Los Angeles Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
We are so inspired by the team of practitioners at Village Birth. We brought together a crew of women to support your fertility, birth, and parenting journey from all angles – mind, body, and spirit. Get to know Dr. Lindsay Brunner, Los Angeles Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, from her clinical approach to her best tips for postpartum to favorite family activity.
Tell Us All About You!
I received my BA from Vassar College in 2008. I have been an orthopedic physical therapist since 2016 after receiving my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Mount St. Mary’s University. I am a board-certified specialist in orthopedics following a residency at Kaiser Permanente. I have additionally been a pelvic floor physical therapist since 2018, with an emphasis on prenatal and postpartum care. I have experience as a yoga instructor and spent many years as a dancer and figure skater. My passion is helping people reach their optimal physical health and performance, particularly mothers and parents. Since becoming a parent in 2020 my love of helping people through pregnancy and postpartum has only grown.
Full List of Services
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Orthopedic PT treats pain or injuries in muscles, joints or bones. Examples include low back pain, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinitis.
- We will assess your injury and set up a specific plan of care to address it.
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
- Pelvic Floor PT treats pain or dysfunction in the muscles within your pelvis. This can include pelvic pain or issues like incontinence.
- Issues are particularly common in prenatal or postpartum periods, but can be experienced by anyone.
- Wellness Visits
- This service is designed to offer whatever you need to feel your best on a given day. This is a perfect option for a day you woke up with a stiff neck or a sore spot in your back.
- These are designed to be one-off visits that you schedule when something comes up or sporadic check-ins.
- If an issue is ongoing we can discuss if PT would be a better fit. Treatments can include, soft tissue mobilization with tools such as cupping or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, stretching, joint mobilization, and prescriptive exercise to address your problem.
- Birth Prep Visits
- This service is designed for those that are pregnant and wish to learn more about how to best prepare for birth. I will tailor it to your specific needs and concerns, so that you feel as confident as possible.
- We go over topics such as pelvic floor function and coordination, body mechanics in pregnancy and postpartum, helpful exercises and positions to help prepare for labor and delivery, and/or perineal stretching.
- This can be a one-time visit, or we can meet multiple times.
- Postpartum Wellness Visits
- Your body goes through so much change in the postpartum period, and a single postpartum visit with your medical provider may not cover all your needs. This type of visit can be used to have a more comprehensive postpartum check-in, most appropriate to be used at least 4-6 weeks following birth.
- We assess and address abdominal separation (DRA), pelvic floor function, prolapse, C-section/perineal scars, orthopedic problems, or whatever else you have concerns about.
- If more consistent care is needed we can discuss physical therapy.
- Personal Training
- Personal training services are flexible and designed around your fitness goals. I offer both general personal training as well as prenatal/postpartum training.
- I specialize in fitness that has a functional and rehab-minded perspective, with my orthopedic PT knowledge as a foundation.
- As both a pelvic floor PT and a mother, I’m uniquely positioned to guide those who are in the prenatal or postpartum phases. Training sessions will be focused on your individual needs and concerns.
How did you get to your practice? Was there a pivotal ”closing doors” moment when you heard the calling?
I came to physical therapy through a love of movement, forged through many years of figure skating, dance, and yoga. After I became a physical therapist and orthopedic specialist, I then trained to become a pelvic floor physical therapist. I have always loved being able to help people with conditions that deeply affect their quality of life, but are often overlooked.
After having a child I was able to experience firsthand how little support there tends to be for parents going through pregnancy and birth, and it has been a particular passion of mine to provide some of this support.
I began my practice after years of working in a busy clinic as a Los Angeles Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, where I increasingly found I wasn’t able to provide the time and attention that I wanted to give my clients. Combined with a need for greater balance after becoming a mother, this led me to start my own practice. Now I can be there for my clients in the way that I love!
What’s your approach with clients?
I have a very personalized approach with pelvic floor therapy. I handle all aspects of my clients’ care, and pride myself on being a resource of information and support. I truly enjoy holding space for my clients as they work through their physical issues, especially when that comes with a massive transition like birth and parenthood. In a healthcare system that is too often impersonal and rushed, I emphasize one on one care that offers people the support and guidance they deserve.
I pride myself on providing compassionate treatment as well as education, so that my clients can feel cared for while also increasing self-efficacy. I have a particular passion for helping pregnant and postpartum individuals manage their physical transitions, and bring my knowledge as a physical therapist and mother to this cause.
Best Tip For Postpartum
Give yourself time for recovery. Basic tissue healing takes 6-8 weeks, so give yourself space during this time to allow your healing to happen. Postpartum is a slow process, but it can actually go faster if you let yourself recover.
Favorite Family Activity in LA
Our favorite family activity is going to an outdoor music event called “Music in The Daylight Under a Tree”, which happens about once a month in Elysian Park. Our daughter can hear eclectic music, make friends with other attendees and kids, and run around in a park!
A Ritual or Practice For Your Wellbeing
This will come as no surprise as a physical therapist, but I make space for movement every day. Some days that’s just going for a walk, and others it may be an exercise class or some yoga at home. My body and mind both feel better when I keep up this habit.
Make an Appointment with Dr. Lindsay Brunner
