FAQ
HOLISTIC PELVIC CARE (HPC) INFORMATION
What is holistic pelvic care?
Holistic Pelvic CareTM is a combination of physical and energetic tools developed by Tami Kent, M.S. Physical Therapy, and designed to assess and then restore balance to the pelvic space of the female body. These techniques were pioneered by Tami based on extensive experience as a women's health physical therapist.
What can I expect in a holistic pelvic care session?
In the first session, pelvic anatomy is introduced with a skeletal model. Then a woman's pelvic muscles are assessed inter-vaginally. Tami determines where muscles are actively engaging and where they are not during a pelvic squeeze or "Kegel" exercise, making note of internal pelvic trigger points and tension patterns. The assessment is followed by treatment to balance the pelvis through such techniques as inter-vaginal massage and myofascial release and trigger point work. Follow-up sessions begin with a brief re-assessment and then focus primarily on treatment.
What effects will I notice after a HPC session?
Women describe immediate effects of a new internal awareness and sense of well-being in the core. The pelvis serves a woman in many ways and yet receives little direct care. Women also describe feeling more relaxed and centered, a greater sense of support, and increased strength in their pelvic muscles. On a clinical level, the internal massage increases blood and energy flow, revitalizing a woman's root and enhancing her overall pelvic health.
Is pelvic massage painful?
The pelvic massage is gentle and respectful, following the lead of the body. It should never hurt and the response of a woman's body guides the depth and direction of the hands-on work. Though HPC is gentle, the effects are profound and women often notice a change with even one session.
What types of pelvic symptoms may be addressed by pelvic care?
Any pelvic imbalance is addressed by hands-on pelvic care: urinary leakage, uterine prolapse, pelvic heaviness or instability, pelvic muscle weakness, pelvic pain, and pain with intercourse. Women have also sought treatment (in conjunction with a counselor) to recover their body from sexual abuse. Additionally, women have received pelvic work while receiving other treatments such as for fertility or cancer support.
Do I need to have pelvic symptoms to benefit from pelvic care?
Whether you are suffering from pelvic symptoms or simply want to connect more deeply with your root, holistic pelvic care is essential for your feminine vitality. Women also benefit from receiving annual pelvic tune-ups as a part of their wellness plan and preventative care when preparing for pregnancy.
APPOINTMENT LOGISTICS
How many visits are recommended?
Some clients receive treatment for an extended period and others just for a few visits. Length of treatment depends on the extent of a woman's symptoms and how long she has been having them. Three or more visits are recommended to restore basic pelvic balance.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 503-232-0547 to schedule an appointment. The first visit is one hour; please arrive ten minutes early for paperwork (placed on a clipboard in the lobby). Follow-up visits are 30 minutes in length.
What is the cost of an appointment?
Rates are $145 for the initial visit and $95 for follow-ups.
How is payment accepted?
Payment by check is preferred at the time of the appointment, but credit card payment is available through the on-line PayPal system upon advance request. Tami's practice is made simple and affordable by not billing insurance, but she offers a receipt with insurance codes that may be submitted for reimbursement. To verify coverage, ask your insurer about coverage for a "non-preferred" provider, which is usually a percentage of the overall fee.
What if I'm menstruating during the time of my appointment?
Women are welcome to receive HPC at any point in their cycle. A woman's bleeding time can actually assist the hands-on work because the body is ready to shed old patterns.
Is it possible to schedule a session outside of the Portland area?
Yes. Tami typically schedules 1 or 2 extended visits (75 minutes-$185) when clients travel from out of the area to receive care.
BIRTH EVENTS
What if I'm pregnant?
Internal pelvic work is not done during pregancy, but myofascial release and energetic tools assist pelvic rebalancing and strengthening during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth.
When should I come in after childbirth?
The process of healing after childbirth is greatly assisted by HPC, and any imbalances that may have occurred during pregnancy or birth can be addressed early on. Six weeks post-partum is the time to begin. Likewise, any trauma that occurred during the birth process is assisted by bodywork on the pelvis. Women describe feeling more peaceful even with one treatment session, easing their transition to motherhood. If a woman is struggling after a traumatic birth experience, external hands-on work can also be initiated immediately to calm her post-partum body and spirit.
What if I have a Caesarean birth?
A Caesarean birth will benefit from HPC as well, with fascial work directly to the Caesarean mark and internal work to address the imbalances caused by any prolonged vaginal birth attempt. Again, if there is any disappointment that arises from a Caesarean, bodywork lightens this effect and allows the mother to process the birth event.
What does HPC offer for a miscarriage?
Tami has worked with many women after pregnancy and birth loss and personally experienced a miscarriage. HPC is profoundly comforting to the body and restores a tangible sense of hope in the root. Women describe feeling reconnected to their bodies and also more aware of the spirit that touched their womb.
What support is available when a woman is experiencing infertility?
Hands-on pelvic care provides gentle nourishment to the womb space during a time that can otherwise create a barrier of frustration and grief between a woman and her body. Women describe a greater sense of well-being and renewed trust in their own creative center.