As the lead therapist at Reform, Abby is uniquely qualified to train pregnant and postpartum women beyond the rehabilitation process and back to the highest levels of athletic performance, including competitive performance. Taking into account nutrition, hormones, biomechanics, and health history, Abby is able to provide a systems-wide approach to pregnancy rehabilitation. As an athlete and mother with extensive medical and rehabilitation education and specialty continuing-education certifications in pelvic floor rehabilitation, she is able to offer her clients the highest level of personalized treatment. Reform Physical Therapy only employs the best trained medical and fitness professionals who echo Abby’s approach and background.
Who should be seeking Reform’s services?
Reform Physical Therapy treats exclusively women seeking to become pregnant, women who are already pregnant, and postpartum mothers who are active or who want to become active.
What injuries and symptoms do you treat?
We treat all pregnancy and postpartum related injuries and symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Piriformis syndrome
- Diastasis recti
- Hip pain
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction
- Round ligament/inguinal ligament pain
- Labral tears
- Femoral acetabular/CAM impingement
- Low back pain
- Dyspareunia
- Incontinence (stress, overflow, urge, and mixed urinary and fecal incontinence)
- SI Joint dysfunction
- Stress fractures
- C-section and episiotomy scar mobilization
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Thoracic/rib pain
Reform also offer services for pregnant and new moms who are looking for tailored fitness and conditioning programs but who are not candidates for physical therapy.
What is pelvic floor therapy?
The pelvic floor is the “basket” of your core. The handles wrap up into your abdominal cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor make up the basket that holds your bladder, uterus, small and large intestine, and other structures in your abdominal cavity. When the basket isn’t strong enough or gets overstretched, things can fall through the weaving of it (pelvic organ prolapse) or leak out (urinary or fecal incontinence). When it’s too tight, it can restrict the space and things can break through with sudden pressure on the tight weaving (stress urinary incontinence, trigger points, and painful sex). All parts of the core are essential for a female, especially an active female athlete during and after pregnancy, as the body changes forever from carrying a baby. A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess each of the three layers of the pelvic floor for dysfunction and provide treatment plans to combat the many issues a pregnant or postpartum mom might be experiencing.
What is the process of making an appointment?
Upon contacting us for an appointment, you will receive an email from our staff to coordinate a convenient date and time for your initial evaluation. For your information, we will send out information about what to expect and how to prepare for your internal pelvic floor exam. We are happy to answer questions either by email or phone.
Prior to your appointment, you will obtain a prescription for physical therapy from your doctor. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. During your first visit, a thorough history will be taken and and a physical assessment will be done, including examining mobility and stability. You and your therapist will decide whether or not your symptoms necessitate an internal pelvic floor exam and assessment. You can always decline an internal pelvic floor exam at any point during your duration as a patient at Reform Physical Therapy. As with all physical therapy appointments, you and your therapist will come up with a plan and you will be provided with at-home techniques and exercises to address your needs.
You can request an appointment directly from the website. Alternatively, email us at info@reformptnyc.com
What to expect from your initial evaluation?
As part of your first appointment with Reform each client will be evaluated based on a subjective assessment of medical history, an examination of the client utilizing evidence-based objective tests and measures, and a complete gross motor movement assessment.
Should an internal exam be necessary, the client will be informed of all aspects of the exam and consent to it prior to having her pelvic floor musculature assessed internally in a manner consistent with the standards of practice. Clients have the right to have another person present during the exam and may stop the exam at any time. A pelvic floor exam does not include the use of a speculum, nor does it assess the uterus or ovaries.
A personalized plan of care will be created for you, taking into account your goals, your time, and your current level of function.
What should I expect from each session?
Each session takes into account your goals, how you are feeling, and what you feel capable of on that day. A personalized treatment or exercise program is created for you that suits you in that moment, helping you achieve your goals. We will adapt any fitness or physical therapy treatment to your specific needs.
Each session is one-on-one and lasts approximately one hour. If at any point during that hour you need to attend to your newborn, nurse, or manage your life otherwise, interruptions are not a problem. Reform specializes in concierge service because we understand that you need the flexibility to do what is needed to care for your baby. It is the benefit of working with you in your home.
The best way to get the most out of each session is to have an open and continuous dialogue about treating and assessing your needs.
How often should I expect to have a session?
Depending on individual needs, sessions can be as often as 2 – 3 times per week or as little as once per month.
Do I need to purchase any equipment?
Any exercise equipment needed during the session will be provided.
Any equipment used outside of the treatment sessions is the responsibility of the client to purchase. Additionally, any equipment used internally is the responsibility of the client to purchase.
Do you have an in-studio offering?
Reform is focused on providing personalized services with the comfort and convenience of conducting the treatments in your home.
Do you take insurance?
Due to the nature of pelvic floor therapy and the unique in-home concierge service provided by Reform Physical Therapy, we do not accept insurance and are considered an out-of-network provider for all insurances. Payment is due at the time of service for each session. For reimbursement purposes, Reform is happy to provide a complete bill to patients for physical therapy services. All other services, including wellness and personal training, are not reimbursed by insurance companies. Additionally, we do not accept Medicare and, under law, are not permitted to provide physical therapy services normally covered under Medicare contracts.
How do I pay for my session?
We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Venmo payments are also welcome if you prefer to pay from your bank account. Personal checks are also accepted but are subject to a $25 return check fee. Fees are paid in full at the time of service.
What is the cost of a session?
Please reach out to us via our website or by email at info@reformptnyc.com with any questions regarding pricing, scheduling, or our services. We will be happy to discuss your needs and tailor a personalized program.
How do I make an appointment?
You can request an appointment directly from the website. Alternatively, email us at info@reformptnyc.com or call 212.739.9237
Pregnant and postpartum clients will be required to obtain a prescription for physical therapy from their Ob/gyn. Postpartum internal evaluations are only performed after the 6 week follow-up visit with the referring OB/gyn. External evaluations my be done at any time. Please contact us for any questions or clarification.
What if I have additional questions or concerns?
Please reach out to us via the website. Alternatively, email us at info@reformptnyc.com or call 212.739.9237