Personal Physical Therapy Services: Women's Health & Orthopedic Care

03/12/2026

02/14/2026

There are known effects of a condition that all women go through. Menopause. It affects all women differently. And all women may not need help to manage the symptoms of menopause. But what we do deserve as women is knowledge about what our bodies go through during this major life transition. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of osteoporosis, increased risk of mood changes such as depression and anxiety that one might not have experienced before this time, significant sleep disruptions! These can be helped by a thoughtful discussion with your menopause specialist (gynecologist usually) to explore the options that can best meet your needs and help you feel more like you again. And of course contact a women’s health PT for help too.

Labial & Cl****al Atrophy Explained

02/14/2026

The word is getting out due to the hard work of some great doctors who care about changing the narrative that women should not suffer through the “normal” effects of menopause. Menopause might be normal, but the consequences deserve compassionate care and treatment. Talk to your doctor AND call to get started with a women’s health PT.

01/26/2026

In an ortho or women’s health PT office, I see many women with straight forward musculoskeletal pain conditions and then there are those of us in either perimenopause or menopause. During this time in our lives, we experience increased pain. There IS a reason. PT still helps tremendously but so will having a conversation with your doctor regarding if hormone therapy is right for you.

01/24/2026

❄️ Office Closure ❄️

Due to the expected winter weather this weekend, our office will be closed on Monday, January 26th, 2026.

Wishing everyone warmth and safety.

I will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely and will post an update with any further changes to our office hours or operations.

Stay safe and warm!

01/22/2026

And pelvic floor PT is helpful for managing symptoms as well.

12/12/2025

If you have had cancer and cancer treatments, especially breast cancer or gynecological cancers, PT can help you recover function. Chemo and other treatments zap your strength and endurance, and can impact your urogenital function (bladder and bowel control, and pain with gun exams or intimacy), this doesn’t have to just be the new normal. Ask for a referral to pelvic & women’s health PT specialist, or reach out directly today. Often no referral is required.

12/12/2025

Such important information for every woman to learn!

Read all about here: https://open.substack.com/pub/drmaryclairehaver/p/what-really-happens-to-the-vulva

12/03/2025

Are you familiar with the AUA/SUFU/AUGS guideline on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?

Here are 5 takeaways regarding s*xual function:
1️⃣ Sexual symptoms are a core component of GSM
Sexual-health problems such as decreased lubrication/arousal, increased pain with in*******se (dyspareunia), and delayed or diminished or***ms are explicitly recognized as part of GSM.
🗨️ This means when you’re working with patients, s*xual function must be part of the assessment, and not just urinary or vaginal atrophy symptoms.

2️⃣ GSM s*xual symptoms don’t tend to resolve without treatment
Unlike vasomotor symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, night sweats) that may reduce over time, or with medical treatment, GSM-related s*xual problems tend to persist or worsen unless addressed.
🗨️ For your clinical practice, this underscores the importance of early screening, approaching patients with a trauma-informed care lens, and referring to a s*x therapist or counselor as appropriate.

3️⃣ There is strong evidence that low-dose local vaginal estrogen improves s*xual health outcomes
Local (vaginal) low-dose estrogen therapy has the most robust evidence base for improving GSM symptoms, including s*xual discomfort and dyspareunia.
🗨️ As a pelvic health specialist, this supports recommending or collaborating with prescribing practitioners on vaginal estrogen therapies when appropriate (and safe) for improving patient s*xual outcomes, including those patients who are on systemic estrogen therapy.

4️⃣ Emerging evidence supports vaginal DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) for s*xual function
The guideline mentions that vaginal DHEA has been shown to improve s*xual function, decrease vaginal pH, and improve vaginal epithelial anatomy.
🗨️ Pelvic PTs should educate and collaborate with prescribing practitioners on vaginal DHEA when appropriate, including for those patients who are on systemic estrogen therapy.

5️⃣ Shared decision-making and addressing s*xual wellness beyond anatomy are essential
This guideline emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making with respect to a patient's s*xual goals, preferences, psychological context, and overall quality of life.
🗨️ Clinicians need to consider the whole person and not just the physical/tissue changes that occur with GSM care.

References:
Kaufman, M. R., Ackerman, A. L., Amin, K. A., Coffey, M., Danan, E., Faubion, S. S., Hardart, A., Goldstein, I., Ippolito, G. M., Northington, G. M., Powell, C. R., Rubin, R. S., Westney, O. L., Wilson, T. S., & Lee, U. J. (2025). Executive Summary: The AUA/SUFU/AUGS Guideline on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 31(11), 1005–1014. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000001753

11/11/2025

Wow! I love Dr Rachel Rubin! A fierce advocate for women! Women’s health is having a moment! And as a women’s health/ pelvic health physical therapist provider, this is such an exciting time!!! Women’s health issues have been neglected but that’s changing a little every day. Recognition, validation for symptoms & suffering, and treatment options; that is something to be excited about!

11/10/2025

Wow. Progress toward safe and effective treatments options with less fear to help women address urogenital syndrome of menopause (GSM). Women are suffering with urinary leakage, serious UTIs, and vulvovaginal changes that can lead to pain with s*xual activity. Vaginal estrogen is a safe option for most women with GSM, or even Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (nursing mommas can have the same symptoms, due to decreased estrogen during the time they nurse). Ask for help if you are suffering with any of these issues, you can get help from your gynecologist, urologist, even your primary care possibly AND of course PT can be very helpful to address pelvic floor dysfunction.

The Food and Drug Administration will remove the "black box" warning from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products for menopause.

08/16/2025

There is truth to this. Women coming to physical therapy at this clinic will get information and treatment to add quality to your life, empower you to make decisions about your medical care and have effective discussions with your providers.