I am able to design your plan of care based solely on your needs, provide treatment for the length of time necessary to meet your goals, and never have to worry about your insurance saying no to services. Because of this, there will NEVER be surprise bills after the fact.

If you know you have out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide what is called a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. This does not guarantee that you will receive full reimbursement from your insurance company, but it may also be placed towards your out-of-network deductible.

Do I have to have an internal examination?

No, you do not. As I stated above, your comfort, consent and understanding is of the utmost importance when moving forward with an internal examination. While I do believe an internal examination is essential in understanding the pelvic floor’s influence on the rest of the body system, we can take our time in introducing this examination. It does not have to happen on your first visit, your second visit or even at all, however I will do my best to make sure your choices are educationally informed based on my expertise.

How long are appointments?

In order to optimize your individual attention, session are one hour long. Longer sessions may be available upon request depending on the nature of symptoms or to accommodate for farther traveling.

I was told to just do Kegels but I don’t know if I am doing them correctly. Is this ok?

Kegels, also known as pelvic floor muscle contractions, have historically been known as a way to strengthen the pelvic floor. However, strengthening may not always been the appropriate first step and many individuals can be performing them incorrectly which can cause more harm. I strongly recommend assessment of the reasons why a physician may be telling you to do Kegels which will include a comprehensive examination of your body and pelvic floor to determine the best treatment plan for you. In any scenario, performing an exercise appropriately is key.

What makes Modern Pelvic Health different?

I am committed to helping you find answers to your questions, find the “why” in the presentation of your symptoms and understand a little bit more about your own body. The pelvic floor does not work alone, and therefore, care will always be taken for a head-to-toe approach in examination. I have a true passion for empowering my patients to understand their bodies. My goal is to provide long lasting change that is tangible and realistic, assisting you towards achieving your goals and living your life to the fullest, moving more powerfully and healing with confidence.