What to Expect at Healthy Core

In traditional physical therapy settings, you might have been interviewed about your condition in an open gym setting, which is typical in sports medicine or orthopedic clinics. However, when dealing with core and pelvic floor issues or other personal concerns, privacy becomes crucial. Here's what you can anticipate when receiving treatment at Healthy Core:

You will be escorted to a private room where your physical therapist will review your medical history, discuss the background of your condition, and any treatments you have undergone. The therapist will educate you in anatomy and physiology, for example, clarify how tightness in one hip or misalignment in the pelvis can cause abnormal tension or pulling on the pelvic floor. You will learn how to maintain intra-abdominal pressure to reduce strain on the fascia and core muscles. To maximize your visit, please arrive well-hydrated, ready to learn, and wearing loose-fitting or athletic clothing.

What to Expect at the Initial Examination:

• Assessment of spinal mobility. Your therapist is looking for motion at each segment and stability at other segments, including sacral mobility and how well the sacrum moves on the lumbar spine.

• Evaluating leg length and pelvic alignment is important. When one of the hip bones is pulled forward, it can give the illusion that one leg is longer than the other, leading to unusual tension within the pelvis and along the spine.

• Evaluation of the range of motion and the capability of your pelvis to move relative to your spine.

• Evaluation of muscle strength, focusing specifically on your gluteal muscles, as well as the timing and coordination of your breathing and deep core muscles.

• Evaluation of muscle tone and trigger points relevant to the area for which you are seeking help.

• Evaluation of your abdominal wall strength and the mobility of your organs (viscera), if applicable, including your diaphragm and regions of tension around peripheral nerves exiting your pelvis, such as the sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, and obturator nerve.

• Evaluation of pelvic floor muscles both externally and intravaginally, if suitable for your specific condition. Usually, this is done at a later stage after pain has decreased and pelvic mobility and correct breathing have been reestablished.

What Treatment You Might Receive the First Day:

• Releasing trigger points and learning to self-treat hypertonic, dysfunctional muscles at home.

• Visceral mobilization - a deeper form of myofascial release to the abdominal wall, peripheral nerves and pelvic floor.

• Integrative dry needling therapy (optional) involves inserting a fine, microfilament tool into areas of tension and trigger points on both sides of the body, typically including the neck, lower back, hips, and legs.

• Guidance for a home exercise program includes restorative breathing, realignment exercises, stretching routines, self-trigger point techniques, and muscle retraining.

• Adjustments to your existing exercise routine. Regardless of whether you're an experienced athlete or a casual exerciser, we will consider suitable fitness and recreational activities for your situation.

• Setting goals - your therapist will establish attainable objectives and expectations for your recovery.

How You Might Feel After the First Appointment:

• Enhanced ability in walking, performing daily activities, and exercising.

• A feeling of empowerment and optimism, along with increased motivation to engage in exercise.

• Enhanced pain intensity and muscle performance. You may experience weakness or fatigue, though some individuals feel invigorated.

What to Expect at Follow-up Appointments:

• Your therapist will listen to your feedback on the previous treatment and the symptoms you are currently experiencing, usually scheduled once a week for four weeks.

• Your therapist will conduct a quick assessment of your hip range of motion and pelvic alignment to ensure they are symmetrical.

• You will undergo manual therapy, which may involve visceral mobilization, trigger point release, and/or dry needling therapy, based on the structures that remain tight or dysfunctional.

• Advancement of your home exercises with adjustments and extra exercises to tackle remaining challenges.

• Exploring your diet and gut health to optimize core muscle performance. This could involve a referral to a functional medicine specialist or allergist to tackle gut inflammation.

When Will You be Discharged From Therapy?

• When the initially set goals have been achieved by more than 90%.

• When you possess the right skills and exercises to manage your condition in the future.

• If you are no longer suitable for treatment at our clinic.

What if You are Not Ready to be on Your Own?

• You have the option to schedule a monthly Phase II appointment for a check-in with your therapist and to receive manual therapy. This is regarded as "maintenance" and might not be covered by health insurance.

• You may arrange a wellness dry needling session monthly or as frequently as necessary.

• Your therapist can leave your chart open for a brief period and periodically check on your progress independently. You can come back for a tune-up session later if you experience a flare-up. If more than a year has passed or you need assistance with a different issue, we will arrange a re-evaluation with your therapist.

We are committed to identifying the root cause of the issue and equipping you with the skills to proactively manage your health. You don't need to endure pain and dysfunction and a solution is available! We look forward to collaborating with you to achieve optimal living and health.