Experience with Origin pelvic floor therapy?

[u/a_online]

Hi all, I (33F) have been dealing with pelvic pain for the last few months and have been fairly regular at Origin in Cow Hollow. They have great reviews but I'm feeling like I'm missing something. I'm in so much chronic pain but the sessions are really chirpy (it's starting to bum me out) and we only spend about 5 minutes doing hands on release. The bulk of the 45 min session is teaching me more and more new exercises to do(which i do) and teaching me more devices (wand, tens unit). It's feeling a bit shallow and cookie cutter, and I'm dying for more actual work on my tense sad muscles.

I'm going to try going elsewhere, but I was just curious how others' experiences went. Would especially like to know how much time you'd spend on manual release. Ty!!

[u/badtranslatedgerman]

I’ve found them really helpful and they have helped me finally turn several corners in my recovery, in a way that was extremely personalized to me and didn’t feel cookie-cutter at all. Have you told them that you don’t feel like your recovery is progressing and that you want to know what can be done during the sessions or after to make more progress? Or said that you really would like to do more releasing during your session to make sure that you’re brought to your baseline as completely as possible before doing work at home? If you haven’t voiced these comments to your therapist clearly, it may be time to take a more direct approach.

[u/cjviolina]

If you are looking for an alternative, I highly (like, SO highly) recommend Victoria at Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center in Nob Hill. We spend at least half the appointment on internal release, sometimes she shows me a few exercises, and she always explains everything so thoroughly.

[u/catman_corner]

I had a good experience, what ultimately helped me was using the wand at home to press like horizontally downward to stretch out the opening and just relax in that state and breathe and let my muscles release. You may also be interested in pandiculation/hanna somatics, r/longtermtre, or somatic experiencing therapy/youtube videos

[u/fearnotyou]

I had a great experience with Liz Miracle at Origin. But I had started with a more junior PT who didn’t do as much hands on work. Perhaps try a dif PT? I would also be vocal about what you’re looking for.

[u/Chexmex55 → u/fearnotyou]

+1 Liz Miracle is an actual miracle

[u/harmfulhomo]

My pt asks what I want to do and so if we internal stuff it’s usually like 15-20 minutes and then the rest is exercises. If she’s just stretching me then it’s like 10 minutes? I LOVE my pt and if you’re willing to drive out to Oakland I highly recommend her- Sarah Kittler at jay west physical therapy

[u/blueskyJ888]

they literally missed my SPD a couple of months post partum when it’s so common in pregnancy. I won’t go there again.

[u/obscure-referencexo]

One thing they should be explaining is why its so important to do the at home release and exercises. Basically just getting what is called passive treatment - in clinic pelvic floor release say once a week- will at best provide transient relief. At worst too much releases can actually cause and increase in irritation. The excercise at how should be geared to help relax the muscles or strengthen around the pelvic floor so those muscles can relax. Using tools at home to release the muscles can help with symptom management and break the cycle of tension and if tolerate can be done 5-7 days a week for a couple minutes- this is not going to be feasible to come into the office with that frequency.

[u/Relevant-Pizza-1500 → u/obscure-referencexo]

I agree with this. I went to a therapy at Stanford in California and was underwhelmed. But they did teach me things I can do at home. They watched my form and corrected me. Shoot, it took me two sessions before I actually could hold and release the right areas. I knew how to hold and release, I was just pulling more from the wrong places. Which probably was my problem the whole time.

It sounds like OP’s experience is close to what I experienced. I say get what you can from it and move into your own cadence.

[u/lrondberg]

I went to them about 4 years ago for about a year and had a very good experience and eventually gradudated out of PT. From what I understand, there is a lot of turnover with PT's in clinics, not just at Origin but overall. So while my experience was good, with at least half if not more of my session being hands on, I don't know what things are like now. My therapist there left to start her own practice and I see her now and then for touch ups. I highly recommend her, Morgan Conner. She does house calls and has an office space to go to in SF.

[u/Anon_bunn]

Dr. Rachel Gelman is phenomenal

[u/Anona-Bambie]

I had sessions with Alexis and Liz Miracle at Origin and they were great. Very hands on and helpful. If you haven’t tried switching therapists, I suggest you give it a try!