We are out-of-network with all insurance companies. This allows us to provide longer, one-on-one sessions with a physical therapist and create treatment plans based on your needs—not insurance restrictions. We can provide a superbill for potential reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

No. California is a direct access state, which means you can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist without a physician referral.

Your initial evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, medical history, movement patterns, strength, flexibility, posture, and goals. We will discuss a treatment plan and begin treatment during the same session whenever appropriate.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Athletic wear, leggings, shorts, or loose-fitting clothing are all great options.

We specialize in pregnancy and postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary leakage, urgency, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, diastasis recti, C-section recovery, birth preparation, low back pain, hip pain, and orthopedic conditions affecting women throughout every stage of life.

If you’re experiencing discomfort during pregnancy, we recommend starting as soon as symptoms begin. If you’re feeling well, many patients begin birth preparation sessions during the third trimester (around 32–36 weeks).

In most cases, yes. Exercise during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial. We can help you modify workouts, manage symptoms, prepare for labor, and stay active throughout pregnancy.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, treatment can begin as early as two weeks postpartum. Otherwise, many women start after their postpartum OB appointment around 4–6 weeks.

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. We recommend a postpartum assessment to evaluate your pelvic floor, core strength, strength, and readiness before returning to impact activities like running.

Absolutely. Pregnancy affects your body regardless of delivery method. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with scar mobility, core recovery, posture, strength, pain, and returning to exercise safely.

Yes. Whether you’re leaking with exercise, coughing, sneezing, or feeling sudden urgency, pelvic floor physical therapy can help identify the cause and address it through education, exercise, manual therapy, and behavioral strategies.

Common? Yes. Normal? No. Leakage is often a sign that your pelvic floor needs support and can usually be improved with the right treatment plan.

Yes. While pelvic floor therapy cannot always eliminate prolapse, it can significantly improve symptoms, reduce feelings of pressure or heaviness, improve support, and help you return to activities with confidence.

Yes. Pain with intercourse can have many contributing factors. A pelvic floor evaluation helps determine whether muscle tension, weakness, coordination issues, or other factors are contributing to your symptoms so we can create an individualized treatment plan.

No. Internal exams are never required. Your therapist will explain the purpose of any assessment or treatment, and you always have the option to decline. We will work within your comfort level and create a plan that feels right for you.

Yes. Bowel dysfunction is often related to pelvic floor muscle coordination, breathing patterns, posture, and lifestyle factors. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve bowel function, reduce straining, and support overall digestive health.

Every person is different. Some patients notice significant improvement within a few visits, while others benefit from a longer treatment plan depending on their goals, symptoms, and how long they’ve been experiencing them.

Yes. We offer virtual consultations and treatment sessions for patients in California who prefer to receive care from home or who live outside of the San Diego area.

If you live outside of California, please visit our virtual Pelvic wellness coaching program page.

Yes. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns, answer questions, and help determine whether physical therapy is the right fit for you.

At Empower, every session is one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We specialize in women’s health and pelvic floor therapy and believe the best outcomes come from understanding the person behind the symptoms. Our goal is to provide individualized care, expert guidance, and ongoing support so you can move confidently and feel your best throughout every stage of life.