Question 1

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Research has shown that exercising during pregnancy helps with comfort during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum recovery and mental health.  Here at Moms treating Moms, we can provide expert advice on safe exercise, and how to do it properly.  It is important to keep your pelvic floor and core connecting, even with a growing belly, to help with proper pressure management, low back pain, SI joint pain, pubic symphysis pain and speed up recovery time postpartum.  Starting to learn the proper exercises early can help decrease the risk of hernias, diastasis recti and prolapse.  It is important to note that every pregnancy is different, there are some contraindications that limit exercise.  Feel free to contact us by phone or through our contact form to determine if you are a good candidate for services and how and when to get started.

Question 2

Is it safe to start exercising right after birth?

Accepted Answer

Your core and pelvic floor are so vulnerable 6-12 weeks postpartum, so it is crucial to exercise properly right after birth.  Having a baby is hard on your body!  Your abdominal muscles are stretched out, your ribs spread out, your pelvic floor had to handle a lot of pressure from the growing baby, changes in posture can lead to increase tightness in shoulders and neck, your back muscles had to overcompensate to make up for lack of abdominal strength, and your diaphragm (your breathing muscle) gets pushed up.  Take a moment to appreciate what your body went through, but also acknowledge it is going to take time to recover!  Too much too soon can cause or worsen diastasis recti or pelvic floor dysfunction.  It is so important to focus on proper breathing, pressure management, and body awareness before jumping back into your normal exercise routine.

Question 3

Do I need a doctor referral?

Accepted Answer

We have a direct access physical therapist, licensed in Pennsylvania, which allows you to schedule right away without a doctor’s referral.  This will allow for a quicker recovery time and potentially less cost to you in the long run!  However, after 30 days in the state of Pennsylvania, a prescription by your doctor will be needed to continue with physical therapy treatment.

Question 4

Do you take health insurance?

Accepted Answer

At Moms Treating Moms, we've chosen a care model that puts your healing, comfort and goals first - not by what insurance companies decide is "necessary".  By staying out of network, we're able to offer deeply personalized, one-on-one sessions with a licensed physical therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum care. That means no surprise bills, co-pays, or deductibles to worry about, no rushed appointments or limitations in coverage.

Unlike traditional outpatient PT clinics that often require multiple visits per week, our approach is intentionally designed to be more efficient, effective and respectful of your time - less visits, more impact.

Payments are made in full at the time of session.  We do provide superbills for reimbursement through your insurance, but please make sure to contact your insurance provider regarding your out of network benefits.  We also accept HSA/FSA payments to help make care more accessible.  Our goal is to make sure every mom feels seen, supported and empowered - without compromise.

Question 5

Do you provide mental health services?

Accepted Answer

At this time, Moms Treating Moms does not provide mental health counseling or psychotherapy. However, Dr. Brianne Angelopoulos holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and is extensively trained in recognizing and understanding perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Within her scope of practice as a physical therapist, she screens for common perinatal mental health concerns using evidence-based tools, identifies red flags and collaborates with or refers to licensed mental health professionals when appropriate, and incorporates mental-health–informed education and strategies—such as breathing, stress-reduction techniques, and body-based regulation—into physical therapy sessions when relevant. This means your care is approached through a whole-person lens, with sensitivity to the emotional and psychological changes that often accompany pregnancy and postpartum. If specialized mental health treatment is needed, Dr. Brianne will gladly help you connect with qualified local or virtual providers.

Question 6

What is the Pelvic Floor?

Accepted Answer

The pelvic floor is made up of several muscles that help support the bladder, rectum and reproductive organs.  It helps regulate intraabdominal pressure.  It helps with continence and sexual function.  It contributes to postural and respiratory functions, as well as control of the lumbar spine and pelvis.  Despite all that, it is often overlooked or not regularly discussed during OB visits.  Often mothers are cleared to go back to regular routine 6 weeks postpartum without any further discussion.  Conversations related to the pelvic floor can be uncomfortable, leading mothers to suffer in silence.  That is where we come in!  We are here to help navigate these uncomfortable topics, and help you get back to a healthier and happier you!

Question 7

What is your travel radius?

Accepted Answer

We will travel 30 miles from Wexford, PA.  Please reach out to the phone number on our website or contact form if you have any questions regarding traveling to your location.  We also offer telehealth services for anyone wanting services in the state of Pennsylvania.

Question 8

What to expect on the first visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit will take approximately 60-90 minutes.  It will consist of reviewing your medical history and mental health, current impairments, assessments of breathing, posture, strength, mobility, and functional movements.  We will go over your specific goals and needs as well as any barriers to progress you may have, and come up with a specific treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you are receiving an in-person assessment, your therapist will travel to you!

Question 9

Do you provide internal pelvic floor exams?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide internal pelvic floor exams, but promote pelvic health through movement and exercise.  We focus on how posture, breathing, pressure management, overactive and underactive muscles, alignment, movement and mental health all play a part in common conditions during and after pregnancy. There is so much we can observe to give us clues as to why you may be experiencing certain conditions.  However, there may be instances where our PT will recommend referral to an internal pelvic floor therapist as an adjunct to your current treatment plan.

Moms Treating Moms

Postpartum & Prenatal Physical Therapy in Wexford, PA