Specialties

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an advanced orthopedic specialization, which means we treat the entire musculoskeletal system.

Our patients of all genders seek our help with pelvic pain, prenatal and postpartum concerns, incontinence, and orthopedic issues.

Dustienne specializes in:

• pelvic and orthopedic health
• visceral mobilization and myofascial release to decrease adhesions associated with endometriosis and/or to enhance fertility (useful when combined with IVF and acupuncture)
• therapeutic yoga
• dance medicine

Alex has a passion for treating the LGBTQIA+ community and sexual medicine. They specialize in

• proper binding techniques and evaluating musculoskeletal dysfunction that may arise from binding non-optimally
• pelvic and orthopedic health

I didn’t even know what “pelvic floor” meant, never mind that the discomfort I thought was a twingy hamstring was referred pain from my pelvic floor. There were so many things I learned from my sessions with Dustienne, and I am so much healthier and happier as a result! Pretty much everyone could benefit from PT with her, so consider calling her if you have any weird discomfort, or if you breathe, stand, go to the bathroom, or have sex. Seriously, I wish I could send everyone I know. —Kristen C.

• Abdominophrenic Dysynergia
• Coccyx pain
• Constipation
• Endometriosis
• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
• Penile pain
• Prenatal pain, weakness, and dysfunction
• Postpartum pain, weakness, and dysfunction
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Rectal pain
• Testicular pain
• Vaginismus
• Vulvodynia (vulvar pain)

I was recommended to Dustienne after having my first child. I was in a lot of pain and unsure of how to start exercising again without adding to the pain or making things worse with my postpartum body. She is amazing and helped me so much! I felt like every appointment was special to me and she was so focused on my recovery, not just looking for generic answers. I highly recommend her to every mother I meet and look forward to starting up with her again now that I have had my second child. —Melissa H.

We can help you treat these conditions and help during your pregnancy and postpartum, from the pelvic floor and beyond:

• Diastasis Recti Abdominus (DRA)
• Stress Urinary Incontinence
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Fecal urgency, frequency and leakage
• Core strengthening for injury prevention
• Hip pain
• Pubic pain
• Back pain
• Sciatica and other nerve pain
• Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Uterine Prolapse, Rectal Prolapse, etc)
• Sexual pain
• Scar pain related to c-section or vaginal delivery

Dustienne is an incredible provider, she makes me feel safe and comfortable and very cared for. I saw Dustienne after having my first child for some rehab and after a few months together I saw a great improvement in my stress urinary incontinence and overall pelvic comfort. —Ashley M.

Bladder

People of all genders can have storage issues with the bladder:

• Urinary urgency: A sudden, intense urge desire urinate which can cause emotional upset and fear of not making it to the toilet. We’ve seen some patients have sympathetic nervous system responses with urgency (sweating, increased heart rate, etc). Some people find urge deferral techniques to be helpful strategies. This may be associated with urinary frequency.
• Urinary frequency: The typical amount of trips to the bathroom is 5–7 times per day. This may be different according to your water intake and activity level. Some people needing more water for breastfeeding, singing, sports, etc. Patients who suffer from urinary frequency might go every hour, 2x/hour, or even 3–4 times per hours. This may or may not be associated with pain or discomfort at the bladder and/or urethra.
• Nocturia: Night time voids.
• Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB): Urinary urgency (with or without leakage), usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia. As with all bladder storage and leakage diagnosis, UTI and other pathologies must be ruled out.

Leakage

(A few types, not exhaustive)

• Urge urinary incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency
• Stress urinary incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine with an activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or picking something up (a kiddo, groceries, etc.)
• Mixed urinary incontinence: Leakage with both the urgency and activity component

Bowel

• Constipation: Constipation is defined by less than three bowel movements a week with stool consistency that is dry, hard, and difficult or painful to pass. Constipation can be caused by surgery, poor diet and hydration, pelvic floor muscle incoordination, lack of activity, side effects from medicine, motility issues, inflammation, and functional disorders. As with any medical condition it is important to be properly diagnosed so you know what the proper treatment is for you.
• Fecal incontinence: Involuntary passage of solid or liquid stool. This can happen postpartum after tearing, due to dietary sensitivities, post-surgical, and other reasons. Gas incontinence is also commonly seen postpartum and when the pelvic floor muscles are weak.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: A cluster of symptoms that may include abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, without any visible signs disease in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While working on getting the root cause figured out (which may include working with nutrition, acupuncture, and other modalities alongside your GI doctor), physical therapy and yoga can be useful adjunct to care.

I came to Dustienne with shoulder pain that would wake me up at night. It was more than a minor irritation as my job is very physical. Her treatments and advice were spot-on and I was soon living without pain again. I would recommend her to anyone. —Mark H.

Alex and Dustienne treat all orthopedic concerns: pain and/or dysfunction at the hip, back, sacroiliac joint, knee, neck, etc. Treatment techniques include movement analysis, body mechanics training, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral mobilization, neuromuscular reeducation, and therapeutic exercise.

Alex specializes in optimal binding techniques and treating associated rib, shoulder, and pelvic pain.

Dustienne has developed an internationally recognized yoga program, focusing on pelvic health, called “Your Pace Yoga.” She offers therapeutic yoga sessions in the clinic. She also has a background in dance medicine, having treated backstage at Broadway shows and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.