Postpartum Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA
Physical Therapy Services After Pregnancy
How can physical therapy help during and after pregnancy?
While pregnancy comes with great rewards, it can take a toll on your body and mind. After all, you did just grow an entire human in there.
The mindblowing ability of the human body continues to amaze you though as you bounce back postpartum. However, you may be among the women who need a little help bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy self. If you do, embrace the experience because you may come out even stronger from it. During pregnancy, you connect with your body in new ways, similar to experiences in physical therapy.
Women can use physical therapy during the postpartum period (and pregnancy) to strengthen or address any discomfort in the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, or other areas of the body.
What is postpartum physical therapy?
Postpartum physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy can treat postpartum conditions, muscle loss, musculoskeletal concerns, or physical discomforts that follow pregnancy. The postpartum stage comes with ongoing physical changes, fluctuating hormone levels, and a lack of sleep, all of which can result in physical and emotional changes. In fight or flight mode, taking care of your baby is the top priority, but to show up as the best mom, you need to take care of yourself too.
Physical therapy can offer a gateway into physical exercise that can help you feel like you again. During pregnancy, your body likely experienced weight gain, ligament changes caused by secreted hormones, and trauma to the pelvic area (especially during delivery). As a result, conditions such as urinary incontinence, low back pain, diastasis recti, pelvic pain or dysfunction, and other conditions can occur. Postpartum physical therapy can be effective for these conditions and more.
What typically happens during postpartum physical therapy sessions at Release in Tysons?
At Release Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA you can start by choosing a compassionate and highly trained physical therapist to guide you on the road to recovery. Finding a physical therapist you trust and connect with is so important in treatment. All of our physical therapists actively listen and customize treatment plans just for you. You can expect to start your Release experience with a 1:1 private consultation.
During this time you can share your experiences and symptoms as well as your history. With a comprehensive understanding of your physical state, your Release Physical Therapist can customize a treatment plan that’s effective and sustainable. Your treatment plan may include pelvic floor muscle training, relaxation techniques, posture and body mechanics, and more. Work with your Release Physical Therapist to find a balance between physical therapy and life, putting in the work in person and at home. Throughout your journey, your Release Physical Therapist will be by your side making any adjustments along the way. Our postpartum physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy in Tysons can help you get back to feeling like your pre-pregnancy self faster.
Postpartum FAQs
Undoubtedly, nearly every mom has experienced changes in their pelvic floor from pregnancy and delivery. Physical therapy can work to strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. You might not view physical therapy as a need until you’ve experienced the results firsthand. Recovering during postpartum can be exhausting, literally. Physical therapy can help you feel more comfortable, stronger, and energized, thus helping you care for your baby. Whether you have pain or discomfort, or not, you can benefit from postpartum physical therapy. We encourage you to start with a 1:1 consultation to better understand what physical therapy can do for you.
Your Release Physical Therapist can assess your postpartum conditions to devise a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Conditions that are within the postpartum wheelhouse can include, but are not limited to the following.
- Urinary incontinence: Up to 30% of females experience urinary incontinence at the six-month postpartum milestone. It can be caused by a weakened pelvic floor.
- Diastasis Recti: During the second and third trimester, abdominal muscles stretch out. When the tendinous structure that runs down the middle of the rectus abdominis widens and separates, the condition diastasis recti will occur.
- Low back pain: Back pain can be incredibly uncomfortable. Especially when you’re holding a baby around the clock. Abdominal muscles can weaken during pregnancy. Simultaneously the curve in your lumbar spine becomes more pronounced. As a result, low back muscles are shortened. All of these changes can reduce the ability of core muscles to support the spine which can lead to back pain postpartum.
Post-pregnancy or postpartum is a time us women experience tremendous growth as individuals. As you recover from pregnancy and delivery, you are also facing the reality of sleepless nights and a sweet baby who needs you for everything. Fueled by the love you have for your baby, you continue to find ways to make everything possible. However, physical discomforts can stand in the way.
Post-pregnancy physical therapy can help you regain strength and overcome postpartum discomforts or conditions. Here are some of the benefits that postpartum physical therapy at Release Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA can offer you.
- Reduced pain or discomfort
- Enhanced mobility
- Improve balance and flexibility
- Strengthen the pelvic floor and core
- Regain confidence in your new role as mom to 1 or more
- Maintain the physical ability to care for your baby
After giving birth you can start physical therapy as soon as you feel comfortable. In some cases, you may have heard 6 weeks is the best time to start, but if you are experiencing pain or discomfort or need someone to guide you in your postpartum journey, feel free to get started sooner. Your Release Physical Therapist is always a phone call away. Call us here at Release and we can help you determine when to start your postpartum physical therapy journey.
Postpartum physical therapy should be customized to your specific needs, goals, and abilities. Therefore, the best determination of how many weeks or months physical therapy may be necessary is best decided by your Release Physical Therapist.
Post-pregnancy movement can boost your energy while strengthening your body. Postpartum women can benefit from pelvic floor exercises, breathing and postural strategies, walking, cat-cow movements, planks, and more. As you incorporate exercises into your at-home routine, move with intention and be gentle with your body. Your Release Physical Therapist can provide you with at-home exercises that are best suited for your personal recovery experience and goals.
Postpartum physical therapy at Release is tailored to each individual. With personalized solutions, we can help every individual on their path to recovery.
Grow into the new version of you faster with personalized postpartum physical therapy. . . contact Release in Tysons today!
About Release Physical Therapy
Release Physical Therapy is an award-winning physical therapy clinic, offering the best-in-class physical therapy to the Washington, D.C. area and surrounding communities. We offer flexible appointment times at two convenient locations in our Downtown and West End offices. Don’t wait to feel your best – schedule an appointment online or call our office at (202) 974-6621.
Our Approach
At Release Physical Therapy, we use evidence-based therapies to target the root cause of a condition, not just the symptoms. We offer a full range of treatments, including manual modalities, technology-assisted therapies, and both traditional and non-traditional techniques. We work one-on-one with our patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs, conditions, wellness goals and fitness levels. Common conditions we treat include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- AC joint injury
- ankle sprains
- ankle fracture
- ACL injuries
- arthritis
- back injury
- back pain
- bursitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- cervical radiculopathy
- cervical strains
- chronic pelvic pain
- CL inuries
- compartment syndrome
- degenerative joint disease
- herniated disk
- de Quervain tenosynovitis
- fibromyalgia
- frozen shoulder
- golfer’s elbow
- headaches / migrains
- hip replacements
- ITB syndrome
- impingement syndrome
- knee replacement
- neck pain
- nerve entrapment
- osteoporosis
- osteoarthritis
- overuse injuries
- knee cap pain syndrome
- knee tendinitis
- plantar fasciitis
- rotator cuff tear
- runner's knee
- scoliosis
- sciatica
- shoulder tendinitis
- spinal stenosis
- spondylolisthesis
- shin splints
- tennis elbow
- thoracic outlet syndrome
- TMJ dysfunction
- wrist fracture
- and several others...
What Patients Are Saying
Physical therapy is about results. Too often, patients discontinue therapy because of a bad experience. At Release Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care through patient education, on-going clinician training, and personalized approach to treatment. We believe that everyone should live pain-free and healthy. But don’t take it from us, read what our patients have to say about their experience with Release Physical Therapy.
Our Physical Therapists
Release Physical Therapy staffs the top physical therapists in Washington, DC. Our experienced and highly trained physical therapists specialize in treating the outpatient orthopedic population, including sports therapy, chronic pain management, orthopedic/spinal therapy, pre/post-surgical therapy, as well as wellness and prevention. Our PTs utilize a wide range of therapies and technologies to deliver a personalized care plan. All of our physical therapists are accepting new patients.
Dr. Cari Simon PT, DPT, CMTPT, ART
Owner & Physical Therapist, Release Physical Therapy Washington, D.C.
Dr. Cari Simon received her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford. A former All-New England and All-State soccer player, she was part of the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team pool, but ultimately decided to redirect her career in pursuit of her true passion: care. She is now one of the top physical therapists in Washington, DC. As one of the most highly regarded physical therapists in Washington, DC, Dr. Cari Simon’s treatment approach combines manual mobilization and manipulation techniques with individualized therapeutic exercise. She is a full body Active Release Technique (ART) provider. Additionally, Dr. Simon utilizes McConnell, athletic, and Kinesio Taping methods, as well as Trigger Point Dry Needle Therapy. When she is not helping her patients meet their physical goals, Dr. Simon enjoys networking with other physical therapists in Washington, DC, outdoor activities and spending time with her family.
Ethan Gramstad PT, DPT, CMTPT
Physical Therapist, Release Physical Therapy Washington, D.C.
Dr. Ethan Gramstad is the newest addition to the staff at Release Physical Therapy. A native of Virginia, he has recently relocated to Washington, DC following the last two years of practicing PT in Denver, Colorado. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia where he was a member of the UVA Men’s Rowing team for three years. It was that experience that ignited his interest in the science of exercise, as well as physiology and anatomy. He went on to obtain his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University from Norfolk, Virginia in 2017.
Dr. Gramstad uses manual therapy and mobilization techniques to obtain optimal patient outcomes and places a high priority on establishing a strong patient-therapist relationship. He focuses on assisting his patients in meeting their physical goals and finds satisfaction in the application of individualized exercise programs, as well as dry needling to achieve success. He has previous experience in providing pre and post-operative therapy protocols and treating the outpatient orthopedic population. Besides his rowing days, Dr. Gramstad has personally participated in endurance sports; running Cross Country and multiple marathons and continues to maintain a devotion to a rigorous gym regimen.
Dr. Stephanie Lam PT, DPT, CMTPT
Physical Therapist, Release Physical Therapy Washington, D.C.
Dr. Stephanie Lam received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the School of Health Technology and Management at Stony Brook University, after attaining dual degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Virginia. She is highly experienced in several fields of adult orthopedics, including post-surgical recovery, acute sports injury rehabilitation, athletic performance improvement, and chronic pain management. She also has a passion for pediatrics and has treated kids of all ages for congenital and developmental issues.
Dr. Lam uses her patient’s individual goals to guide treatment, addressing her patient’s symptomatic impairments while considering their day-to-day ability to function and perform athletic and recreational activities. Dr. Lam incorporates manual therapy throughout her treatments, specializing in extensive deep soft tissue manipulation and mobilizations of the spine and peripheral joints, as well as dry needling.
Deborah Ajala PT, DPT, COMT, CMTPT
Physical Therapist, Release Physical Therapy Washington, D.C.
Dr. Deborah Ajala is an astute physical therapist who takes her time to get to know her patients in order to provide the best possible care. Dr. Ajala’s lifelong passion for caregiving led her to a career in physical therapy. She received a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Exercise Science and Wellness Management from the University of Sciences in Philadelphia, where she obtained a Doctorate in Physical Therapy thereafter. Dr. Ajala holds certifications in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and Trigger Point Dry Needling (CMTPT). Her goal with each patient is to optimize their return to function.
Dr. Ajala previously worked at an Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic in Maryland as a staff clinician. There, she served a diverse patient population treating a wide range of orthopedic conditions including sports medicine, pre/post operative rehabilitation, overuse injuries and several others.
In her free time, Dr. Ajala enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and sports. She also enjoys exploring new DC neighborhoods and is a restaurant enthusiast.
Mia Smyser PT, DPT, COMT, CIDN
Physical Therapist, Pelvic Floor Therapist, Release Physical Therapy Tysons and Washington, D.C.
Dr. Mia Smyser is a native of the DMV. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami, after receiving her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. She thinks movement is of foundational importance and is dedicated to improving people’s mobility and function and helping them achieve their optimal physical well-being.
She is passionate about continuing to learn and grow in the profession. She is a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT), certified in Integrative Dry Needling and is continuing her coursework with Herman & Wallace as a pelvic health therapist.
Dr. Smyser previously worked at outpatient physical therapy clinics in Washington, DC and Falls Church, VA, treating a wide variety of conditions including sports medicine, pelvic health, pre/post-operative rehabilitation, and pediatrics, among others.
In her free time, she prioritizes spending time with her husband, son & dog; playing soccer and running; coaching HIIT and checking out new restaurants.
Release Physical Therapy Treatments
Our experienced physical therapists have advanced training in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy. Our physical therapy services include sports therapy, injury rehabilitation, pre-surgical therapy, post-surgical therapy, chronic pain management, as well as wellness and prevention. Specialized treatments at Release Physical Therapy include:
Shockwave Therapy
A non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions and promote healing.
K-Laser Therapy
The use of specific wavelengths of light to improve healing time, pain reduction, increase circulation and decrease swelling.
Dry Needling Washington DC
Needle treatment that decreases pain, increases range of motion and improves strength by inactivating myofascial trigger points.
Active Release Technique in Washington, D.C.
Massage and movement-based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Therapeutic Medical Massage
Reduces muscular pain and inflammation, relaxes overused muscles, improves posture and movement awareness, and enhances performance.
BFR Training Washington DC
Rehabilitation therapy and performance training technique using a personalized tourniquet system to reduce atrophy and increase strength.
Kineseo® Taping Method
Reduces muscular pain and inflammation, relaxes overused muscles, improves posture and movement awareness, and enhances performance.
Running Assessment Washington DC
Individualized analysis designed to identify strength, gait, and alignment imbalances to prevent injury and improve your current training program.
Functional Training
Exercise regimens that integrate multiple muscle groups, joints and the brain to assist in everyday movement, physical activities and athletics.
Graston Technique
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used to address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Release Physical Therapy Services
At Release Physical Therapy, we treat you with our hands, not just machines. We offer a full range of manual therapies, as well as both traditional and non-traditional techniques for the best in comprehensive care. We work one-on-one with our patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs, conditions, wellness goals and fitness levels.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Pelvic Floor Issues
At Release Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of your pelvic floor issues and create a personalized treatment plan to promote healing and alleviate the problems you’re experiencing.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Upper Back/Shoulder Pain
At Release Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists perform comprehensive assessments to see how they can help with your upper back pain. We then design individualized treatment plans aimed at promoting healing and relieving your specific issues.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Lower Back Pain
At Release Physical Therapy, our seasoned therapists perform comprehensive assessments to pinpoint the root causes of your lower back pain problems. We then design individualized treatment plans aimed at promoting healing and relieving your specific issues.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Knee Pain
At Release Physical Therapy, our seasoned therapists perform comprehensive assessments to pinpoint the root causes of your knee pain problems. We then design individualized treatment plans aimed at promoting healing and relieving your specific issues.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Ankle Pain
At Release Physical Therapy, our experienced therapists conduct thorough assessments to identify the underlying causes of your ankle discomfort. From there, we craft personalized treatment strategies tailored to foster healing and alleviate your unique concerns.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Tennis Elbow Pain
At Release Physical Therapy, our seasoned therapists perform comprehensive assessments to pinpoint the root causes of your tennis elbow pain problems. We then design individualized treatment plans aimed at promoting healing and relieving your specific issues.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Arthritis
At Release Physical Therapy, our expert therapists conduct thorough assessments to gain insight into your arthritis symptoms. With this understanding, we craft personalized treatment strategies aimed at promoting healing and addressing your unique requirements.
Release Physical Therapy Locations
Visit Release Physical Therapy at our flagship office in DC's West End, or our Downtown DC office located within Thesis Personal Training.
West End Location
2134 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037
DIRECTIONS
Hours
Mon – Thurs: 6:00am – 8:00pm
Fri: 6:00am – 5:00pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
Downtown Location
*Located within Thesis Personal Training
1401 New York Ave NW, #100, Washington, DC 20005
DIRECTIONS
Hours
Mon & Wed: 7:00am – 4:00pm
All Other Days: Closed
Now Accepting New Patients
Feel Your Very Best
Whether you’re an athlete that plays hard on the field, or a weekend warrior that plays hard in life, committing to a physical therapy program can help to keep you moving forward.
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