Finding Help

Finding a Women’s Health Physical Therapist

Do you think you may need help from a women’s health physical therapist? Some indications include:

• Pelvic pain (in your pubic area, vagina, or rectum)
• Pain with bowel movements
• Pain with sex
• Incontinence (leaks or accidents) that does not have a clear medical diagnosis or continues beyond 6 weeks postpartum
• Diastasis recti (separation of your abdominal muscles)

Here are two lists to help you find a women’s health physical therapist: one from the American Physical Therapy Association and one from Herman & Wallace, a pelvic rehabilitation institute. If you don’t see a women’s health physical therapist listed near you, contact your local physical therapy clinic and ask where you can find a women’s health physical therapist. They’ll be able to direct you.

In most states you don’t need a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist, including a women’s health physical therapist, but many insurance companies do still require the referral for reimbursement purposes, so it’s worth a phone call to your healthcare insurance provider ahead of time.

Finding an Orthopedic or Sports Physical Therapist

If you’re having pain in your back or joints, if you’re having difficulty with functional tasks like lifting your baby’s carseat or stroller into or out of the car, or if you’re having difficulty with exercise, an orthopedic or sports physical therapist can help. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has a list here. It’s not all inclusive, and there are usually several physical therapy clinics in your neighborhood. Most physical therapy clinics are filled with orthopedic and sports physical therapists (they’re the most common kind of physical therapist) so if you don’t find a physical therapist on the APTA’s list, a Google search for a clinic in your neighborhood is bound to lead you to a physical therapist who can help.

In most states you don’t need a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist, but many insurance companies do still require the referral for reimbursement purposes, so it’s worth a phone call to your healthcare insurance provider ahead of time.

Finding a Physical Therapist Outside the United States:

If you live outside the US, click here to see an international list of physiotherapists by country.  Most lists are for women’s health physiotherapists, but some will allow you to search by type of physio (women’s health, ortho, sports, etc.).

Doulas

If you didn’t use a doula for your pregnancy and delivery, you may not know that they can be an awesome postpartum resource too. They can help with postpartum recovery, early bonding with your baby, diapering, breastfeeding questions, daily chores, and more. For anyone coming into your home to help with your baby and/or children, I recommend checking that they are in good standing through their certifying agency and getting a background check through your local police station. Here are some links to help you find a doula in your area:

Madriella
Dona
Cappa
ProDoula
New Beginnings