Purple Mountain Physical Therapy

Purple Mountain Physical Therapy We specialize in treating pelvic health, neck and back & TM joint conditions. Frustrated with your bladder, bowel, pelvic pain, neck, back or TM joint pain?

Whole body, personalized care for pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel/bladder, IC, chronic prostatitis, endometriosis, myofascial pain, back pain, vaginismus, pelvic & TMJ pain. We specialize in expert physical therapy men, women & kids experiencing pelvic conditions & TM joint pain. We offer physical therapy expertise that gets you results. You can expect compassionate, thorough, holistics and trauma

-informed care. You will be listened to, thoroughly evaluated and treated and educated on what's going on and what you can do to help yourself. Our treatment methods are based in many years of clinical expertise and advanced post-graduate training. If you are wondering if we have ever treated anyone with your condition, the answer is likely "yes, many times." Our expertise includes very severe and complex cases of pelvic and TM joint pain for which no one seems to know how to help. Need some examples? We treat pudendal neuralgia, complex endometriosis pain, chronic prostatitis pain, complex pelvic pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, myofascial TM joint pain, tension headaches, neck and low back pain, hip labral tears, sports hernia and much more. We can help you. We work with adults & kids with a combination of advanced hands-on myofascial and joint mobilization methods and exercise based care. We are conveniently located in the Cascade area of Grand Rapids, Michigan near the I-96 & Cascade Rd exit. Virtual telerehab appointments are available to any resident of Michigan and Illinois. Through virtual appointments we can discover and treat many issues contributing to your pelvic & TM joint problem.

We close out C-section Awareness Month with a shoutout to our moms who have a C-section Shelf. C-section “shelf”… is a ...
04/30/2026

We close out C-section Awareness Month with a shoutout to our moms who have a C-section Shelf. C-section “shelf”… is a rarely discussed issue, but so many women experience it.

If you’ve noticed a “pooch” or overhang above your scar that won’t go away—even with exercise—you are NOT alone. And more importantly… there are so many things you can do to help your scar improve.

👉 C-section shelves are often a sign of what’s happening under the surface and of your body and the need to improve your movement patterns, pelvic floor, abdominals, fascia and breathing.

After a C-section, your body heals—but that healing can come with:
• Scar tissue + adhesions that limit mobility
• Disruption to key fascial systems like the Spiral Line & Deep Front Line
• Core weakness + abdominal wall changes (including diastasis recti)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction + even bladder leakage

💡 Translation: your body may be dealing with restriction, imbalance, and loss of support, not something you can fix with crunches or dieting.

The good news?
✨ These issues are treatable with the right approach—one that goes beyond the surface and addresses scar tissue adhesions & mobility while also restoring how your core, fascia, and pelvic floor work together.

If this resonates with you, it’s time to understand the why behind what you’re seeing and feeling.

📖 We break it all down in our latest article:
Will My C-section Shelf Ever Go Away?

👉 Click the link in bio to read now and learn what no one ever told you about C-section shelves.

👉️Share this with a friend who had a C-section, she'll appreciate the support.

💜 And if you’re ready for real answers and personalized care, we’re here for you. Purple Mountain PT is a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Reach out to us at (616) 516-4334 to learn more.

“What’s the best treatment for low back pain?”It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer may surprise ...
04/23/2026

“What’s the best treatment for low back pain?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer may surprise you. In our latest artticle, we detail what works to help back pain.
https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-lower-back-pain/

According to Clinical Practice Guidelines based on extensive research, the most effective treatment for back pain is not a quick fix or a single exercise. Instead, the best outcomes come from a combination of:

✔️ Hands-on manual therapy to reduce stiffness, tension, and nerve irritation
✔️ Personalized exercises to improve strength, endurance, and movement
✔️ Retraining how your body moves—so you’re not constantly re-injuring yourself
✔️ Education to help you understand your pain and what actually helps

Recovering from low back pain is rarely about isolating physical therapy care to the low back. Instead, our PTs use a whole body framework that addresses your posture, mobility, movement patterns, deep core, fascia and joints. Treatment involves the core, hips, posture, and even movement habits throughout your entire body.

That’s why our approach is different. We provide one-on-one, 55-minute sessions focused entirely on you—combining evidence-based care with a holistic, full-body perspective to help you get lasting results.

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain, flare-ups, or feel like nothing has worked, this article is for you.

📖 Read our full article: What is the best treatment for low back pain? https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-lower-back-pain/

📞 Interested in working with our back pain specialist PTs? Have questions? Call us at (616) 516-4334 to speak with our team and get started

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍If your birth included a C-section, this is your reminder:You are strong. That was ...
04/20/2026

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍

If your birth included a C-section, this is your reminder:
You are strong. That was a Major surgery. And your healing deserves support.

A C-section surgery, affects seven layers of tissue. This is on top of all the changes in your abdominal wall, pelvic floor, low back and posture that the pregnancy generated. While you may think you are healed in a few months, deeper healing can take 12–18 months—and how you recover matters.

We wrote an article detailing the things you can expect during your C-section recovery, from our PT perspective. https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/03/c-section-recovery-through-physical-therapy/

Your C-section recovery can be influenced by:
✨ Prior back pain
✨ Previous abdominal or C-section surgeries
✨ Diabetes or other health conditions
✨ Your strength, fitness, and overall health going into pregnancy

And here’s what many women aren’t told…

✨ DID YOU KNOW?
• Persistent C-section scar pain is treatable with pelvic health physical therapy
• A “C-section shelf” is often caused by scar tissue adhesions—not just something cosmetic
• Up to 70% of women experience back pain after a C-section—and it improves with core retraining + better movement patterns
• A C-section does not prevent pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, pressure, pain)
• Scar restrictions can impact bladder, bowel, and sexual health

Common symptoms after a C-section can include:
🤍 Incision pain or sensitivity
🤍 Core weakness or abdominal separation (DRA)
🤍 Pelvic pain or pressure
🤍 Scar tightness or numbness
🤍 Back or hip pain
🤍 Bladder leaks or urgency
🤍 Difficulty returning to exercise

Here’s how you can support your healing:
✨ Gentle scar massage (once healed) to improve mobility and reduce adhesions
✨ Diaphragmatic breathing to reconnect your core + pelvic floor
✨ Progressive, guided core strengthening (especially for DRA + back pain)
✨ Avoid pushing through pain—your body needs intentional rehab
✨ Work with a specialist who understands the full-body impact of pregnancy and C-section recovery

We help women:
✔ Reduce C-section shelf and recovery from C-section.
✔ Heal diastasis recti (DRA)
✔ Improve pelvic floor dysfunction
✔ Decrease back and pelvic pain
✔ Return to exercise, running, and the life they love

You deserve to feel strong, supported, and at home in your body again 💜
You don’t have to figure this out alone—expert care can make all the difference.

Purple Mountain PT is a specialty pregnancy & postpartum pelvic health PT clinic in Grand Rapids, MI. We love what we do! Call 616-516-4334 to learn about our holistic approach to C-section recovery

“I’ve been doing Kegels… so why am I still leaking?”If that question has crossed your mind, you are not alone—especially...
04/16/2026

“I’ve been doing Kegels… so why am I still leaking?”

If that question has crossed your mind, you are not alone—especially in your 30s, 40s, or during perimenopause and menopause.

Many women are told that Kegels are the answer for bladder leakage. But for a lot of women we meet, they’ve been doing them for months (or years)… and still feel frustrated, discouraged, and unsure what else to try.

We've written an article with the downlow about why Kegels are insufficient. You can read it here.
https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/is-there-something-better-than-kegels/

Why are Kegels ineffective?

Kegels focus on a simple tightening the pelvic floor—but your body needs more than that because bladder control and pelvic floor function occurs within a coordinated system using your whole body.

Your pelvic floor has to:
• Respond quickly when you cough, sneeze, or laugh
• Work in sync with your breathing and core
• Support you during everyday movements like walking, lifting, or exercising

If it’s not trained to do those things, it can’t fully support you—no matter how many Kegels you do.

The good news is there is a more effective, whole-body approach that focuses on improving:
✔️ Strength
✔️ Coordination
✔️ Timing and reflexes
✔️ Bladder control

And most importantly—helping you feel more confident and in control again.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or wondering if this is “just part of getting older,” we want you to know: it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, we want to scream from the rooftops: women, take care of yourselves NOW. Your leakage will only worsen as you age. We are on a mission to support healthy aging for women, through the lifespan.

👉 We’ve written a full article explaining why Kegels aren’t always enough—and what actually works instead.

📞 And if you know that your pelvic floor muscles are just not something you can figure out, then you need our help. Our specialist PTs are devoted to providing whole body, pelvic health, spine and TMJ care that is personalized and trauma informed. We are the Community Votes Award Winning Pelvic Health PT Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You've found your solution. Give us a call at 616-516-4334. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find a path forward. 💜

We're continuing to recognize C-section Awareness Month! Mom's who have had a C-section are so strong, brave and capab...
04/13/2026

We're continuing to recognize C-section Awareness Month! Mom's who have had a C-section are so strong, brave and capable. You deserve and need support for your recovery.

For C-Section Awareness Month 🤍we take the time to honor the strength behind cesarean births—and to talk about what many women weren’t told about recovery.

If you’ve had a C-section (even years ago), or love someone who has, our latest article, https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/03/c-section-recovery-through-physical-therapy/, is something you need to read, as it spells out known issues that can develop after cesarean birth and how PT can help.

C-section recovery is about more than just healing the incision…

Our latest article dives into the symptoms so many women quietly live with, including:

• That “shelf” above your scar that won’t go away
• Scar tightness, numbness, or pulling
• Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
• A core that feels weak, disconnected, or unstable
• Ongoing back, pelvic, or abdominal pain

And what most women don’t realize:

• C-sections can increase the risk of chronic pelvic pain
• They can impact how your core and pelvic floor function long-term
• These symptoms are common—but not something you have to live with

Inside the article, we break down the research and include our PT insights about what our patients tell us. More importantly, we are sharing the education you never got. With knowledge, comes power. And with that you will understand what’s possible when your body gets the right kind of support.

✨ Real information that goes beyond "after 6 weeks you should be healed."
✨ Compassionate guidance that offers hope and a path to healing
✨ A clear path forward

Whether you’re newly postpartum or your C-section was years ago—it is not too late to feel better in your body.

👉 Click the linkinbio to read the full article and start understanding what your body has been trying to tell you.

Share this post with a friend who had a c-section or is planning one, so she can read the article, be affirmed and educated. She deserves to know she’s not alone… and that healing is possible.

High fives to all of our C-section moms! You inspire us. We thank you for trusting us with your care. Purple Mountain PT is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic, providing trauma-informed whole body care for our postpartum moms and all adults and kids who come to us for help. We can be reached at (616) 516-4334 to talk with one of our knowledgable team members.

“Just do your Kegels.”If you’ve ever been told this—but still struggle with leaking, pressure, or a weak core—you’re not...
04/09/2026

“Just do your Kegels.”
If you’ve ever been told this—but still struggle with leaking, pressure, or a weak core—you’re not alone.

The reality is, Kegels are only a small piece of the puzzle.

In our latest article, we provide our Pelvic PT insights, gained from years of helping women like you, into why Kegels fall short of solving your issues.

https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/is-there-something-better-than-kegels/

They focus on contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor, but they don’t train how your body actually needs to function in daily life—like reacting quickly when you cough, sneeze, or move.

A well-functioning pelvic floor works as part of a coordinated system with your breathing, core, hips, and nervous system. It needs to respond automatically, not just when you think about it.

That’s why we focus on helping women build pelvic floor capacity—improving strength, speed, coordination, and reflexive control through the right kind of movement and guidance.

If you’ve ever wondered:
• “Am I doing Kegels right?”
• “Why am I still leaking?”
• “Will this ever get better?”

There are answers—and there is a better way to train your body.

If this resonates, take a few minutes to read through this post—and feel free to share it with a friend who needs it too. 💜

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍But for so many women… the recovery after surgery is much more difficult than they i...
04/06/2026

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍
But for so many women… the recovery after surgery is much more difficult than they imagined.

No one really prepares you for:

The numbness, tightness, or pulling around your scar
Feeling disconnected from your core
The “C-section shelf” that doesn’t go away
Back, hip, or pelvic pain that lingers
Bladder symptoms that suddenly show up

And the hardest part?

Being told it’s “normal” to have C-section scar pain or issues
…or something you just have to live with.

➡️ But here’s what we want you to know:

Just because it’s common
doesn’t mean you're stuck with it.

Your body is capable of healing—with the right support.

At our clinic, we help women:
✨ Restore core strength and connection
✨ Improve scar mobility and reduce pain
✨ Address pelvic floor dysfunction (yes—even after a C-section)
✨ Feel strong, confident, and in control of their body again

And we do it differently:
✔️ One-on-one care with a specialist every visit
✔️ Whole-body approach (not just your scar or abs)
✔️ A plan built specifically for YOU

Because you deserve more than generic advice or being dismissed.

If something still feels “off”… it’s worth looking into.

Purple Mountain PT is a specialized pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are devoted to helping moms feel great, especially following giving birth via cesarean delivery. This is our specialty and you deserve personalized care. Call 616-516-4334 to learn if we can help you.

C-section recovery is more than just “letting time pass.” 🤍If you’ve had a C-section and are dealing with:• A lingering ...
04/03/2026

C-section recovery is more than just “letting time pass.” 🤍

If you’ve had a C-section and are dealing with:
• A lingering “shelf” above your scar
• Core weakness, diastasis recti abdominis or a belly that won’t reconnect
• Pain in your abdomen, back, or pelvis
• Leaking, pressure, or discomfort

We have a new article that details some of the statistics and insights our PTs have regarding Csection recovery. https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/03/c-section-recovery-through-physical-therapy/

Problems including pain, scar issues, leakage and weakness are common after a C-section and not something you have to live with. In fact, these issues tend to worsen as we get older, so addressing it today helps your quality of life today and in the future!

Research shows C-sections can double the risk of chronic pelvic pain and increase the likelihood of issues like incontinence and core dysfunction. And yet… most women are sent home with little guidance on how to truly heal.

At our clinic, we take a whole-body, one-on-one approach to your recovery.

We don’t just look at your scar—we help you:
✨ Improve scar mobility (so it’s not stuck or pulling)
✨ Rebuild your deep core + pelvic floor (with real-time ultrasound guidance)
✨ Restore strength, coordination, and confidence
✨ Calm an overactive nervous system contributing to pain

Using hands-on treatment, personalized exercise, and nervous system support, we help you feel strong, connected, and at home in your body again.

You deserve more than “just get through it.”
You deserve real healing.

Purple Mountain PT is a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We're here for you! Reach out to (616) 516-4334 to speak with one of our knowledgable team members.

Your birth story matters. And if it included a C-section, please know, we have big hearts and admiration for your experi...
04/01/2026

Your birth story matters. And if it included a C-section, please know, we have big hearts and admiration for your experience:

You are strong. You are brave. You are a champion! 🤍

C-sections are major abdominal surgeries—impacting seven layers of tissue—and while the outside may look healed in a few months, your body is still doing deeper healing for up to 12–18 months. If you’re dealing with pain, a “C-section shelf,” core weakness, or pelvic floor symptoms… you are NOT alone—and you are not stuck this way.

✨ DID YOU KNOW?
• Persistent C-section scar pain is treatable with pelvic health physical therapy
• That “C-section shelf” is often caused by scar tissue adhesions pulling inward—not just something you have to live with
• Up to 70% of women experience low back pain after a C-section—and it often improves with core retraining and better movement patterns
• A C-section does not protect you from pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, pressure, pain with intimacy)
• Scar restrictions can impact bladder, bowel, and sexual health—this is more than cosmetic

Here are a few ways to support your healing:
✨ Begin gentle scar massage (once fully healed) to improve mobility and reduce sensitivity
✨ Prioritize diaphragmatic breathing to reconnect your core + pelvic floor
✨ Avoid pushing through pain—your body needs strategic, progressive rehab
✨ Strengthen your deep core (especially for DRA and back support)
✨ Get expert, hands-on care—because this healing is not one-size-fits-all

We specialize in helping women:
✔ Reduce C-section shelf
✔ Heal Diastasis Recti (DRA)
✔ Improve pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, pressure, pain)
✔ Decrease back and pelvic pain
✔ Return to exercise, running, and feel like themselves again

You deserve to feel strong, connected, and confident in your body again 🤍
If this is your story—we’re here to help.

Purple Mountain PT is a speciality pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum PT clinic. Our PTs love to help our moms who had Csections overcome pain, weakness, scar tissue and pelvic floor issues. Call 616-516-4334 to chat!

These are examples of conditions that we have recently evaluated — but behind every symptom on that list is a real perso...
03/26/2026

These are examples of conditions that we have recently evaluated — but behind every symptom on that list is a real person who just wants to feel like themselves again 🤍

We love what we do and are honored to be trusted by our patients to provide personalized care that is one-on-one with an experienced and specialist physical therapist.

If you’re dealing with:
✨ Hip or back pain that just won’t go away
✨ Trying to prepare your body for pregnancy or birth
✨ Struggling with lingering C-section discomfort or weakness
✨ Constant urinary urgency or frequency that disrupts your day
✨ Hypermobility with pain in your hips, neck, or jaw

You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck this way.

These are the exact kinds of concerns we help every single day.

What makes our approach different?
We don’t hand you a generic plan and send you on your way.
We don't use aides. We don't treat two patients at one time.

✔️ Every visit is one-on-one with a specialized pelvic health and spine physical therapist
✔️ We look at your body as a whole system—not just one symptom
✔️ Your care is personalized to your goals, history, and your body
✔️ We focus on real, lasting results so you get back to living, moving, and thriving

Your condition may be complicated. We love complicated, that is our specialty. Our PTs are curious learners and dive into research and offer treatment approaches that include hands-on manual therapies with therapeutic exercises, customized to your needs and goals.

If something feels off, it’s worth getting answers—and a plan that actually works. If you are interested in learning more about how we may be able to help you, call 616-516-4334/ We received the Community Votes Best PT clinic in Grand Rapids award in 2025 and the Top 3 PT Clinics in Grand Rapids Award for 2025. It makes a difference when you are working with specialists devoted to personalized care.

Imagine my surprise when I received communication that Purple Mountain PT had been Awarded The Top 3 PT Clinics in Grand...
03/19/2026

Imagine my surprise when I received communication that Purple Mountain PT had been Awarded The Top 3 PT Clinics in Grand Rapids!

We are honored to receive this Award and know it is because of the trust and support of our incredible patients and community. We couldn't do this without you.

Thank You so much for your trust in us, spreading the word about our care and sharing some of your precious time with us on your journey to living your best life!

I established Purple Mountain PT with a mission to provide a higher level of care that is personalized, holistic, trauma informed and one-on-one with your specialist PT. Our PTs are dedicated to our specialty of pelvic health, spine and TMJ care. We do things differently here and appreciate that our patients are looking for excellence and results.

I extend a huge thank you to our Team. We are all devoted to serving patients with TLC and excellence. Everyone works attentively to our patients' needs and we all have hearts for service.

This Top 3 Award puts wind in our sails. Thank you!!

In Gratitude,
Maureen O'Keefe, DPT

Back pain relief that actually works. Not guesswork. Not pills. Not cookie cutter. This is comprehensive, holistic and p...
01/30/2026

Back pain relief that actually works. Not guesswork. Not pills. Not cookie cutter.

This is comprehensive, holistic and personalized treatment. Made JUST FOR YOU.

What do you want and what do we offer?
✔ Pain gone or dramatically reduced
✔ Personalized care — not cookie-cutter exercises
✔ Someone who listens, understands, and explains
✔ Real movement confidence
✔ Answers, not just “do this stretch"
✔️Combined manual therapies and corrective exercises.
✔️Customized home program that is focused, doesn't take ridiculous amounts of time and meets your specific needs.

This is not just "Stretch and Pray it helps". This goes beyond adjustments and alignment to get to the multifactorial issues contributing to persistent back and neck pain.

We treat the whole person, including:
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point release
• Joint + visceral mobilizations
• Retraining deep core control, motor control, movement patterns and posture
• Mind-body pain science education
• Ultrasound imaging to see what’s happening

Why working with our neck and back specialist PTs matters:

Pain isn’t just “tight muscles", a "weak core" or misaligned joints
Back pain can be:
🔹 Nervous system driven, fascia head-to-toe driven
🔹 Movement pattern related. Longterm build up of maladaptive issues that need to be uncovered and addressed.
🔹 Connected to breathing, posture, pelvic floor, hips
🔹 Influenced by stress & pain perception
We help you address all of it.

If you are looking for Less Pain. Better movement. More confidence, our specialist back pain PTs are here to help.

All the time, we hear patients give us feedback such as:
🟣 “I can stand without pain.”
🟣 “I can carry my kids without my midback killing me.”
🟣 “I’m stronger and more stable.”
🟣 “I feel so much better.”
🟣 “I’had no idea that the stretches I was doing were the wrong ones to do”
🟣 “I was sitting and could not believe it! I had no pain! it dawned on me that for the first time in a long time that I remember, I actually had NO pain!”

Your back can feel better — and stay better.

Ready to work with one of our specialist back, neck and pelvic health PTs? If you want to fix your back pain for good and are ready to commit to the process, we're here for you!

Real solutions. Personalized plans. No guesswork.

📞 We know you have questions. You probably have tried "everything". We're different. Call us at 616-516-4334 to chat with one of our knowledgable team members. We are a pelvic, spine and TMJ speciality clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our patients receive 55 minute appointments, with the undivided attention of their specialist PT, working privately.

Address

847 Parchment Drive SE Ste 101
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+16165164334

Website

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