I came here during my third trimester of pregnancy to try to prep for a natural birth/vaginal birth. Afterwards, I came postpartum after my emergency C Section.
Pelvic floor therapy can help with many aspects of pregnancy, including pain, incontinence, labor, and also help with postpartum recovery. Pelvic floor therapy uses exercise, stretching, and manual techniques.
There is only one entrance to drive in, to enter the parking lot, and then the office is located on the 2nd floor. If you need to use the bathroom prior to your visit or during, the key is located right when you walk into 204A. Their waiting room is the second door down after entering 204A. The nice thing is that they also have toys and a playmat for your child to play while you are undergoing your session. Or they can help hold your baby while you are trying out the exercise. That was a huge relief, as sometimes we just didn't have care/someone to watch my son during one of my sessions.
I worked with Dr. Macy Basterrechea, and felt comfortable since my initial first visit. We went through exercises and movements for me to practice for birth, and I learned more about my pelvic floor. I honestly did not know what my vagina area was like and feel more educated afterwards (I was immature during gym and science classes). We also had a session where my husband came, and also practiced labor positions with me to prepare for birth.
Dr. Macy sent emails during the time of my estimated birth for my son to check on me. I had emailed her back letting her know he wasn't here yet. And then when he did come, I ended up had a traumatic birthing experience (everything went opposite of what I had hoped for) and underwent a emergency C section. During postpartum, I remembered Dr. Macy's email and updated her that our son Luke was here! She provided her recommendations on what to do postpartum and also what to work on with her if I was interested. She followed up with me to see how I was doing.
Once I was able to walk again, I scheduled time with her. I ended up going with the 8 month session package. Due to me undergoing labor for 16 hours and then the c section, my recovery steps were a bit different than a vaginal birth or a csection. I ended up learning a lot about my c section scar, and she helped me loosen the area which was super tight with massages along with directions on what to work on at home. I'm no longer afraid now to touch my c section scar which I was initially super afraid of, and now rub it frequently to reintroduce it to my brain, when it's feeling a bit off. I've been slowly regaining my core and working on areas when I can.
I am now able to move a lot better after our sessions and am thankful for working with Dr. Macy in my C section recovery. My current issues right now is carpal tunnel which we are addressing with exercises and kinestic tape, and strengthening my core. Dr. Macy has been helpful in addressing a lot of the pains I had, and she provides attentive care and attention. I like the fact that it is easy to text with Dr. Macy and the office (Peyton) if any questions.
I would highly recommend Empower Physical therapy to any expecting or postpartum parent nearby Rancho Bernardo. And of course, further if you are okay with the drive. The entire team at Empower Physical Therapy are knowledgeable and are such the safe space to be in if you have any issues with pelvic pain or urinary, birth prepartion, and postpartum. read more
