About Cara Hartoon and Our Practice
Welcome to Pure Pelvic PT! We're a pelvic only physical therapy establishment treating all the extra personal functions of the body.
A lot of patients get referred to pelvic PT and have no idea what it is or what a session will look like. Questions like these are common: Pelvic floor physical therapy: What is it? What are the session's like? How do I prepare for the initial eval? Can I bring someone with me? Will it hurt? What if it's hard for me to talk about these problems? A brief summary follows.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is much like any other type of PT, just in a more personal region and addressing more personal dysfunctions. We address biomechanical, neuromuscular, myofascial, autonomic and behavioral factors all contributing to one's dysfunction. Pure Pelvic PT uses a chronic pain approach to pain conditions to allow for an enduring improvement of symptoms; pain is so much more than a simple tissue injury. For a lot of people, discussing personal issues like sex life, bowel movements, incontinence, etc is tough. That's ok! These topics are treated openly with respect and zero judgement. Dressing in comfortable clothes that allow for gentle exercise is best. Initial evaluation involves an external exam of the low back, hip, and pelvic region (we must examine the parts that are bothering you) and often an internal vaginal or rectal exam. No stirrups or speculums are used and, unlike other internal exams, the patient is in full control of the process. If the patient is too uncomfortable, the exam stops. Period. Bringing a support person is just fine but eventually one-on-one will allow for both the patient and PT to focus on therapy. Sometimes exam and/or manual therapy is a little uncomfortable but, again, the patient always dictates tolerance. Bottom line: we need to get you back to living your life without these issues.
Dedicated to Excellence
I hold myself to an extremely high-level of excellence in every aspect of my practice. This includes the care I provide, the equipment that I use, the health and safety protocols that I follow, and the incidental services that I offer. Above all, my aim is to provide each of my patients with an optimal experience.
Experienced Healthcare Provider
I have completed extensive education and clinical training as well as specialized training in my areas of expertise. Driven to constantly improve my knowledge in the area of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, I frequently attend educational conferences and professional society meetings to learn about the latest advancements in the field and offer these techniques and technologies to patients.
The Importance of Patient Education
I strongly believe that patient education is an important part of the services I provide. In addition to talking with patients during exams and throughout the course of treatment regimens, I have provided extensive information on the conditions, treatments and procedures relating to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
This clinical information has been written with you -- the patient -- in mind and includes graphical illustrations and photographs. It can be printed in an easy-to-read layout on your home printer. I encourage patients to read about conditions and treatments that affect them and I eagerly invite you to ask questions. Thank you for choosing me to be your health care provider.
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