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Who do you treat?We treat individuals with a vulva and vagina, ages 16 and up. We require a parent or guardian present for anyone under the age of 18.
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What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?Pelvic Floor Therapy is a treatment for problems related to the pelvic floor. This specialized therapy addresses issues relating to bladder, bowel and sexual health. At Integrative Pelvic Health we can treat a variety of pelvic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, pregnancy and postpartum, and other pelvic floor dysfunction in women.
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Where is Integrative Pelvic Health located?Integrative Pelvic Health is located at: Relief Parenting Respite and Resource Center 1 Merrill Industrial Drive Building E, 2nd Floor Hampton, NH
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Do you accept insurance?Integrative Pelvic Health is an out-of-network provider, meaning we do not take insurance. The out-of-network structure provides us the ability to address client needs with a holistic, client-centered approach rather than being limited by what insurance providers deem necessary. Please contact your insurance company to inquire about Out-of-Network benefits.
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What forms of payment do you take?Integrative Pelvic Health, LLC accepts cash, check, debit or credit cards at the time of service. We use Square for card payments. Payments are due at the end of each session. If you plan to submit your visits to your insurance, you will be provided a super bill which includes all codes and information needed for reimbursement.
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Do I need a doctors referral?Yes, at Integrative Pelvic Health, it is required to have a referral from your PCP or OBGYN.
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What can I do to prepare for my appointment?If you are seeing us for pelvic floor dysfunction, it may be helpful to make a list of the symptoms you are experiencing (urinary leakage, pelvic pain, prolapse, constipation, etc). We will discuss all your symptoms with you in detail during the appointment. If you are coming to our clinic for a pregnancy wellness & birth prep visit, it can often be helpful to write a list of specific questions or concerns you have and/or anything you are interested in learning. Regardless of your appointment, please complete your intake form with as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.
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What should I expect during the evaluation?During your evaluation, we will discuss your medical history, symptoms, concerns, and goals for therapy. After a thorough history, your therapist will do an initial assessment, including an assessment of posture, spine mobility and functional movement, joint range of motion, external pelvic girdle and hip muscles and an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment to assess the muscle strength, tone and function of your pelvic floor muscles. An internal vaginal muscle assessment will only be performed with your consent and only if you are comfortable. You also have the options of waiting until a future session or not at all. We will always support your choice. We will discuss this with you multiple times during your session.
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How many sessions will I need?That depends! Every client is different and so are their needs. We recommend starting with an evaluation and 3-4 follow up visits, weekly or bi-weekly, to gather all necessary data. Progress is usually seen after 2-3 sessions. After that, we can adjust the frequency to best fit your needs.
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Is an internal assessment required?No. It is never required, nor is it appropriate for everyone. It is always up to you. An internal assessment of the pelvic floor provides a lot of information, but is is just one way for us to gather information. We do provide internal pelvic floor assessment to our pregnancy patients (with the exception of the first trimester), so if you feel this something you are interested in but would like clearance from your OB/midwife first, feel free to contact them prior to your appointment.
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What should I wear to my appointment?You are welcome to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in. Athletic wear is recommended so we can easily assess posture and movements.
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What if my kids and/or partner are home?That is okay! All we need is a space you feel comfortable in. It would be great to see how you pick up and hold your kids if that increases your symptoms. If you are currently nursing, we encourage you to nurse your baby as needed throughout the appointment. This will allow us to made positioning/posture modifications to decrease neck/back pain, if needed.
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Should I still attend my appointment if I am on my period?Yes, we can absolutely still see you while you are on your period. Seeing you while you are menstruating can give us information that may be pertinent to your pelvic floor health. Sessions may also focus external treatment techniques and strengthening if appropriate. Treatment while on your period is a decision left completely up to the patient.
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How is it different from a massage?Myofascial release includes gentle therapeutic touch that can have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system. It creates a deeper release at the collagenous barrier of the fascia and often the impacts are longer lasting. Massage creates a release at the elastic barrier of the tissues. This often feels juicier and more relaxing in the moment, but the impact is not always as long-lasting.
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What is fascia?Fascia is a 3 dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds every organ, muscle fiber, nerve, vessel and structure in our bodies, down to the cellular level. Fascial restrictions can impact sensation and mobility of these structures. Think of a knitted sweater. If you pull a thread and create restriction, it impacts the shape and tension of the rest of the sweater. Your fascia works the same way. Fascia is made up of 3 parts: collagen, elastin, and a gel-like ground substance. Through trauma or development of scar tissue this fascia can prevent blood flow, cause swelling, decrease range of motion, contribute to misalignment and cause pain.
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How does MFR work?As John Barnes explains, “Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)” Gentle sustained pressure from your therapists’ hands help to reduce this pressure, and create space for your organs, muscles, or nerves to move freely and fluidly. After being released your tissue will be more pliable.
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Will you work on just one part of the body?No. One thing I would love to see change in healthcare, is the division of the body as separate parts. What happens in our feet can impact our shoulders and what happens in our neck can impact our pelvis. We are connected by fascia and myofascial release can help release fascia beyond what’s underneath the therapists hands. The goal is to achieve a whole body structural release and realignment. Often where you are experiencing your symptom is not the root cause. Myofascial release is whole-person, whole body treatment that fosters healing on a physical and emotional level.
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How do I get fascial restrictions?Fascial restriction can be caused by emotional or physical trauma, injury, surgery, repetitive movements, and poor posture. Basically, fascial restrictions are a part of life. It is not your fault if you have them. Although it is not possible to prevent restrictions all together, it is possible to prevent worsening restriction by seeking treatment and learning how to self treat.
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How often do I need treatment?This is very individualized. At times people feel better with one visit, while others need multiple visits to achieve their goal. Frequency is dependent on the client, their lifestyle, emotional and physical history, and whether the issue is acute or chronic. I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you to achieve your goals. I will also provide self-care education enabling you to carry over the work at home.
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What do I wear for my appointment?Please wear loose shorts, sports bra or a bikini. You can wear comfortable clothing over what you will be wearing during the session.
Pelvic Floor Therapy, Pregnancy, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
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