Archives

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4 years ago

Claire Hamnett, PT, DPT

Claire Hamnett, PT, DPT

Claire Hamnett – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Claire Hamnett is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist in New York who takes a whole-person approach to pelvic health. At Spruce Physical Therapy, Claire Hamnett blends expertise in orthopedics with a deep understanding of bladder, bowel, and sexual function to support patients in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and reclaiming their quality of life.

Through evidence-based care, Claire offers hands-on techniques like myofascial release, along with targeted exercises to strengthen muscle imbalances. She incorporates yoga, Pilates, and sports-specific interventions to meet each patient’s unique needs. With a strong focus on collaboration, Claire Hamnett works closely with other specialists to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible. Passionate about advocacy and empowerment, she is committed to helping those with endometriosis feel heard, supported, and truly cared for throughout their healing journey.

Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: At Solstice Physiotherapy, we specialize in pelvic health. Our goals are to restore function and eliminate pain so that patients can improve their daily functionality. We treat a complex part of the body by integrating our knowledge of orthopedics, bladder, bowel, and sexual function to fully understand the entire person. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we focus on communicating with other specialists and providers to create an appropriate treatment plan and provide the best care to our patients. We practice myofascial release, strengthening associated muscle weakness, and providing evidence-based intervention. We also perform yoga, pilates, and sports-specific intervention. We are committed to helping patients decrease symptoms and live the life they want, pain-free. We believe in empowering our patients and advocating for them.

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4 years ago

Dr. Jon Einarsson

Jon Einarsson, M.D.,

Dr Jon Einarsson MD – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Summary: Dr Jon Einarsson, MD, a leading endometriosis specialist in Boston, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women with pelvic health concerns. With expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Dr. Einarsson focuses on the complete excision of endometriosis, recognizing that its origins are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. While surgery is the primary treatment, he emphasizes the importance of a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to address persistent pain and recurrence. After surgery, Dr. Einarsson often recommends hormonal options like continuous birth control or a hormonal IUD to help reduce the risk of recurrence. He works closely with a team of specialists, including pain experts and pelvic floor physical therapists, to offer holistic care that promotes long-term relief and well-being for his patients. With Dr. Einarsson, you receive thoughtful, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.

City: Boston, MA, USA

Philosophy: The origin of endometriosis is probably multifactorial and includes coelomic metaplasia, retrograde menstruation and genetic predisposition. Complete excision is the mainstay of the surgical approach, but since endometriosis can be found in lymph nodes and elsewhere, recurrences can occur even in the best of hands since microscopic implants may continue to evolve after surgery. This is correlated with age, with a higher risk of recurrence in younger patients.

Medication: In patients who are not contemplating pregnancy after surgery, I generally recommend either continuous birth control pills, hormonal IUD, or oral progestins. This has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence and repeat surgery. These agents are also better tolerated and equally effective to medications such as Lupron, which we generally do not use.

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: A multidisciplinary approach to pain is essential. We, therefore, work closely with other disciplines such as pain experts, gastroenterology, urology, pelvic floor physical therapy, etc. The goal is to alleviate the patient’s symptoms, and sometimes the main cause of symptoms may not be endometriosis, although this is the most common etiology.

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4 years ago

Niva Herzig, PT, DPT

Niva Herzig, PT, DPT

Niva Herzig – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Niva Herzig is a compassionate and highly skilled endometriosis physical therapist based in Englewood, New Jersey. With a patient-first philosophy, Niva Herzig creates a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard and empowered in their healing journey. She combines her expertise in physical therapy with training in health coaching and sexual counseling to provide holistic, personalized care.

At Core Dynamics Physical Therapy, Dr. Herzig uses a variety of hands-on techniques—including myofascial release, visceral mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and cupping—alongside neuromuscular re-education and pain science approaches such as guided imagery and graded exposure. She also incorporates tailored exercise and movement strategies to restore function and reduce pain. Patients working with Niva Herzig benefit from her integrative, evidence-based methods and her deep commitment to improving the quality of life for those living with endometriosis.

Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual

Spoken languages: English, Hebrew

Interpreting services for other languages: No

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: My approach is patient first: I provide space and time to hear the story, guidance, and resources when needed. My background, in addition to PT, includes health coaching and sexual counseling (in the process). PT approach using manual therapy (myofascial, visceral mobilization, soft tissue, cupping, etc.), neuromuscular re-Ed: pain science (graded exposure, guided imagery, etc.), exercise, and movement.

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4 years ago

Juan Michelle Martin, PT, DPT

Juan Michelle Martin, PT, DPT

Juan Michelle Martin –  Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Juan Michelle Martin is a dedicated pelvic health specialist at JMM Health Solutions in Georgia, USA, offering comprehensive care for patients with endometriosis. Juan Michelle Martin believes in a holistic approach that addresses not only pelvic floor dysfunction but also lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional wellness. Treatment sessions often include manual therapy, myofascial release, visceral mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, and relaxation techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Understanding that endometriosis can affect many aspects of life, Juan Michelle Martin works collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists, GI specialists, and gynecologists, to provide well-rounded care. At JMM Health Solutions, patients are treated with compassion, respect, and individualized attention, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Juan Michelle Martin’s warm and patient-centered philosophy helps those with endometriosis find relief and improved quality of life through personalized, empathetic care.

Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I believe that patients with endometriosis need to be approached from a comprehensive and holistic perspective. These clients often will have so many things going on. My sessions will typically include pelvic floor therapy comprising manual therapy, myofascial release, visceral mobilization, mobility work, visual imagery, relaxation, neuromuscular re-education, and education. They will also entail lifestyle habits and changes as necessary, nutrition components, wellness, and lifestyle management. I love working collaboratively with other professionals and often refer these clients as needed to other professionals who can also serve them, including nutritionists and functional medicine providers, GI specialists, GYNs, etc.

What should be known about you: I founded my practice, JMM Health Solutions, on being a beacon within my community. When clients come in, they are not a number, nor do I want them to feel that way. They need to feel cared for, respected, and listened to. That might mean that they need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and not just a clinician, and I provide that within my office. Patients with endometriosis have been through so much, and I believe that compassionate care is truly the way to serve this population best.

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4 years ago

Dr. Shanti Mohling

Shanti Mohling, M.D.

Dr Shanti Mohling – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Summary: Dr Shanti Mohling, an experienced endometriosis specialist based in Portland, OR, takes a multifaceted approach to treating pelvic pain and endometriosis. Dr Mohling believes endometriosis originates during embryogenesis, and hormonal changes at menarche trigger its progression. Her philosophy combines a deep understanding of the condition’s genetic and environmental factors. With a focus on complete excision, Dr Mohling works to arrest the disease and improve her patients’ quality of life. She offers various hormonal therapies, including progestin-only contraceptives and bioidentical hormone therapy for surgical menopause patients. For pain management, she uses a combination of NSAIDs, nerve modulation, and sometimes Botox for pelvic floor myalgia. Dr Mohling’s holistic approach also includes collaboration with specialists in areas like functional medicine, pelvic floor physical therapy, and nutritional support, making her a compassionate and thorough provider for patients seeking expert care for endometriosis.

Incorporating her expertise and dedication, Dr Shanti Mohling is a trusted name in Portland for patients looking for comprehensive care in treating endometriosis and pelvic pain.

City: Portland, OR, USA

Philosophy: I believe endometriosis has multifactorial origins. Regarding surgical management, I treat it as though its origin begins with development during embryogenesis as the müllerian system is migrating. I believe most patients with endometriosis are born with it and that it flourishes during menarche with advent of hormonal changes. I also believe that there is a component of environmental impact such that a patient with genetic predisposition (and abnormal cells from embryogenesis) may do worse with an inflammatory environment (foods, pollution, stress, etc.). However, I believe that complete excision should mostly arrest disease and my treatment is based on mullerianosis as the genesis.

Medication: I work with patients in a collaborative fashion to arrive at the best option for each individual.
Hormonal therapies: Progestin-only contraceptives, combination oral contraceptives, Levonorgestrel IUD, Nexplanon occasionally. I almost never offer Depo Medroxyprogesterone acetate (due to side-effects) or GnRH analogs (due to side-effect profile and long-term negative effects). I have worked with bioidentical hormone therapy for over 20 years and also incorporate that when appropriate, such as in patients who have undergone surgical menopause or patients who do not tolerate synthetic hormonal therapy.
For pain: NSAIDS, occasionally narcotics, naltrexone and occasionally Medical Marijuana when appropriate. Sometimes neuromodulators such as gabapentin and pregabalin. I often recommend amitriptyline, especially in the case of interstitial cystitis. Finally, I sometimes prescribe compounded vaginal suppositories which may include valium, baclofen or ketamine.
I also use Botox for pelvic floor myalgia on a routine basis.

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: I believe most pelvic pain is multifactorial: endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, bowel dysfunction (to include IBS, SIBO, Intestinal Permeability, gastroparesis), myofascial pain and neuropathic pain. At the initial work-up, I attempt to identify each of these contributors. Yesterday, I saw a postop patient who had had extensive endometriosis excised and confirmed by pathology. She had persistent pain. We reviewed her history of bowel symptoms, history of schistosomiasis and giardia (she had worked in Africa) as well as an exam suggesting pelvic floor myalgia. She will now work with a functional medicine specialist and pelvic floor physical therapist. We also discussed hormonal options (progesterone has a distinct effect on gastric function). This is very typical of my approach.

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4 years ago

Dr. Chris Kliethermes

Chris Kliethermes, M.D.

Dr Chris Kliethermes – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Summary: Dr Chris Kliethermes is a compassionate endometriosis specialist and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Troy, MI. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of endometriosis, Dr. Kliethermes is known for his commitment to optimal excision and restoring normal anatomy—an approach influenced by his training under Dr. Patrick Yeung. Patients seeking expert care appreciate Dr. Kliethermes’s balanced perspective on treatment options and his personalized approach to managing endometriosis pain. Whether you’re researching Dr. Kliethermes or looking for insights into Chris Kliethermes’s surgical philosophy, his profile provides both clinical expertise and patient-centered care.

In addition to surgery, Dr. Kliethermes supports patients with education on hormonal options and collaborates closely with pain specialists, physical therapists, and fertility experts. His goal is always to guide each patient toward effective, long-term relief with warmth and professionalism.

City: Troy, MI, USA

Philosophy: At this point, I take all theories into consideration as possible origins for endometriosis. I inform my patient about the Mullerianosis, stem cell/retrograde flow, or vascular dissemination theories. My goal is to best treat my patients and, until we learn more about the disease, try to look at aspects of research being conducted for origins. Training with Dr. Patrick Yeung in residency, I fully agree with his teachings of optimal excision and restoration of normal anatomy as essential to properly treat the disease surgically.

Medication: Medication does not treat endometriosis, but more masks symptoms. I do offer patients who are not interested in pregnancy hormonal suppression following surgery, pending their postoperative pain, as I have seen decreased pelvic pain in patients with a levonorgestrel IUD. For patients that are absolutely adamant they want to avoid surgery (which is extremely rare) the IUD is again my preferred method. I often will educate pre- and post-op patients regarding the GnRH analogs and give them the autonomy to choose these methods if desired, although I do believe the benefits of these medications do not outweigh the cons.

Approach to Persistent Pain: For patients with persistent symptoms after surgery, I have multiple options, assuming optimal excision. Our hospital system has access to pain specialists, physical therapy, other surgical specialties, and nutritionists. Thus far, I have only had to utilize them sparingly, but I am lucky to have their services accessible. There are also local sex therapists. I work closely with and often get referrals from our REI department, with whom I consult frequently for fertility concerns.

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4 years ago

Rebecca Patton, PT, DPT

Rebecca Patton, PT, DPT

Rebecca Patton – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Rebecca Patton is a dedicated pelvic health physical therapist based in Arizona, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Rebecca Patton specializes in supporting patients with endometriosis by focusing on pain management before and after surgery. Her approach includes calming techniques to downregulate the nervous system, such as visceral and nerve mobilization, breathing exercises, and dry needling when appropriate. Understanding that every patient’s journey is unique, Rebecca Patton tailors treatment plans to individual goals—whether that involves pelvic floor retraining, managing bowel and bladder symptoms, or returning to joyful activities. She advocates for inclusive, gender-affirming care, ensuring a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Rebecca Patton prioritizes clear communication with interdisciplinary teams to help patients navigate complex care pathways with confidence and ease. Her practice reflects empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to empowering each person on their healing journey.

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: Yes

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: If I suspect endo based on their symptoms, my main priority is getting them to an endo specialist for a formal diagnosis and surgery. That can take a few months for them to get paperwork together and finally see the specialist. During that time during physical therapy, we focus on pain management.

This is typically in a calm environment (dim lighting and meditation tones are helpful to relax the nervous system). I provide an environment that helps downtrain the CNS with visceral and nerve mobilization, passive mobility, and breathing techniques.

After surgery, it depends on the person and their individual goals. Some want to continue visceral mobility. Some want to focus on pelvic floor retraining and possibly integrating dilators. Some are trying to manage bowel and bladder symptoms.
Others are trying to get back to exercise or recreational activities. I use dry needling if appropriate and if I feel someone’s nervous system will respond well. Improving management of bowel and bladder hygiene can be accomplished through pelvic floor retraining, breath work, CNS down training, visceral and fascism mobility and getting back to joyful activities.

Interdisciplinary care and communication are important and can involve the surgeon/specialist, GYN, PCP, nutritionist, acupuncturist, GI/colorectal doc, or urogynecologist, just to name a few. I try to help my patients navigate this complex system so they can prioritize their care and not feel as overwhelmed. The most important thing I have learned is that although endo can have a lot of similar symptoms, every patient is individual in their goals, factors that exacerbate their symptoms, activity tolerance, and overall lifestyle. I try to meet them where they are at for treatment, and goals may change over time.

More information: My main priority is providing a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. I am an advocate for gender-inclusive language, inclusive and affirming intake paperwork, and not assuming heteronormative or cisnormative lifestyles when asking my patients about sexual health and gender identity.

I always have my pronoun pin on. I want to normalize transgender individuals seeking care for pelvic physical therapy.

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4 years ago

Rebekah Slafka, PT, DPT

Rebekah Slafka, PT, DPT

Rebekah Slafka – Endomteriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Rebekah Slafka is a dedicated pelvic floor physical therapist passionate about empowering patients with compassionate, individualized care. Based in Ohio, Rebekah Slafka is one of the few therapists in the state with PRPC accreditation from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and is a certified Endometriosis Physical Therapist on iCareBetter. She offers a biopsychosocial approach, integrating manual techniques such as cupping, dry needling, myofascial release, and visceral mobilizations to address pelvic floor dysfunction in women, men, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Having personally experienced pelvic floor challenges, Rebekah Slafka understands the profound impact of chronic pain and pelvic health issues. Her goal is to support patients as both a knowledgeable provider and compassionate partner on their journey to lasting wellness. Outside of work, she enjoys renovating her farmhouse and spending quality time with her family in Lebanon, Ohio.

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: Yes

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: As a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist, I’m passionate about all things pelvic floor—and providing care that helps patients feel seen, heard, loved, and empowered. I have been working in this specialty since 2018, with expertise in helping patients—women, men, and those within the LGBTQIA+ population—with diverse diagnoses. I am one of the few physical therapists in Ohio to earn a PRPC accreditation from the International Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and I’m also a certified Endometriosis Physical Therapist on iCareBetter. I am manually trained and believe in taking a biopsychosocial approach to care. My specialties include cupping, integrative dry needling, muscle energy techniques, visceral mobilizations, myofascial release, and more. Beyond my skillset, I’ve also experienced living with pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. I know firsthand how much pelvic floor dysfunction can affect your life—and how hard it can be to find a provider who understands and advocates for you. My goal is to be both your provider and your partner in achieving sustainable, functional wellness. When I’m not doing all things pelvic floor, you’ll find me fixing up our Lebanon farmhouse and spending time with my husband and two daughters.

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4 years ago

Jennafer Vandevegte, PT, MSPT

Jennafer Vandevegte, PT, MSPT

Jennafer Vandevegte – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Jennafer Vandevegte is a dedicated pelvic health therapist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who provides compassionate, personalized care for her patients. Jennafer Vandevegte believes in a team approach, working closely with each individual to honor their unique story and goals. Her treatments blend evidence-based techniques such as visceral therapy, nervous system down-regulation, and myofascial release with holistic practices like yoga, stretching, meditation, and mindfulness. Jennafer Vandevegte also emphasizes the importance of diet, nutrition, and self-care in promoting overall pelvic health. Committed to walking alongside her patients on their journey to improved wellness, she creates customized plans that support healing and empower individuals to regain control of their bodies. With a warm and professional approach, Jennafer Vandevegte offers patient-centered care at Spectrum Health Rehabilitation in Michigan, ensuring each patient’s experience is both effective and supportive.

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: Yes

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: It’s an honor and a privilege to walk with someone on their journey to improve their pelvic health. I use a team approach with my patients, taking into account their unique story and goals. I utilize multiple approaches such as visceral nervous system downregulation, my official work, yoga, stretching, meditation and mindfulness, diet and nutrition, and self-care.

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4 years ago

Jessica Reale, PT, DPT

Jessica Reale, PT, DPT

Jessica Reale – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Jessica Reale is a skilled physical therapist based in Georgia, USA, who specializes in supporting patients with endometriosis through a multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach. Jessica Reale works closely with excision specialists and pelvic pain physicians to provide comprehensive care. Her therapy focuses on helping patients move more freely with less pain by incorporating gentle manual therapies and yoga-inspired movements.

Jessica Reale uses a range of manual techniques, including visceral mobilization, myofascial release, scar tissue mobilization, cupping, and dry needling, tailored to each patient’s needs. She also emphasizes behavioral education, mindfulness, and coaching to optimize bowel, bladder, and sexual health. Offering both office and virtual visits, Jessica Reale guides patients toward effective self-care strategies to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. Her warm, patient-centered care makes her a trusted choice for individuals managing endometriosis.

Visit types: Office/Hospital, and Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: Yes

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies:

I believe most people with endometriosis require a multidisciplinary approach. I work with amazing excision specialists and other physicians specializing in pelvic pain. As far as physical therapy, my approach is guided by current evidence in pain science. My goal is to help people move more freely with less pain. I love yoga and use many of these movements in my practice. I also enjoy gentle manual therapies. I use a variety of manual therapy techniques, including visceral mobilization, myofascial release, scar tissue mobilization, connective tissue mobilization, positional release techniques, cupping, and dry needling. I also help patients through behavioral education and coaching for mindfulness, meditation, and optimizing bowel, bladder, and sexual health. I use both external and internal techniques, and my goal is to help my patients learn self-care strategies and optimize their health.

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4 years ago

Caitlyn Rumsey, PT, DPT

Caitlyn Rumsey, PT, DPT

Caitlyn Rumsey – Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Caitlyn Rumsey is a dedicated pelvic health physical therapist who brings a unique, personal perspective to her care, as she herself lives with endometriosis. This firsthand experience allows Caitlyn Rumsey to deeply understand the challenges faced by her patients and provide compassionate, empathetic treatment. Based in Kansas, USA, her approach goes beyond the pelvis to consider the entire movement system from head to toe.

Caitlyn Rumsey focuses on patient-centered care, emphasizing education and autonomy in the healthcare journey. Recognizing that individuals with endometriosis often have sensitized, overactive nervous systems, she uses gentle, evidence-based techniques such as myofascial release, breathwork, yoga, and nervous system desensitization. Caitlyn’s holistic and personalized treatment supports improved function and quality of life for those living with pelvic pain and endometriosis, making her a trusted partner in your healing process.

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies:

As a pelvic health physical therapist who also has endometriosis, I believe I offer a unique perspective for treatment with a personal connection. I truly empathize with all the aspects of life touched by endometriosis and pelvic pain. My practice offers holistic evaluation and treatment, looking beyond the pelvis at the movement system from head to toes. The care is patient-centered, with the patient as a crucial part of the healthcare team. I help my patients navigate their care and value autonomy with healthcare education. Individuals with endometriosis often have overactive nervous systems and responses. It is important to use gentle treatment modalities for the sensitized system. This may include external and internal myofascial work, yoga, breathwork, and desensitization of the nervous system.

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4 years ago

Shaista Ambreen, PT, DPT

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies:

I believe PT can play a greater role in treating endometriosis patients. We can apply many techniques to overcome the issues related to Endometriosis.

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