Perinatal Program

Empowered Birth and Beyond

During pregnancy, your body undergoes incredible changes rapidly. Many people experience new aches and pains – this is common, but not normal. Physical therapy can help to eliminate your pain to keep you feeling your best well into your third trimester. This program includes everything you need to know to have an empowered birth experience. We will go over safe exercise during pregnancy, perineal massage, labor and birth preparation, postpartum preparation, and cesarean section considerations. We will determine optimal positions for you to be in during the second stage of labor, where you are actively pushing. By finding your optimal positioning we are able to determine where you are most effective in order to minimize the risk of tearing, reduce your pushing time, and improve your birth experience. Just like every body is different, every birth is different. Let’s work together to find the best strategies for you and your baby in birth.

We don’t stop there though. Once postpartum, we will have a Telehealth appointment at your earliest convenience, but ideally around two weeks postpartum when you are settling in at home. From there, we will address any immediate concerns you may (or may not) have and game plan our next steps to support you getting back to the things you love. This is not a quick fix or one-size-fits-all approach. It is important that we develop a plan specific to you – your medical and birth history, your schedule, your goals. I believe developing a clear path towards your goals will help to keep you on track and motivated for long term success.

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Included in Your Program

Education on Safe Exercise / Activity Modifications
Diastasis Recti Management
Education on Perineal Massage
Labor Preparation

Postpartum Considerations
Cesarean Section Considerations
Telehealth Visit at 2 weeks postpartum
Postpartum Rehabilitation Game Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide is organized to provide solutions to the most common concerns, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out directly for further assistance.

At your first visit, you can expect a thorough review of your medical history, a full comprehensive evaluation of your current complaint, and education regarding your condition. All sessions are 60 minutes long to allow us time to explore all the facets that may be contributing to your symptoms. Please wear comfortable attire that allows you to move freely so that I am able to conduct a full assessment of your musculoskeletal system (muscles & bones). If your symptoms are pelvic health related, we will discuss the components of an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment to be conducted if you choose. Together, we will develop a game plan to address your symptoms starting with the creation of a home program and self treatment strategies when appropriate. Your follow up visits will include a combination of manual therapy techniques, corrective exercises, functional movement, breathwork, and self treatment strategies. My goal is to make physical therapy fun, accessible, and manageable, so that you feel supported in your care plan every step of the way.

You do NOT need a referral to see me! Maine is a direct access state meaning you do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy. If I feel that your symptoms fall outside the scope of physical therapy, I will refer you to a licensed practitioner of medicine for further evaluation.
If you are submitting for reimbursement from your healthcare insurance provider, they may require a referral, so please check your OON benefits!

Dr Brooke PT, DPT LLC is an out of network (OON) with all insurance companies. This allows me to provide the highest quality that you deserve, without your sessions being dictated by insurance companies.
By being OON, I am able to spend a full hour with YOU! Your sessions will always be one-on-one, with me – no aides or assistants here. This will allow us to get you out of pain faster, address your symptoms head on, and get rid of your symptoms for good! Many times, insurance companies will limit the number of sessions you are able to have. This, coupled with the fact that you will most likely be sharing time and the attention of your provider with another patient, can lead to poor outcomes long term. If you have ever heard someone say that they “failed PT” – they most likely got caught in this cycle – minimal time with their PT, handed off to an assistant, shortened sessions, and discharged after a handful of sessions completing the same few exercises with limited change. Doesn’t sound great, right? Many physical therapists get stuck treating in this system to no one’s fault but the insurance companies. By being OON, I get to spend our sessions addressing your needs directly. You have my full time and attention, and we are able to use that time however WE need to. Think faster outcomes, no wasted time or visits, and no surprise bills at the end. Pretty great, right?

If you choose to submit your visits to your healthcare insurance for reimbursement, I am able to provide you with a superbill to do so. Please check your OON benefits by calling your insurance company and speaking to a representative. Here is a form to help guide you through this process:

Form

Dr Brooke PT, DPT LLC accepts cash, check, debit or credit card at the time of your service. If you plan to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, please let me know and I will provide you with a super bill with the correct codes and information you need.

All sessions are 60 minutes long with the exception of Recovery Sessions that are 30 minutes.

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit can interfere with your progress towards your goals. It also leaves a hole in the day that could have been filled by another patient in need of care. I require 24 hours notice via phone or email for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee of $100 to the card on file. You will be asked to put a card on file when booking your first appointment and this will remain on your account indefinitely. Thank you for understanding.

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