Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Pelvic Physical Therapy (or Women's Health Therapy)?
** NEW** Blog post by Tracy Sher at Pelvic Guru: What IS Pelvic Physical Therapy and Why Doesn't Everyone Know About It?
• What types of conditions do you treat? (highlights)
o pelvic pain
o bladder pain/interstitial cystitis
o vulvodynia and vulvar pain
o painful sex
o vaginismus with gynecologic exam or penetration
o post- gynecologic, urology, or abdominal surgery (mesh issues, scar tissue, scarring, nerve pain, recurrent prolapse, and more)
o post-gynecologic, colorectal, and prostate cancer treatment
o infertility issues
o pudendal neuralgia and pudendal nerve entrapment pre and post-surgical management
o pelvic organ prolapse - uterus, bladder, fecal incontinence
o urinary and bowel urge, frequency, or incomplete emptying
o pregnancy/postpartum conditions - back pain, sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, diastasis recti, tears or episiotomy
o scar tissue
o pelvic or tailbone fractures/pain , osteitis pubis, pubic symphysis separation
o sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pain
o endometriosis
o scar tissue- abdominal, vaginal, anal
o low back pain
o pain or sexual dysfunction after sexual abuse, rape, trauma.
"We are dedicated to providing each patient with a customized experience. I look at each patient encounter as an opportunity to make a positive, long-lasting effect on decreasing pain (if applicable), improving daily function and movement, and exceeding goals set. Each case is a puzzle or a mystery and I relish an opportunity to put all of the pieces together. So many patients go for YEARS to a variety of healthcare professionals, but never get the care and attention they need and deserve. It is time to take personal health issues seriously and really make a DIFFERENCE. " ~ Tracy Sher
* The assessments and treatments are based on the very latest research AND are clinically proven.
* Less is more! You don't have to come in 1-2 times a week if you don't need to. Sometimes even just 1 time a month is enough (and just a few visits). If you choose to do more visits (or come from far), we can see if it is appropriate for your case.
* The best results depend on YOUR opinions, input, and "homework" . We facilitate your care to set you up for success. This is not just passive treatments without an end in sight. In fact, we can usually tell if this is on the right track in 3-6 visits.
* It is a holistic, conservative approach to care. We also help you figure out the full course of care, not just the physical therapy part. If you need to see other healthcare professionals, we will make recommendations. At this practice - no stirrups or speculums.* Team approach with patient collaboration and therapist facilitation for optimal results. One patient stated, "I actually feel like my opinions matter and the treatments are adjusted based on my status and input."
* Emphasis placed on a whole-person approach, not just a body part.
* Case management of care, that may involve adding other healthcare professionals or services to ensure complete care. This can be arranged long-distance as well.
* Specialized programs and treatment for pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum, and much more (stay tuned for program and group information)
• Do I have to have a prescription from my physician?
Florida is a Direct Access State, which means you can come in for your evaluation and treatment without a referral. We will need a physician signature or prescription on file if treatment is continued past 30 days from the first visit. We can help you with this.
• Do you accept insurance? How much are your fees? Can I get reimbursed for these services from my insurance company?
We provide physical therapy on a “fee at time of service” basis and are considered out of network for physical therapy. This means you can still use a superbill we provide to send in to your insurance company . You may receive reimbursement. Many of our patients receive anywhere from 40-70% reimbursement (depends on deductible as well). We assist with providing you with the appropriate forms for you to submit to your insurance company. We do not have to limit the time or quality of treatment we provide because of insurance company restrictions or elevate our rates to pay for billing services. The value for you: You have longer evaluation and treatment sessions with decreased number of visits needed for the best outcome (versus going 1-2 x a week for many months at a traditional setting).
Fees are based on time spent with you and the treatments performed during your appointment. You will definitely notice the quality and personal attention! We can also customize treatments - more complex/time treatments, weekly rates for out-of-town guests, phone consultations, group workshops/education and more.
* If you have Medicare, special rules apply and Sher Pelvic Health does not participate in the plan for physical therapy.
We accept cash, check or Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express at the time of service. You can even set up a virtual wallet with Square Register and pay with your phone or iPad by visiting "Sher Pelvic Health and Healing".
• Is there a map, locating the clinic? See the map on the bottom of this page! 235 S. Maitland, Ave., Suite 214, Maitland, FL 32751
** NEW** Blog post by Tracy Sher at Pelvic Guru: What IS Pelvic Physical Therapy and Why Doesn't Everyone Know About It?
- Elle Magazine explains treatment for pelvic pain: Let WHO Put WHAT WHERE? Finding a cure for pelvic pain
- Explanation of pelvic physical therapy treatment and specialty: You Do WHAT?
- Misconceptions of Pelvic Physical Therapy
- Beyond Kegels: When Do Gynecologic Problems Call for Physical Therapy?
- Even Oprah's talking about it: Physical Therapy for Your Lady Parts.
• What types of conditions do you treat? (highlights)
o pelvic pain
o bladder pain/interstitial cystitis
o vulvodynia and vulvar pain
o painful sex
o vaginismus with gynecologic exam or penetration
o post- gynecologic, urology, or abdominal surgery (mesh issues, scar tissue, scarring, nerve pain, recurrent prolapse, and more)
o post-gynecologic, colorectal, and prostate cancer treatment
o infertility issues
o pudendal neuralgia and pudendal nerve entrapment pre and post-surgical management
o pelvic organ prolapse - uterus, bladder, fecal incontinence
o urinary and bowel urge, frequency, or incomplete emptying
o pregnancy/postpartum conditions - back pain, sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, diastasis recti, tears or episiotomy
o scar tissue
o pelvic or tailbone fractures/pain , osteitis pubis, pubic symphysis separation
o sacroiliac joint dysfunction and pain
o endometriosis
o scar tissue- abdominal, vaginal, anal
o low back pain
o pain or sexual dysfunction after sexual abuse, rape, trauma.
- Why is Sher Pelvic Health unique?
"We are dedicated to providing each patient with a customized experience. I look at each patient encounter as an opportunity to make a positive, long-lasting effect on decreasing pain (if applicable), improving daily function and movement, and exceeding goals set. Each case is a puzzle or a mystery and I relish an opportunity to put all of the pieces together. So many patients go for YEARS to a variety of healthcare professionals, but never get the care and attention they need and deserve. It is time to take personal health issues seriously and really make a DIFFERENCE. " ~ Tracy Sher
- What can I expect?
* The assessments and treatments are based on the very latest research AND are clinically proven.
* Less is more! You don't have to come in 1-2 times a week if you don't need to. Sometimes even just 1 time a month is enough (and just a few visits). If you choose to do more visits (or come from far), we can see if it is appropriate for your case.
* The best results depend on YOUR opinions, input, and "homework" . We facilitate your care to set you up for success. This is not just passive treatments without an end in sight. In fact, we can usually tell if this is on the right track in 3-6 visits.
* It is a holistic, conservative approach to care. We also help you figure out the full course of care, not just the physical therapy part. If you need to see other healthcare professionals, we will make recommendations. At this practice - no stirrups or speculums.* Team approach with patient collaboration and therapist facilitation for optimal results. One patient stated, "I actually feel like my opinions matter and the treatments are adjusted based on my status and input."
* Emphasis placed on a whole-person approach, not just a body part.
* Case management of care, that may involve adding other healthcare professionals or services to ensure complete care. This can be arranged long-distance as well.
* Specialized programs and treatment for pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum, and much more (stay tuned for program and group information)
• Do I have to have a prescription from my physician?
Florida is a Direct Access State, which means you can come in for your evaluation and treatment without a referral. We will need a physician signature or prescription on file if treatment is continued past 30 days from the first visit. We can help you with this.
• Do you accept insurance? How much are your fees? Can I get reimbursed for these services from my insurance company?
We provide physical therapy on a “fee at time of service” basis and are considered out of network for physical therapy. This means you can still use a superbill we provide to send in to your insurance company . You may receive reimbursement. Many of our patients receive anywhere from 40-70% reimbursement (depends on deductible as well). We assist with providing you with the appropriate forms for you to submit to your insurance company. We do not have to limit the time or quality of treatment we provide because of insurance company restrictions or elevate our rates to pay for billing services. The value for you: You have longer evaluation and treatment sessions with decreased number of visits needed for the best outcome (versus going 1-2 x a week for many months at a traditional setting).
Fees are based on time spent with you and the treatments performed during your appointment. You will definitely notice the quality and personal attention! We can also customize treatments - more complex/time treatments, weekly rates for out-of-town guests, phone consultations, group workshops/education and more.
* If you have Medicare, special rules apply and Sher Pelvic Health does not participate in the plan for physical therapy.
We accept cash, check or Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express at the time of service. You can even set up a virtual wallet with Square Register and pay with your phone or iPad by visiting "Sher Pelvic Health and Healing".
- Do you coordinate care with other health care professionals? Yes! Our goal is to provide comprehensive care and foster a team approach when helping you. We regularly see patients from out of town or even from out of the country. Also, please don't let finances stand in the way of getting exceptional care. We'll figure out a way to make sure that you are connected to a great team of appropriate health professionals. You can see your PT for periodic consultations or for regular care. We look forward to being a part of your team.
- Can I schedule online and make changes to my schedule online? Available for Dr. Caviness: CLICK HERE
- What should I wear on the first visit? The type of attire is not important on the first day. Wear whatever clothing is comfortable for you - from business attire to gym workout clothes.
- What if I am menstruating? This is typically not an issue at all! It's really based on patient comfort. If you prefer not to come in , we understand and let us know as soon as possible. However, we regularly still treat women who are menstruating (internal or external - whatever is most comfortable for the patient).
- Do you offer out of town programs? We recommend that patients who are coming from out of town or out of state/country plan to come in for a minimum of 2 visits , ideally 3-4 in one week (or spread out over 2 weeks). We can help you navigate this per your needs and time. Some of our out of town patients come in for 2-3 days and that's all they need (we can also coordinate with people close to you) or they come back once a month or every few months as desired. Bottom line - yes , we see patients from out of town regularly.
• Is there a map, locating the clinic? See the map on the bottom of this page! 235 S. Maitland, Ave., Suite 214, Maitland, FL 32751
235 S. Maitland Ave- Outside sign "Lester Kalmanson". Plenty of parking front, side, and back.
Lake Lily in Maitland - walking distance
Park Avenue, Winter Park (only 2.3 miles away). Shops, restaurants, parks, and a scenic boat tour.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Sheraton Orlando North is the preferred hotel for out of town guests. It is 2.7 miles away from Sher Pelvic Health. Click on picture for more info.
The Alfond Inn Hotel. Preferred hotel for our out of town guests. Great reviews! In Winter Park, near the Park Avenue shops and restaurants. Approximately 4 miles away from Sher Pelvic Health. Click on the picture for more info.
Courtyard Marriott - Maitland is a preferred hotel for out of town guests. It is 2.7 miles away from Sher Pelvic Health. Click on picture for more info.
Park Plaza Hotel (boutique style) on Park Avenue, Winter Park. (2.5 miles from clinic). Click on picture for more info.
Embassy Suites Orlando North, Altamonte. 4.9 miles to the clinic. Offers an area for a 1 mile walk around a lake; and lots of shops/restaurants.
Comfort Suites may offer a value medical rate. (4 miles from clinic). Click on picture for more info.
* For out of town guests. Grand Bohemian upscale hotel downtown Orlando (7 miles from clinic). Click on picture for more info.