FAQS for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

 

Is pelvic floor physical therapy right for me?

If you experience urinary incontinence, urinary urgency/frequency, bowel or bladder symptoms, pelvic pain or pain with sex, had a C-section, are currently pregnant or have had a child in the past, you would benefit from a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation. We can develop a plan of care and exercises for you to address your symptoms and help you reach your goals!

What can I expect from my first Physical Therapy appointment?

You can choose to have your first appointment at one of our 2 clinic locations.  If you live near Cranberry Twp, prefer evening or Saturday morning appointments, your appointment will be at Greiner Health Solutions LLC.  If you live in the North Hills or need daytime appointments, your first appointment will be at Ascent Functional Wellness. We will sit down with you and go through your current symptoms and medical history. After discussing your history, your physical therapist will perform an exam. This will include assessing posture, the lower back, hips, abdomen and the pelvic floor (see below for more info on the pelvic floor exam). You have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have as we go!  If you choose to have your first appointment at your home, the exam will take place in the room of your choosing.

What is the pelvic floor exam? Do I have to have one?

This part of the physical exam involves clients undressing from the waist down, draping themselves in a sheet/towel and the physical therapist inserting one or two gloved fingers into the vaginal and/or one gloved finger into the rectum based on clients symptoms, complaints and presentation. This exam allows your physical therapist to assess the muscles of the pelvic floor to see if they are tight or weak. This exam is guided by you! If you are uncomfortable at any time or wish to stop, the exam can be stopped. Although this is the most accurate way to assess the pelvic floor muscles and get to the root of your symptoms, you do not have to have this exam performed.

Do you accept my insurance?

In order to provide the best possible care in one-on-one, hour long sessions, we have chosen to function as an out-of-network provider. This means we do not contract with or accept insurance.  Choosing to practice this way allows us to prioritize you and your needs instead of what the insurance company thinks you need. With this model of care, clients end up paying about the same as they would with insurance due to high co-pays and high deductibles. We will work with you to establish a frequency of care to help you reach your goals and get you back to doing what you love.

Do I need a referral/script from a doctor/OBGYN/Midwife for physical therapy?

No – not initially. The state of Pennsylvania offers Physical Therapist a Direct Access License. This means that can see you for 30 days without a referral from a doctor/OBGYN/Midwife. If treatment goes beyond 30 days, a referral/script is needed. Getting a referral/script is really very simple and only requires a quick phone call to your provider. They can then fax the order to us. Our fax number is 412-573-4881.

How much does a Physical Therapy visit cost?

In order to provide the best treatment possible and be able to focus on you and your goals, we chose to not contract with insurance companies.  The cost of the initial evaluation is $175.  Follow -up visits cost $150.  We accept HSA/FSA, check, credit card/debit cards and cash.

What is your treatment radius?

Mandy Kulifay PT, DPT, CLT-LANA is our in-home Physical Therapist.  She provides treatment to any client in or around the North Hills of Pittsburgh and Cranberry Twp, PA.  If you are further then 40 mins from Ascent Functional Wellness, a $15 travel fee may apply.  If you do not want in-home therapy, you can come to one of our 2 clinic locations!

 

FAQS for Postpartum Doula Services

 

What hours are you available to help my family?

We are available Monday thru Friday from 4:30pm – 9pm and anytime over the weekends. We do not currently provide overnight services. Dr. Thomas stays at home during the day with her 3 children provides physical therapy and postpartum doula services after her husband is done working.

Do you provide last-minute Postpartum Doula services or services without a contract?

Yes. If you need Postpartum Doula help for just one day, need some last-minute help around the house, or just want to rest, this may be the option for you. Dr. Thomas is available from 4:30pm to 9pm Monday to Friday for these services. We will do our best to schedule you in.

I need some help running errands now that I have a new baby. How does this work?

Clients will pay “Kinetic Pelvic Health LLC” for the time Dr. Thomas is running these errands. If she is buying groceries/diapers or other products you need, she will give you an itemized receipt and you will be able to pay her back via Venmo or Paypal.