AREAS OF EXPERTISE
From Dr. Sarah Severios:
An Experienced Provider You Can Trust
I believe that physical therapy should be tailored to the individual. That’s why I take a personalized approach to each patient, providing one-on-one care to develop a unique, holistic, collaborative plan, based on the number of sessions that we both think is beneficial.
In addition to being a Certified Movement Links Clinician, I am board-certified in Orthopedics and Pelvic Health. My Ortho and Pelvic Health expertise, combined with a unique approach using Sahrmann, Janda, Movement Systems, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), allow me to provide the most comprehensive physical therapy service in the area.
I am uniquely qualified to treat the following:
Urinary Incontinence (Female)
Did you know that 1-2 out of 4 women will experience some to daily urinary incontinence? While many individuals think this is a "normal" part of aging, it is not! Also, up to 50% of nursing home residents have urinary incontinence. Women and nursing home residents are not the only ones who may suffer from urinary incontinence. There is hope…80% of pelvic floor disorders can be cured.
Urinary Incontinence (Male)
Urinary incontinence is common in men after prostate surgery and the incidence usually ranges from 11-34% in older men. Physical therapy is the first line of defense and prevention of urinary incontinence. A few simple exercises may greatly improve your urine control.
Pelvic Pain
In addition to treating urinary incontinence, we specialize in pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, and pelvic / abdominal pain from abdominal scar tissue after abdominal surgeries (most common surgeries are cesarean section and hysterectomy surgeries). Men may also suffer from pelvic pain. For example, groin, testicle, rectal pain, and pain with urination. We offer a variety of other services that can help patients relieve pain and optimize their physical health.
Bowel Dysfunctions
Constipation is the number one gastrointestinal complaint. Constipation is defined as less than 3 bowel movements per week for 6 months. Also, straining, incomplete emptying, and hard stools are associated with constipation. Up to 28% of Americans and 40% of the elderly may suffer from chronic constipation. In physical therapy we will discuss how specific pelvic floor muscles exercises, abdominal wall massage, water, and diet modifications that may help!
Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA)
DRA is the separation of the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis that occurs at linea alba. It may occur at belly button below or above the belly button or open diastasis – which is entire separation.
Causes of DRA:
Pregnancy / postpartum women are the most common patient population that will have dastasis - it occurs because of the growing uterus, hormone changes and relaxin weaken and softens connective tissue. The abdominal muscles and connective tissue become overstretched (like a zipper opening). For many women DRA does not resolve on its own.
DRA is also common on males who do heavy lifting, usually men ages 50-60 years old.
Obesity or high BMI have been linked with DRA.
Physical Therapy is the only conservative treatment that may reduce the diastasis width and depth. Please contact us if you would like more information on assessment, the most recommended exercises, and an individualized plan.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a supportive dysfunction due to childbirth, surgery, chronic constipation, or bearing pelvic floor muscles downward while lifting.
Symptoms:
May be asymptomatic
Sense a lump, “something coming down”
Feelings of pressure or heaviness in the vagina/rectum
Incomplete bladder emptying
Common Orthopedic Dysfunctions
Although our specialty is pelvic health, Sarah has completed an orthopedic residency and is able to treat common orthopedic injuries such as neck pain, shoulder pain, low back pain, hip pain, sciatica, knee and foot pain. These injuries could also be related to pelvic health dysfunction.