Maryland is a direct access state, meaning you don’t need a referral from a physician to receive pelvic floor physical therapy. At our clinic, you are welcome to come directly to us without a referral. If we feel that additional medical attention is necessary, Dr. Kari can make referrals to a physician or specialist.

During your initial visit, we will take the time to get to know you and your unique situation. We will go over your medical history, lifestyle, and any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing. Then, we will conduct a musculoskeletal exam to help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. This will include an external assessment and an internal pelvic floor exam if needed. Consent and comfort are always our priority! Based on our assessment, we will work with you to develop a personalized plan of care to help you achieve your goals and improve your pelvic health. We understand that this may be your first time seeking pelvic floor physical therapy, so we strive to make the experience as comfortable and informative as possible.

An internal exam is a part of a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation where a trained therapist inserts one gloved finger into the vagina or rectum, as appropriate, to assess for any tissue abnormalities, your ability to control your pelvic floor muscles, or any pain or discomfort. It can provide valuable information on how your pelvic muscles are working. However, it is always up to you to decide whether or not you are comfortable with an internal exam, and some conditions may not require one at all. At our clinic, we prioritize your comfort and will discuss your options and concerns with you before any exam takes place. You are always in control of the final decision, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.

We recommend wearing comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that will allow for ease of movement during your session. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of sneakers in case you need to perform any exercises. Remember, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your appointment, so feel free to wear what makes you feel best.

We understand that every person is unique and therefore the number of visits needed can vary. On average, most clients see us for around 8-10 sessions. At first, you’ll typically come in once a week, and as you make progress, the frequency of your visits will gradually decrease. Dr. Kari will work with you to create a personalized plan of care that will help you achieve your goals in a timely manner. Remember, your health and comfort are our top priority, and we’ll never rush you through your treatment

We understand the importance of timely care, and we have seen women as early as 3 weeks postpartum. However, the usual timeframe is 4-6 weeks postpartum. It’s important to note that you don’t have to see your OB first before seeing us. We are a direct access provider, which means we can evaluate and treat you without a referral.

There is a lot we can do in the early stages of healing, and we’re happy to help. We also offer virtual visits if earlier care is needed or if it’s challenging to come in person. You’re welcome to bring your baby to the appointment. We’re here to support you in any way we can!

Of course! We understand that childcare can be a challenge and we welcome you to bring your child to your appointment. We never want childcare to be a barrier to receiving the care you need. Additionally, we also offer virtual visit options for those times when childcare conflicts arise. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about bringing your child to your appointment.

Yes! Based on your comfort level, internal work can still be performed. Regardless, there is still plenty of work we can do externally to continue your plan of care during your period.

Restore has a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel or reschedule, you must do so no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment time to avoid being assessed the full value of your visit.