Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC
Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC
Erika Darbro—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC, is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist at Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness in Chicago, Illinois. Erika Darbro embraces a holistic approach to care, beginning with patient education to help individuals better understand their condition. She employs a range of hands-on techniques, including visceral manipulation, myofascial release (both external and internal), therapeutic cupping, and dry needling. Erika also incorporates vagus nerve upregulation and yoga-based stretching to promote mobility and overall wellness. Her compassionate care focuses on empowering patients with effective tools and personalized treatments to improve quality of life and manage endometriosis symptoms naturally.
City: Chicago, IL, USA
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Dr. Fadel Azer
Dr. Fadel Azer
Dr Fadel Azer – Endometriosis Specialist
Summary: Dr Fadel Azer is a dedicated endometriosis specialist based in Lisle, IL, who offers compassionate, personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr Fadel understands the complex and multifactorial nature of endometriosis, including genetic, hormonal, immune, and environmental factors. As doctor Azer explains, deep endometriosis requires a thoughtful approach beyond conventional theories. Dr Fadel specializes in excision surgery combined with customized hormonal treatments such as Mirena IUD, oral contraceptives, and Depo-Provera to effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Dr Azer carefully evaluates persistent pain after surgery through a multidisciplinary team approach, working with pelvic pain specialists, physical therapists, and behavioral therapists. His commitment to thorough preoperative assessment and personalized postoperative care supports long-term relief and patient well-being. Patients looking for expert care in Lisle can trust Dr Fadel Azer for comprehensive, empathetic treatment of endometriosis.
City: Lisle, IL, USA
Philosophy of Endometriosis Care: I believe that the etiology of endometriosis is complex and multifactorial involving genetic, hormonal, immune, and environmental components. For most patients, I find a positive family history of the disease or one of its symptoms. While retrograde menstruation may initiate superficial endometriosis, deep endometriosis appears to have different mechanisms. Unlike superficial lesions, deep nodular lesions are not typically shed during menstruation, suggesting alternative theories such as coelomic metaplasia, induction of cellular transformation, and the embryonic remnant theory may better explain their origin. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences also contribute to the progression of both superficial and deep
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis?: Excision
Medication: Given the unique circumstances of each patient, I customize my treatment strategy accordingly. I offer a range of hormonal contraceptive options, including the Mirena IUD, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), and Depo-Provera. Medications are provided before, during (such as inserting a Mirena or Kyleena IUD post-excision surgery while the patient is still under anesthesia, particularly for younger patients or those aiming for fertility), and after surgery. While I typically refrain from routinely suggesting GnRH agonists or antagonists, I may contemplate their use in certain instances, particularly for addressing persistent postoperative pain.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: Preparation for managing postoperative persistent pain begins during preoperative consultations. I conduct thorough assessments, including detailed medical histories and comprehensive physical exams, along with pelvic pain evaluations to explore potential conditions like spastic pelvic floor syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. When central sensitization is suspected, I collaborate with a team comprising pelvic floor physical therapists, pelvic pain specialists, sex therapists, and behavioral therapists. I prescribe muscle relaxants to address pelvic floor spasms and provide treatment for interstitial cystitis or IBS through medications and lifestyle adjustments. In cases of suspected central sensitization, SSRIs may be prescribed. Additionally, I may consider GnRH agonists or antagonists for persistent postoperative pain management in specific scenarios.
Rebekah Wolinetz,PT, DPT, WCS
Rebekah Wolinetz, PT, DPT, WCS
Rebekah Wolinetz—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Rebekah Wolinetz, PT, DPT, WCS, is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist at Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness in Wheaton, IL. She takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to care, offering a blend of therapeutic techniques to support long-term relief and healing. Her treatment plans often include myofascial release, stretching, visceral mobilization, cupping, and dry needling. Rebekah Wolinetz also supports patients through dietary counseling or referrals to dietitians who specialize in women’s health, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Her warm and inclusive care empowers each patient to better understand their body and actively participate in their healing journey.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: Yes
What you should know about me: When treating patients with endometriosis, I take a holistic approach, including things such as myofascial release, stretching, visceral mobilization, dry needling, cupping, and diet counseling and/or referral to a dietitian who specializes in women’s health
Shayna Montello,PT, DPT
Shayna Montello, PT, DPT
Shayna Montello – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Shayna Montello, PT, DPT, is a compassionate endometriosis physical therapist at Lady Bird Physical Therapy in Wheaton, IL. She embraces a holistic approach to physical therapy, focusing on treating beyond the diagnosis to ensure each patient feels comfortable and actively involved in their healing journey. Her treatments include visceral mobilization, myofascial release, cupping, dry needling, and personalized stretches and exercises. She also collaborates with functional medicine doctors to provide comprehensive care. Shayna Montello’s patient-centered philosophy emphasizes education and empowerment, helping individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life with tailored therapies and support.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me: I believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. I treat beyond a diagnosis and make sure people are comfortable and a part of their healing process. I typically utilize visceral mobilization, myofasical release, cupping, dry needling, stretches/exercises, and referrals to functional medicine doctors.
