How is Moms in Motion PT Different?

What makes us different at Moms in Motion PT?

There are a lot more pelvic floor therapy clinics and practices nowadays than there were even 10 years ago. So there are a lot more options for you to sift through. How do you know which pelvic floor therapy practice is right for you? What types of questions should you even ask? Well, we are here to help you determine the right pelvic floor therapy practice for you because it is crucial for you to choose the right place so you can get the care you need! 

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a pelvic floor therapy practice: 

1. Qualifications and specialization of therapists 

Not all physical therapists are trained in pelvic health (not even some of the ones who claim to be). There are a lot of orthopedic clinics out there that also offer pelvic floor therapy as an additional service. You want to look for a therapist that has specialized and thorough training in pelvic floor therapy and ideally someone who has had mentorship under a seasoned pelvic floor therapist. 

You can look for certifications or coursework from organizations like Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilization Institute or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to indicate expertise. You can also check for specialization in your area of need, such as pregnancy/postpartum recovery, menopause, or pelvic pain conditions to make sure they are a good match for you. 

2. Treatment Approach and Services Offered

Pelvic floor therapy should be more than kegels, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. A high quality practice will offer the following: 

• Hands on manual therapy (soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, trigger point release, joint mobilization, visceral mobilization)

Manual therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment approach at Moms in Motion. We employ hands-on techniques to decrease pain, relax tight muscles, and improve mobility. Our therapists utilize methods such as soft tissue work, joint mobilization, cupping, and visceral techniques. Each session is customized to the client's current condition, ensuring that no two treatments are identical. This individualized approach facilitates more effective and efficient recovery.

• Internal and external pelvic floor assessments - a good therapist should be well-trained to conduct both internal and external assessments to get a well-rounded picture of what is going on 

All our therapists are trained to perform comprehensive internal vaginal and rectal exams to meet the needs of various conditions and sets of symptoms.

• Comprehensive movement-based therapy to integrate the pelvic floor with core and full body function - this piece is often missed because many therapists treat the pelvic floor in isolation, but it is crucial to look at the whole body because your pelvic floor doesn’t function on its own, it functions in a system

At Moms in Motion PT, we believe that effective treatment begins with a thorough understanding of each individual's unique needs. Our comprehensive evaluation process involves an in-depth review of body systems, functional movements, and tissue quality. We assess breathing patterns to evaluate the coordination between the diaphragm, abdominals, and pelvic floor muscles. This holistic assessment allows us to identify the root causes of symptoms and develop personalized treatment plans that address the specific concerns of each client. 

• Education and home exercise programs tailored to your lifestyle - you shouldn’t be getting the same cookie cutter homework sheets as everyone else 

Recognizing the busy lives of mothers, we design exercise programs that are both effective and manageable. Rather than overwhelming clients with lengthy routines, we prescribe 1-3 attainable exercises each week. These exercises are specifically chosen to address individual needs and can be easily incorporated into daily schedules. Our goal is to empower clients with tools that promote healing and strength without adding undue stress to their lives. 

• Some practices might also provide birth preparation (we do!), postpartum care (we do!), and sexual health counseling, which can be beneficial depending on your goals

Preparing for childbirth is a significant aspect of our services. We offer comprehensive birth preparation that includes pelvic opening exercises, breathing techniques, perineal massage, pushing strategies, and labor positions. We actively involve partners in this process to ensure a supportive birthing experience. By educating and equipping mothers with these strategies, we aim to reduce fear and promote a smoother labor and delivery. 

3. Session Structure and Time with the Therapist

Many traditional physical therapy clinics schedule multiple patients at the same time, leaving little one-on-one time with the therapist. Ideally, you want a clinic that offers:

• One-on-one, full hour sessions for personalized care

• Consistent treatment with the same therapist rather than rotating providers

• A therapist who takes the time to listen, educate, and adapt treatments based on your progress

4. Convenience and Accessibility 

Consider how easy it is to access the practice’s services. Factors to think about include: 

• In-home therapy vs clinic-based care: Some clinics, like Moms in Motion PT, offer in-home services, which can be incredibly convenient for new moms or those with busy schedules. It can be especially convenient if you have a toddler at home who needs a nap and you don’t have to mess with that schedule!

• Telehealth options: If you live in a rural area or need virtual support, check if the clinic provides online consultations like we do at Moms in Motion PT

• Scheduling flexibility: Clinics with early morning, lunch time, or later afternoon appointments may be a better fit for those with busy schedules

One of the primary factors that set Moms in Motion PT apart is our dedication to providing in-home care. Understanding the demands of motherhood and the challenges of scheduling appointments, we bring our services directly to our clients' homes. This approach eliminates the need for travel, reduces stress, and allows therapy sessions to be conducted in a comfortable and familiar environment. By observing and treating clients in their own space, we can tailor interventions that seamlessly integrate into their daily routines, enhancing the effectiveness of our therapies.

5. Reputation and Patient Reviews

A clinic’s reputation can give you insight into the quality of care you can expect. Look for: 

• Client testimonials and online reviews on Google or the clinic’s website

• Referrals from midwives, doulas, chiropractors, or other trusted healthcare professionals

• Word-of-mouth recommendations from other women in your community who have experienced pelvic floor therapy firsthand

Here’s what a few of our clients at Moms in Motion have said recently:

Elisa says “Highly recommend. This isn't just physical therapy. It feels more like whole mom body relaxation, strengthen, and wellness. I bought the 12 visit package as a gift to myself. I have had many babies and my body needs some extra attention to get back to a strong core and pelvic floor. I'm really enjoying my visits with [my therapist]. She comes to my house. She's very patient, thorough, and understanding. She gives me "bite-size" homework. Some relaxing exercises, a lifestyle goal, and lots of encouragement. If you are a mom who feels like your pelvic floor, your core, your back are weak and you feel run down and tired and want to get back into exercising, but you know you need to be gentle to not aggravate the diastasis recti, then this is what you're looking for.”

Sandra says “I have done a few sessions with Moms in Motion and have had an excellent experience. They are knowledgeable, respectful, and a delight to work with. I reached out regarding pelvic floor concerns, but we are also addressing issues that have bothered me for years. I didn’t expect it to be such a wholistic experience but I really appreciate that it is. They look at the patient as a whole vs just the problem at hand. Also is nice they come to you! It certainly makes my life a little easier to incorporate this in. Also really like their app. I have worked with other PTs that would send emails to access the stretches and it was so cumbersome to use. Moms in Motion use an app that easily displays the exercises and has reminders so I don’t forget. Overall, I am having an excellent experience with Moms in Motion and I highly recommend them.”

Chrissy says “So far my experience with moms in motion has been amazing! I have gone to a few other pelvic floor therapy options and this experience has been so much more informative and I feel they are truly catering to MY needs vs the general one size fits all.”

And finally, Margaret had this to say “Everyone at Moms in Motion has been very helpful and friendly, from the admin staff to my PT. I felt comfortable throughout my appointments and have made good progress towards my goals. Not having to leave home has been a huge plus as well! Definitely check them out if you are looking for a good women’s health PT!”

Conclusion

By evaluating these five criteria, you can choose a pelvic floor therapy clinic that provides high-quality, personalized care that aligns with your needs. 

At Moms in Motion PT, we view each client as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Our holistic approach encompasses physical, educational, and emotional support, empowering mothers to take control of their health and well-being. We strive to provide care that is not only effective but also compassionate and understanding of the unique challenges that mothers face. After all, our whole team is made up of moms, so we have firsthand experience with many of the challenges that our clients face!

Moms in Motion PT stands out among pelvic floor clinics by offering in-home care which offers unparalleled convenience and a holistic approach to address the individual needs of each client. Our comprehensive evaluation process, hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercise programming, and extensive birth preparation services are designed to provide superior care and value. Through ongoing support and a holistic approach, we empower mothers to navigate pregnancy and postpartum with confidence and strength. Choosing Moms in Motion PT means choosing a team dedicated to your health, well-being, and the joy of motherhood. We always say that we want you to thrive in motherhood and not merely survive. 

If you live in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities metro and are ready to heal your body with a holistic approach, then fill out our appointment request form and our team will be in touch with you shortly.