LET'S THRIVE TOGETHER
The pelvic floor muscles form a "sling" in the pelvis that:
- supports the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder and rectum)
- allows for bowel/bladder control
- supports sexual function
- assists with pressure management and promotes circulation
- coordinates with abdominal and back muscles to provide stability
Who do you treat?
I specalize in treating adult women in any stage of life, whether you are seeking help for bladder/bowel challenges, pain with intimacy or medical exams, pregnancy, postpartum, prolapse, or challenges related to menstruation or menopause.
What conditions do you treat?
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Bladder Challenges
- urinary urgency (sudden and strong need to urinate), urinary frequency, stress urinary incontinence (leaking with cough/sneeze/laugh/jump), urge incontinence (leaking associated with an urge to void)
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Bowel Challenges
- chronic constipation, fecal urgency or incontinence, leaking gas, hemorrhoids, anal fissures
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Sexual Difficulties
- pain at entrance to or deeper in vagina (dyspareunia), difficulty with arousal or orgasm
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Pelvic Pain
- perineal scar tissue, pelvic floor muscle tension, endometriosis, vulvadynia
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Pregnancy
- pubic symphysis dysfunction, vulvar pain, prevention of diastatis recti, safe exercise, preparation for childbirth
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Postpartum Care
- perineal or C-section scar management, diastasis recti treatment, body mechanics, self care, pelvic floor rehabilitation
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Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness
- hypertonia or hypotonia
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse
Treatment approach
- I love to get to know you, what you care about, what you are experiencing, and what your goals are. I respect your time and finances, and tailor each session to your specific needs. Your comfort, safety, privacy and dignity are my priority.
- I offer a complimentary discovery call where you can ask any questions and see if Thrive is a good fit for you.
- I complete a thorough evaluation where we will review your medical, symptom, and pain history, in addition to any relevant factors contributing to your condition, including bladder, bowel, and sexual health. I will assess your posture, strength, range of motion, balance, and breath. We will create goals together that are important to you and I will provide you with a home exercise program.
- Treatment will vary per person, but will include therapeutic exercise and activity, self care and health management training including diet/hydration and sleep considerations, bladder retraining, neuromuscular re-education, stress and emotional health management, manual therapy including myofascial release, massage, scar tissue mobilization and management, and home exercise programs.
Benefits
- improved comfort and confidence in your body
- decreased anxiety or fear regarding symptoms
- elimination of pain
- improved sleep
- improved overall quality of life, to do what you need and want to do as a partner, mom, friend, daughter, employee, or athlete to work, travel, engage in hobbies, provide care, be intimate, manage your life without being held back
FAQs
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Do you accept insurance?
Thrive currently is not in network with insurance, however, therapy is generally covered by out of network benefits. I can provide you with a superbill of visits including treatment and diagnosis codes to submit to insurance for reimbursement if available. Please reach out with any questions about insurance. Being out of network allows appointments to be longer, 1:1, and customized to focus on whatever you need each session, which often results in quicker recovery and results. Clients have access to speak with me 7 days a week regarding any questions, modifications or progressions of their treatment program.
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What should I wear?
Whatever is comfortable for you to move in.
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Do you provide internal treatment?
Yes! Internal assessment and treatment can be very helpful to understand muscle tone, coordination, and pain, and to track progress with treatment. It is completely optional and we can further discuss if it would be helpful for you.
- How long does treatment take?
The duration of pelvic floor therapy varies depending on each individual's condition and carryover at home or between sessions. Some individuals may experience significant improvement in symptoms after a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy for several weeks or months.
Meet the therapist
Michaela received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science from Messiah University and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. Michaela is certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, certified as a Fieldwork Educator through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and a member of the Alpha Eta Honor Society for Health Professions. She has extensive experience treating individuals with cognitive, neurological, and orthopedic conditions, specializing in pelvic health and rehabilitation. She has experience working in inpatient and outpatient rehab settings, home health, early intervention and pediatrics. Michaela is committed to providing care with excellence and compassion to empower clients to live life to the fullest. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, son, and 2 dogs, taking walks and visiting new coffee shops. She also enjoys taking continuing education courses and gluten-free baking.
Related Continuing Education:
- Functions and Dysfunctions of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor
- OT Pioneers: Introduction to Pelvic Floor Therapy for Occupational Therapists
- Pelvic Rehab Manual Assessment and Treatment Techniques
- Pelvic Floor Level 2B with Herman & Wallace (Function, Dysfunction and Treatment: Urogynecologic Examination and Treatment Interventions)
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Certification, in progress
- OT Elevate: the Biopsychosocial Approach to Colorectal Conditions
- Basics of Pediatric Pelvic Floor Treatment
- Treatment of the Pediatric Pelvic Floor
- Pelvic Floor in the Postpartum Patient: Evaluation and Treatment
- Evidence-Based Treatment of the SIJ/Pelvis