Physical therapy with a focus on pelvic health

Progressions Alaska, LLC, owned by Laura J. Baker, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist-owned practice located in Juneau, Alaska and serving the greater southeast Alaska region. Dr. Baker graduated from Regis University in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The goal of this practice is to provide an individualized therapeutic experience for a person’s progressive return to function.

Physical therapy with a pelvic health focus relies on identifying how the muscles, fascia, joints, and nerves of the pelvis, abdomen, and hips function to support your daily activities.

The multiple layers of muscles surrounding the bony structure of the pelvis provide support for all of the movements that you make, bowel and bladder reflexes, and sexual and/or reproductive functions. These functions require just the right combination of endurance, speed, power, mobility, and ability to relax and information going to and coming from the brain.

Scenarios

• Gender affirmation surgery support
• Urinary or fecal incontinence, urgency and frequency
• Pelvic pain
• Post-partum rehab
• Post-surgical abdominal pain and stiffness
• Oncology care including lymphatic drainage strategies
• Pregnancy-related pain
• Menopause-related symptoms
• Scar tissue stiffness or pain
• Tailbone pain
• Vaginismus
• Vaginal atrophy/pain with intercourse

Treatment Approach

Treatment for these issues begins with a recognition that this an intimate topic that can only be taken at the patient’s pace and direction. We work to identify where in your system changes can be made. Then, research-based interventions are prescribed, trialed, and changed as needed.

Examples of interventions include gentle stretching, progressive strengthening and exercises, balance training, deep relaxation techniques, soft tissue manipulation, lymphatic drainage, cardiovascular training, and identification of contributing stressors to the issue.