Integral Foundations Physical Therapy
Kathleen Neal, DPT
Customized Physical Therapy in the comfort of your own home
MANUAL THERAPY WOMEN'S HEALTH VESTIBULAR REHAB
This is a different approach to traditional Physical Therapy. Given all of our bodies' intricate systems that affect each other, it is important that you have a practitioner that understands the delicate balance between them. Muscles have to work together with and react to the lymphatics, neurological, cardiovascular, and visceral systems. This may mean that if you're coming to see me for neck pain, I will be evaluating all of your systems and treating other areas of the body that are contributing to your neck pain. This evaluation technique is helpful for all my patients (men and women) at any given stage of their injury; whether it is an acute issue or a chronic disorder.
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LGBTQ+ ALLY
Not all vestibular therapy is created equally. Vertigo is just one type of vestibular dysfunction. Neck and shoulder tightness can create dizziness or other disorienting sensations. Manual therapy, in conjunction with balance/vestibular exercises, and lifestyle modifications are highly effective methods to treat vestibular disorders.
The visceral organs and their associated layers are often overlooked in traditional therapy. This is unfortunate considering how adhesions between organs, the peritoneum and fascia have a direct effect on joint alignment and muscle firing efficiency. Understanding how these systems work together and utilizing manual therapy with muscle reeducation is crucial to helping patients recover.
Some workouts overtax the pelvic floor and women need to be aware how hormone fluctuation affect their performance and risk for injury throughout their menstrual cycle. Some unresolved hip or back pain can be due to a reproductive organ dysfunction or ineffective pelvic floor muscle firing.
It's no surprise that pregnancy and delivery can take a toll on a woman's body. If you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy, then there are ways that Physical Therapy can help. Postpartum Physical Therapy is also extremely helpful to help the uterus shed, reeducate abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and help with scar tissue management, whether they vaginal or external due to cesarean section.
Pain with intimacy is not normal. If you are experiencing pain with intimacy, know that you are not alone and there are ways to address this issue.
If you find yourself frequently urinating or experiencing incontinence, then I can evaluate several factors that lend to this; whether it be dietary factors, habitual practices that need to be modified, or a physiological issue such as a prolapse.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
About Kathleen Neal, DPT
I have been a Physical Therapist since 2010 after graduating with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL. I am originally from southeast Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2007. Since graduating, I have gravitated towards Women's Health with an emphasis in utilizing manual therapy as part of a holistic approach to treating pelvic floor/reproductive disorders. I have been exceedingly fortunate to have had wonderful mentors in my career. Despite my interest in Women's Health, I have extensive experience and knowledge in treating, TMJD (Temporo-mandibular Joint Dysfunction), orthopedic injuries and vestibular rehabilitation for those suffering with vertigo and other dizziness disorders.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PAYMENT
Integral Foundations PT is now a cash-based practice. This means, I will be accepting full payment at the time of your appointment. I will provide a Super-Bill for you to provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. I have no control over their reimbursement policies and you should bear in mind that your insurance policy might accept it to go towards your deductible.
LOCATION
Integral Foundations PT is now mobile in the Seattle area! This means I will come to you in the Seattle and Eastside areas (Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Kenmore, Issaquah). I have a massage table to perform manual therapy and based on our consultation, there may be other things to review such as ergonomic set-ups, exercises and/or other concerns you may have. I am also offering Telehealth Therapy for when you have questions or need to review items but do not require hands-on therapy.
ATTIRE
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting pants or shorts for your appointment. Please no jeans or spandex-style pants. This is a manual therapy practice so there will be a fair amount of hands-on contact. If you are ever uncomfortable please let me know immediately. I will be explaining what I will doing and why throughout the session. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I will be wearing a mask throughout the treatment. If you are unvaccinated, I kindly ask that you wear one as well due to the close proximity I will be working with you. This is in consideration of many of my patients are immunocompromised and I prefer not to risk getting them ill.