Why the Evolve Model Works
Are you on the fence about getting started with pelvic floor therapy or have you been searching for the right provider? Then, please continue reading to learn more about pelvic health physical therapy at EVOLVE and how it came to be. It may just be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Learn about the Founder:
My career as a pelvic rehab provider stemmed from two essential factors: a love of movement and a deep desire to help others.
Movement in my life has evolved from freedom of expression as a young dancer, to health and fitness as a Pilates instructor, and later into rehabilitation as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Throughout this journey, I have always been searching for answers. Why can I not make my legs turn out like the other dancers in my class? Why does my Pilates client experience a popping sensation in her shoulder every time she brings her arm down from reaching overhead? Why does my patient with chronic pelvic pain have tight muscles that never seem to relax no matter how much manual therapy we do?
It’s this journey of discovery that inspired my business model - a space with minimal barriers to search, explore, and help my patients heal. In this model, I do not have insurance restrictions dictating the timeframe or type of treatment. I do not have time restraints that inhibit me from communicating with other doctors and holistic wellness providers. And, I have a unique incorporation of Pilates exercises in a fully equipped studio to enhance the accessibility and functionality of pelvic rehab treatment. Keep reading and I’ll explain later about my love for Pilates and how it fits so seamlessly into pelvic floor rehab.
Why I chose an out-of-network model:
In a typical insurance-based physical therapy practice, to keep their business running, therapists are forced to cram multiple patients on their schedule and treat multiple patients at the same time. They must also document during their sessions to stay on top of patient notes. This creates a lot of distraction away from the patient. Without the therapist’s undivided attention, patients are often left doing exercises with minimal supervision. And because patients are not receiving as much hands-on care and cueing in real-time to ensure they are doing exercises correctly, their condition takes longer to treat.
In my practice, you will never be left on a bike to warm up so I can catch up with my notes from the patient prior. Throughout your entire visit you will receive my undivided attention. We will talk through the assessment to ensure you understand the why behind your symptoms and how specific treatment options will address any deficits we find. You will be guided carefully through exercises to maximize efficiency during your sessions and ensure you feel confident with your home exercise program. You will also receive effective hands-on-care.
Quality of care is the primary reason I chose to be an out-of-network provider. In my experience with accepting insurance, certain treatments were not always covered by insurance and the session time was dictated by reimbursement. In a prior insurance-based practice, it would typically take about 16 visits to successfully treat an uncomplicated pelvic health condition, whereas at EVOLVE, it takes about 4 visits. This is a direct cause of one-on-one treatment, unrestricted time limitations, and an approach that works. So, if you’re worried about the cost of care with an out-of-network provider, please consider that quality care is lasting and ultimately less expensive, especially if you have a high-deductible insurance plan. Not to mention, there are still some ways to use your insurance benefits to cover the cost of your sessions.
Why I incorporate Pilates:
Prior to attending physical therapy school, I had been a Pilates instructor for many years. I absolutely loved it and became particularly interested in working with clients with chronic injuries. This drove me to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. I wanted to dive deeply into physical rehabilitation and learn more about the body and its many mechanisms and processes. I learned a lot during my time as a doctorate student; however, I was very disappointed in the lack of time spent on learning skilled exercises. Thank goodness I had my background in Pilates (which was originally intended as a rehab method)! It was my Pilates training where I learned how to effectively communicate and cue exercises, observe posture and alignment, identify muscle imbalances, and create a meaningful plan for patients. When I started working as a physical therapist, I found these skills set me apart from other therapists. It took me 10 years to develop these skills prior to physical therapy school, and I believed that this education would also be a large area of focus in the physical therapy program. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In my opinion, this lack of education in exercise is the reason why so many physical therapists resort to cookie-cutter plans for patient treatment and struggle to choose appropriate and effective exercise strategies. Not to mention, it is incredibly difficult to hone your observation skills when you are multi-tasking patients and documenting notes during treatment sessions.
I incorporate Pilates because it encompasses all the aspects of physical rehabilitation that leads to long-term recovery and improved function with daily activities and exercise. In my years as a Pilates instructor, prior to physical therapy school, I had many post-rehab Pilates clients who shared that they received far more benefit from attending Pilates 1-2 times per week than they did during their physical therapy treatment. This has much to do with one-on-one time spent with the client and a series of cues emphasizing alignment, posture, breath, and focus during each exercise.
The research backs this up as well. A study by Mazloum, et al., indicated that patients undergoing specific Pilates exercises for the treatment of low back pain reported a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved lumbar flexion range of motion compared to the group undergoing extension-based exercise. The authors of this study suggest that “core muscle activation and improving lumbopelvic rhythm” from Pilates leads to decreased pain and physical disability. Additionally, a study by Cruz-Diaz, et al. assessing the treatment of chronic low back pain in postmenopausal women also demonstrated improved results from Pilates and physical therapy combined as opposed to physical therapy alone.
As my love of pelvic health developed, I have found that Pilates is also incredibly beneficial in pelvic floor therapy treatment. For many pelvic health conditions, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, and a multitude of pelvic pain conditions, there is often a disruption in the body's pressure-control system. This disruption greatly impacts the pelvic floor muscles, blood supply, nerves, and connective tissues. The pressure I am describing occurs when you cough, sneeze, run, jump, squat down, bend forward, stand up after sitting, etc., and relies on your posture, joint alignment, tissue quality, and muscle synergy to adequately respond to these pressures. Pilates exercise utilizes a dynamic, full-body approach to movement and addresses all these areas. This is why performing Kegel exercises alone will never fully resolve your symptoms.
I feel passionate about my integration of Pilates with pelvic floor therapy and working without the constraints of insurance. It's the only way for me to deliver the quality care that my patients deserve.
If you have any questions regarding my approach, whether pelvic floor therapy can benefit you, or how you may use your insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to help you in your healing journey.
References:
Mazloum V, Sahebozamani M, Barati A, Nakhaee N, Rabiei P. The effects of selective Pilates versus extension-based exercises on rehabilitation of low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018;22(4):999-1003. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.09.012
Cruz-Díaz D, Martínez-Amat A, Osuna-Pérez MC, De la Torre-Cruz MJ, Hita-Contreras F. Short- and long-term effects of a six-week clinical Pilates program in addition to physical therapy on postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil. 2016;38(13):1300-1308. doi:10.3109/09638288.2015.1090485
