Hi Central Valley friends! If you live in or around Lodi, California, and are looking for a pelvic floor therapist, this post is for you! Whether you are pregnant or not, everyone has a pelvic floor, and all of us could use a little support in this area! With the modern world the way it is–sitting at computers all day, driving everywhere, and just basically everyday life, our pelvic floors can become a bit out of balance. How do you know if a pelvic floor therapist can help you? Some of the symptoms may include urinary or bowel incontinence, pain during sexual activity, pelvic organ prolapse, feeling the need to urinate frequently (even if your bladder isn’t full), constipation, leaking, low back pain, muscle spasms, among others. And if you are pregnant, seeing a pelvic floor therapist can help to prepare you for labor (especially knowing how to push!).
So without further adeiu, let me introduce you to Dr. Tessa Christy, Lodi Pelvic Floor Therapist.
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Please share a little bit about yourself and about your business.
Hi! My name is Tessa Christy. I have been a physical therapist for 11 years and have specialized in pelvic health for the last 3 years. I started PT Plus 2 years ago to offer flexible and accessible pelvic healthcare in Lodi. I am a Lodi native who ventured out to North Carolina for school and then lived in Colorado for a couple years before becoming a travel physical therapist. Eventually Lodi pulled me back in. My husband and I moved back to Lodi in 2020 and now thoroughly enjoy being back in our hometown around family and raising our 2 children alongside our thriving 13 year old yellow lab.
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What is the story behind your business? What made you want to get started?
When I had my daughter, I experienced first hand the huge need for pelvic floor PTs and the huge gap in access to these providers (especially in smaller towns like ours). I had been toying around with the idea of getting in to pelvic health for awhile, but my personal experience tipped the scales and I went for it. I first started PT Plus as a side gig while I developed the pelvic health program at a local hospital clinic I had been working at for the past few years. It began to grow and I really loved the autonomy it gave me with my patients compared to the constraints I had placed on my treatments in the hospital system (visits limited by insurance, long wait times for evaluations and between appointments, and having to cram more patients into a day than I felt was ideal). So, I decided to launch PT Plus full time as a direct access (no referral required) cash based clinic.
- Can you describe your ideal client (or the kind of person that might benefit from your services)?
I love working with anyone who wants to take an active role in their health and recovery. I hold a special place in my heart for working with the pregnant and post partum population, but I also enjoy and treat many other conditions: incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, post surgical (hysterectomy, prostatectomy, etc), constipation, interstitial cystitis, urinary urgency/frequency, back and hip pain, and lots more
- What are some of the most popular questions that you get from those inquiring about your services, and how would you answer those questions?
Do you take insurance? No, but I can offer a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement
When can you get me in? I usually have appointments available within 1 week
Do I need a referral? Nope! I can schedule you without a referral. We can go back to your doctor later if we need one
Will I have to get undressed? Your choice! An internal pelvic floor muscle exam does give us a lot of valuable information, but is never required. We can also get a lot of information by looking externally
Do you treat males? Yes! Males have pelvic floors too!
More answers to FAQs can be found on my website- www.ptpluslodi.com
- How does your business contribute to the local community?
I periodically give talks and workshops at various local events. I’m always looking for more opportunities to help people learn about their pelvic floors, so if you have a group or event that you think would be interested, please reach out!
- What are the goals for the future of your business?
I would love for it to be common practice that women receive a referral to pelvic floor PT at their first OB appt during pregnancy and in the hospital post partum. (This is standard practice in many other countries). My goal is to spread the word about pelvic health within the community and providers so we can make progress toward pelvic health becoming more of a priority!
- What is one interesting fact about your business that readers may not know?
I treat any physical therapy need (not just the pelvic floor). Necks, backs, shoulders, hips, ankles, knees etc!
- Can you share one or two of your favorite reviews that you have received from clients?
“I took the girls to their first music class last evening and there was a part where you run, crawl, and jump up and down which I did with my little one…I didn’t leak! Or even feel like it! Truly, thank you so much!!”
“Tessa! I had the baby! Successful VBAC! Thank you for everything! It was a great delivery”
- What are your favorite things about operating a business in this community and space?
I love getting to know my patients and when they send their friends and family to see me too, it really starts to feel like a family. Lodi and the surrounding area has always felt like home to me and I’m so thankful to have found a niche where I can provide some support to those who need it- Never did I think it would be in pelvic health, but I love it!
- What is the best way someone can contact you if they are interested in pursuing your services?
Website: www.ptpluslodi.com
Email: tessachristypt@gmaill.com
Social: @pelvicpt_plus
Thank you, Dr.Christy, for contributing your skills to our local community! You are definitely appreciated for all that you do!!
If you are looking for a doula, a birth photographer, or a newborn photographer, I’d love to help you out! Feel free to contact me, Shayna Cox, HERE.
