The following are the most common questions we receive in the office. If you have any another questions, please feel free to call us at (516) 829-0960 or send us an email.
 

Does this kind of therapy work? Will it help me? As long as a patient has had a thorough medical check-up and pathology has been ruled out, research has shown that myofascial trigger point release, relaxation and neuromuscular stabilization are effective treatments for pelvic pain and dysfunction.

How many sessions would I need? This depends on how long you have had your condition and on its degree of severity. It is generally easier to effect change in a condition which has not become chronic. The average number of visits at our clinic is 6, and this is over a 12 month period. There are patients who require only an initial evaluation/education session or with 2 to 3 additional visits. Occasionally patients require 10 to 24 visits in a 12 month period. Rarely a patient would need more than 24 treatments.

Our goal is to help our patients understand their condition and learn how to best administer therapy at home. We use our therapy time to administer hands-on work. We pride ourselves on educating our patients and their spouses (or significant others) to administer self-treatment.

What are my treatment options? We generally advise patients to make an appointment for an initial evaluation (a 2 hour appointment) to determine, with the patient, the best treatment options. For those who do not live in the immediate geographical area and may have to commute a significant distance, we suggest one of three options. a) Patients can enroll in an intensive 5 day clinic where they will learn everything they need to continue treatment on their own at home. b) They may come in over a 2 to 3 day period to get a good start on a home program. c) When appropriate, telephone conference appointments are available via telephone / webcam.

What will therapy involve? Do I need any advance preparation? It is helpful to send us a "timeline" of your pertinent medical history and results or reports on any tests you may have had prior to your initial consultation.

Therapy will include: Myofascial trigger point release to involved muscles, applied externally and internally (where indicated). Sometimes scar tissue release or visceral mobilization is necessary. Relaxation and stress reduction techniques are taught. Behavioral techniques for healthy bowel, bladder and sexual function are reviewed and a comprehensive exercise which incorporates stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular re-education and core stabilization is designed. An integral part of therapy includes a postural evaluation, taking into account the patient’s activities of daily living.

How long will it take before I feel better? That question can better be answered after your initial assessment. The length of therapy is dependent on the severity and chronicity of the dysfunction and on your specific goals for rehabilitation.

Can I do anything to feel better until I see you? Most of our patients find that soaking for 20 minutes in a warm bath is helpful to relax their muscles and ease discomfort. We advise you to consult with your Doctor about the use of medication to help muscle relaxation. Some Doctors use such a protocol diagnostically: if the patient feels better on muscle-relaxant medication, the symptoms may be suggestive of a neuromuscular problem.

Will this evaluation or treatment help my diagnosis? Although we do not focus on the label or diagnosis of your condition, we are able to help you identify the tissue restrictions and dysfunction which are adding to your pain and debility.

Is it safe to start physical therapy during my pregnancy or do I need to wait until my baby is born? It is always preferable for you to check with your Doctor whether there are any specific precautions to be taken in your therapy. For example: if you have a low-lying placenta or a cervix prone to early dilatation.