FAQs
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is an area of the body made up of muscles and soft tissue, connected to your hip bones. They work together to support the weight of your internal organs, and control functions associated with sex, urination, reproduction, and digestion. There are more than a dozen individual muscles.
What is an evaluation like?
A pelvic floor evaluation requires a comprehensive interview. By the time pelvic floor pain or dysfunction have developed, it is the result of weeks, months or years of muscle imbalance. I will ask questions about your medical history and how your symptoms developed and have changed over time. Your breathing patterns, your posture, and your abdomen will be assessed.
I find assessment of the actual muscles of the pelvic floor, through external and internal (vaginal or rectal) provides useful information, but is not always required to improve. Especially if someone has a history of trauma, pain, or discomfort it is important to respect the intimacy and privacy of this part of our anatomy.
What is treatment like?
The most important part of pelvic floor physical therapy is education and the development of coordination. The muscles of the pelvic floor are like the other muscles of your body, you can learn to contract and relax them at will. The more familiarity someone develops with their body, the easier it is to develop healthy pain-free movement and function.
During treatment I will prescribe pelvic floor exercises and stretches, this may be something like a yoga pose or a breathing exercise. These exercises are tools to facilitate the mind body connection. The goal is to build an awareness of these muscles. That way eventually you don’t need to do regular exercises, because you have developed your coordination and are using your body in a balanced way in everything you do.
Lasting healing and change come from understanding your own body. I will encourage self observation using a mirror, and independent self palpation.
In some cases I may recommend someone purchase a tool to facilitate the learning process. These include things such as a pelvic wand, dilators, biofeedback devices, or jade egg. In these cases I will guide you in finding a reputable, appropriate product and making sure you know how to confidently use it.
Do you accept insurance?
To provide unhurried, private, personalized sessions in the comfort of your home we do not take insurance and are considered an out-of-network provider.
Receipts (a superbill) may be submitted to some insurances to count towards your out-of-network deductible.
Flexible spending (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) cards are accepted through PayPal.
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
Like the other muscles in the body, your pelvic floor muscles can find themselves in dysfunctional patterns. This can be from trauma, from habits and posture, or simply from a genetic pre-disposition. Muscles may become under-utilized and weaken over time, they may become over-active and shorten. Typically people may have a combination of over and under active muscles, and the work is in developing the balance between them.
What happens during a pelvic floor exam?
During a pelvic floor physical therapy exam, someone gets undressed from the waist down and lays on a pad or towel, with a sheet over their lap. This is similar to how someone prepares for an exam for an OBGYN. During this whole process any touch will be explained before hand and the exam can stop at any time.
First comes observation of the skin, the muscle symmetry, maybe scars from childbirth. I observe how the perineal area moves during breathing, and during a contraction (a Kegel) or relaxation (bearing down).
Next I palpate muscles externally with a gloved hand to assess for tension and pain. Scars or areas of pain may be examined more closely with a headlamp.
An internal vaginal or rectal exam is with a single gloved finger. I will tell you the name of each muscle being assessed and how it relates to the functioning of the pelvic floor. During this I am palpating for muscle tone, tension, symmetry, strength and checking in with you frequently.
Sometimes specialized exam techniques, such as assessing for prolapse, may require different positions. All assessment will be explained in detail before we begin.
What does pelvic floor physical therapy treat?
Pelvic pain, pain or difficulty with sex (all meanings of sex, not just penetration), urinary incontinence (leaking), fecal incontinence, fecal smearing, constipation, frequent urination, frequent urinary urge, prolapse symptoms.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a helpful tool in preparation and in recovery after childbirth.
Do I need to have a problem to have pelvic floor PT?
No! If you are just curious about your own body, and want to optimize your health, an evaluation will give you a ton of personalized information.
What is pelvic floor coaching?
Some people benefit from having a safe informed space to discuss their struggles and concerns. From there I can point you in the right direction of an appropriate medical provider, or avenues for independent care.
Pelvic Floor coaching is a powerful, non-invasive service for improving symptoms associated with frequent urination and urinary incontinence.
Who we are
Dr. Valeria Gallo, PT
Owner
Valeria has been a physical therapist for over a decade. Before earning her doctorate she worked in the hospitality industry. Her undergraduate degree is in Psychology and Women’s Studies.
She is curious about the world, and the people in it. Valeria studies philosophy relating to psychology. She has learned techniques from motivational interviewing and non-violent communication. She enjoys reading literary fiction, her favorite author is Joyce Carol Oates.
Education
-
University of New Mexico
School of Medicine
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, 2014
Volunteer with Native Health Initiative and Adaptive Ski ProgramStony Brook University
Bachelor of Science, 2007
Psychology and Women’s Studies
Study abroad in Bangalore, IndiaNon-degree study:
Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie New York
College of the Redwoods, Eureka, California
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania -
Pelvic Venous Disease (PeVD) and Chronic Pelvic Pain: a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment
Kathleen Gibson, MD
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Development of Continence through the Lens of the Diaphragm, Ribcage and Pelvic Floor
Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PM
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Five Lessons from Gender-Affirming Care for All Your Clients
Ken McGee, PT, DPT
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Endometriosis and the Evil Triplets: IC, IBS, and Levator Spasm
Dr. Cindy Mossbrucker
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025The Do Not Miss List: What many pelvic rehab therapists overlook
Ramona Horton, PT, DPT, MPT
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025The Power of Humor for Pelvic Healers
Nancy Norton, RN
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: Putting the Pieces Together, and the Hope Pelvic Rehabilitation Can Provide
Carole High Gross, PT, DPT, PRPC
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Working Well: Trauma Responsive Care for Those We Work With and for Us
Leticia Nieto, Phsy.D, LMFT
Herman and Wallace Connect in Seattle, Washington
March 2025Physical Therapy in Patients with Gastrointestinal and Rectal Cancers
Dr. Carina Siracusa, PT, DPT, EdD, WCS, OnCS
1.25 hours
Medbridge
May 2024Geriatric Bladder Control: Neurogenic Bladder and Emptying Dysfunctions
Cynthia E. Neville, PT, DPT, WCS
1.5 hours
Medbridge
May 2024Pelvic Function 2B, Urogynecologic Examination and Treatment Interventions
Herman and Wallace at Albany, New York
April, 2024The Voice and the Pelvic Floor
Ginger Garner, PT, DPT, ATC/LAT, PYT
6 hours
Herman and Wallace
April 2024Pelvic Floor in the Postpartum Patient: Evaluation and Treatment
Rachel Kilgore, DPT, OCS, COMT, PRPC, PPCES
1.25 hours
Medbridge
October, 2023Interdisciplinary Approach to Female Pelvic Pain: Case Studies
Cynthia E. Neville, PT, DPT, WCS
2 hours
Medbridge
October, 2023Interdisciplinary Approach to Female Pelvic Pain: It Takes a Village
Cynthia E. Neville, PT, DPT, WCS
2.25 hours
Medbridge
July, 2023Responding to Unwanted Behaviors & Motivating Clients in Therapy
Rob Winningham, PhD
2 hours
Medbridge
June, 2023Understanding Prolapse
1.5 hours
Medbridge
June, 2023Evaluation Strategies for the Pelvic Floor
Heather Rader, PT, DPT, PRPC, BCB-PMD
1.5 hours
Medbridge
May, 2023Family Intervention with the NICU Neonate and Discharge Preparation
Roberta Gatlin, PT, DScPT, PCS
1 hour
Medbridge
May, 2020Theoretical Frameworks for Neurodevelopmental and Neurobehavioral Interventions in the NICU
Roberta Gatlin, PT, DScPT, PCS
1 hour
Medbridge
May, 2020Understanding Endometriosis
1.5 hours
Medbridge
May 2020Pediatric Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Development and Assessment
1.5 hours
Medbridge
May, 2020Normal Development of the Hand and Upper Extremity
1.25 hours
Medbridge
May, 2020Sexuality for Pelvic Floor Practitioners: Part B
Talli Rosenbaum, MSc, PT, IF AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
4 hours
Medbridge
May, 2020Current Guidelines for Prenatal Fitness
Catherine Cram, MS
1.25 hours
Medbridge
May 2020Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Patient Death in Hospice Care
Jennifer Kennedy, EdD, MA, BSN, RN, CHC
0.5 hours
Medbridge
April, 2020Sleep as a Component of Holistic Health
Dan Rhon, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
2 hours
Medbridge
April, 2020Sex and Sexuality in Physical Therapy Practice: Part A
Talli Rosenbaum, MSc, PT, IF AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
3 hours
Medbridge
April, 2020Acute Care Physical Therapy and COVID-19: How Can We Add the Greatest Value?
1 hour
American Physical Therapy Association
April, 2020Pediatric Considerations for COVID-19
1 hour
American Physical Therapy Association
April, 2020COVID-19: Clinical Best Practices in Physical Therapy Management
1 hour
American Physical Therapy Association
April, 2020Understanding Our Role in Diabetes Management
2 hours
St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany New York
January, 2020Plantar Fasciitis: Literature Review of the Known Etiology, Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Suzanne Debauche, PT, DPT
2 hours
New York Physical Therapy Association in Troy, New York
November, 2019Changing How We Feel By Changing How We Think
Joseph Shannon, PhD
6 hours
Institute for Brain Potential at Latham, New York
September, 2019Variability in Childhood Development
8 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
August, 2017Real World Pharmacology: Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidepressant Agents
3 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
July, 2017The Role of the Physical Therapist in the Management of Patients at Risk for Wounds
3 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
February, 2017The Student and the New Clinician: Meeting the Challenges of the Home Health Environment
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
February, 2017Professionalism Module 2: History of Professionalism in Physical Therapy
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
January 2017Understanding Type 2 Diabetes- Prevention and Management - The Physical Therapist Perspective
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
January, 2017Developing Exercise Programs for Individuals with Chronic Heart Disease
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
January, 2017Amelioration of Physical Frailty
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
March, 2016Professionalism Module 1: Introduction to Professionalism
2 hours
American Physical Therapy Association
March, 2016Test of knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations of New York relating to the practice of physical therapy
2 hours
New York State
March, 2016Home Health Rehab
Jason Sims, MSPT, COS-C, SFS
7.2 hours
Summit Professional Education in Poughkeepsie, New York
February, 2016Motivational Interviewing: Introductory Workshop
William J. Matulich, PhD
14 hours
San Diego, California
July, 2015Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction and Treatment Level 1
Allison Arial PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, BCB-PMD, PRPC
Kathe Wallace, PT, BCB-PMD
22.5 hours
Herman and Wallace in Denver, Colorado
March, 2015Progressive Mobility: Complications of Immobility
1.5 hours
Healthstream
December, 2014Dosing of Physical Therapy Interventions in Pediatrics
2 hours
University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico
September, 2014
