Physical therapy For scoliosis and pelvic health care

Progressions Alaska, LLC, owned by Laura J. Baker, PT, DPT, is 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 to support a healthy spine and pelvis throughout your lifespan.

Dr. Baker is a current student of the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS-North America). Having taken the level 1 course, Dr. Baker may apply Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE) to a patient’s plan of care. Imagery is required by Dr. Baker for PSSE interventions. Imagery must be ordered by your primary care provider per state of Alaska scope of practice regulations. Imagery views shall include the spine and pelvis in a standing position taken from the back and side. Radiographs (meaning x-rays) are most common. However, EOS, MRI, and CT scans may be accepted. Please send an email inquiry for further details.

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

• Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
• Adults with scoliosis: related complications e.g. low back pain or shoulder pain
• Urinary or fecal incontinence, urgency and frequency
• Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
• Tailbone pain
• Vaginismus
• Groin pain or pain with intercourse

Treatment Approach

Treatment is 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 Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises, progressive strengthening and functional exercises, balance training, deep relaxation techniques, soft tissue manipulation and stretching, lymphatic drainage, cardiovascular training, and identification of contributing stressors.