Orthopedic Physical Therapy

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Providing trauma-informed physical therapy to help you overcome aches, pains, and injuries,

Begin your journey to recovery with Dr. Ariana Lopez, PT, DPT. I will take the time to understand your specific needs and challenges, crafting a personalized plan that addresses the root of your problems and helps you work toward accomplishing your goals. Treatment typically involves therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques such as cupping, myofascial release, and dry needling.

Injuries & conditions I see:

    • Joint pain

    • Musculoskeletal strains/tears

    • TMJ dysfunction

    • Shoulder pain

    • Spine (neck, thoracic, low back pain)

    • Hip, Knee, Ankle, Foot Pain

    • Hypermobility and EDS

    • Long COVID

    • Chronic pain

    • Fibromyalgia

    • Migraines

    • Arthritis

    • Beginner, professional, and competitive dancers - ballet, modern/contemporary, pole, aerial, and salsa/bachata.

    • Recreational athletes - runners, climbers, tennis/pickleball players, gymnasts, and weightlifters.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Woman holding pelvic model in discussion

Arlo Physical Therapy & Wellness offers a calm and healing environment for you to address your pelvic health concerns. I treat common pelvic floor concerns like leakage, pain with sex, constipation, and prolapse. I also treat concerns that can be more complex like endometriosis, PCOS, and pain after gender affirming surgery.

Unlike many in-network physical therapy clinics, you will always receive a 1-hour session in a warm and inviting treatment room. You will never be pressured to do an internal pelvic floor exam. We will work together to find a course of treatment that works best for your mind, body, and spirit.

Your pelvic health matters.

Injuries & conditions I see:

    • Leakage with cough, sneeze, or exercise

    • Overactive bladder

    • Frequent nighttime bathroom trips

    • Incomplete bladder emptying

    • Chronic UTIs

    • Interstitial Cystitis

    • Constipation

    • Painful bowel movements

    • Chronic pelvic pain

    • Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

    • Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) pain

    • Pain with sex, pelvic exams with speculum, or inserting tampons

    • Vaginismus

    • Vulvodynia

    • Lichen Sclerosus

    • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) 

    • Pelvic and abdominal pain from endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or PCOS

    • Pudendal nerve entrapment

    • Postoperative abdominal pain

    • Pain after gender-affirming surgery

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Birth preparation

    • Pubic symphysis pain

    • Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain

    • Low back, tailbone, or hip pain

    • Round ligament pain

    • Diastasis Recti

    • Perineal tear recovery

    • Cesarean scar recovery

    • Leakage or frequent urination

    • Difficulty returning to running or exercise

Bodywork

Close-up of a tattooed area on skin with purple gloves holding an acupuncture needle.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialized technique used in physical therapy to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction. Thin needles are inserted into tight, knotted bands of muscle called trigger points. When the needle is inserted, it causes a local twitch response. This involuntary contraction followed by relaxation is believed to break the cycle of muscle tightness or spasm and improve pain and mobility.

FAQ

  • Though similar in appearance, dry needling and acupuncture have different goals and foundations. Dry needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain and improve function, based on modern anatomy. Acupuncture, from traditional Chinese medicine, aims to balance energy (Qi) by inserting needles into specific points.

  • If you're experiencing persistent muscle pain, tightness, or limited mobility that isn't improving with standard treatments, dry needling may help. A PT can assess whether myofascial trigger points are contributing to your pain. If these trigger points are causing discomfort or restricting movement, dry needling could be a beneficial option to release tension and improve function.

  • Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Conditions include, but are not limited to neck, back and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), migraines and tension headaches, back and tailbone pain, hip and leg pain, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related pain.

Person receiving a back massage with floral tattoo visible, therapist's hands applying pressure, white towel under head, beige blanket covering partially.

Myofascial Release

This type of bodywork applies gentle, prolonged pressure to tight muscles, which stretches out areas of stiffness. In this hands-on approach, light pressure is placed directly on the skin (without oils, creams, or lotions) and is sustained. When the tissue releases, pressure is removed, allowing freedom from pressure and pain. Myofascial Release Therapy softens muscles from the inside and helps restore movement. It focuses on the fascia, which makes up approximately 80 percent of our bodies.

FAQ

  • Unlike traditional massage, which primarily targets muscles, MFR works on the fascia, using gentle, sustained pressure to release restrictions. It is not a deep tissue massage but rather a specialized technique to promote long-term relief and mobility.

  • I work with a wide variety of individuals, including those experiencing chronic pain, back/neck pain, SIJ/coccyx pain, sciatica, headaches/migraines, chronic pelvic pain, knee/hip/shoulder/foot injuries, and much more!

  • I typically supplement MFR with modalities such as muscle scraping, gua sha, and cupping to promote further tissue mobility and healing.

What can I expect at my first physical therapy appointment?

So, you’re ready to book your first physical therapy appointment—but you’re feeling a little nervous because you have no idea what to expect. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious about something new, especially when it involves such a personal area of your health.

Two women sitting in chairs, having a discussion, one holding a clipboard, with a pelvic model on a table in front of them, in an orange-walled room.

A Comfortable & Supportive Conversation

Your appointment will begin with a one-on-one discussion about your medical history, symptoms, and any challenges you’re facing. Whether you're dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, postpartum recovery, or chronic pain, Dr. Ariana will listen with compassion and without judgment.

A person receives a leg massage or physical therapy while lying on a treatment table in a room with orange walls.

A Whole-Body Movement Assessment

Pelvic floor function is closely connected to your posture, core/hip strength, and overall movement patterns. Dr. Ariana may assess your breathing, hip and spine mobility, and how your body moves during daily activities to get a full picture of your musculoskeletal health.

Pregnant woman doing bird dog exercise on yoga mat in gym.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment, Dr. Ariana will develop a customized treatment plan designed to help you meet your goals. This may include exercises, manual therapy, breathing techniques, lifestyle modifications, and education to empower you in your healing journey.

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Ongoing Support

Each visit is an hour of one-on-one time with a dedicated Doctor of Physical Therapy. During the course of your treatment, I’ll be available to answer your questions and adjust your plan along the way.

Service Offerings & Pricing

Physical Therapy Initial Evaluation

Price: $200

  • 60 minute, one-on-one session with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

  • A thorough discussion about your medical history, current problems, and goals.

  • Comprehensive assessment of strength, range of motion, and functional movement.

  • Customized home exercise program to work on between visits.

Physical Therapy Treatment Session

Price: $175

  • 60 minute follow-up treatment sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

  • Ongoing conversations about what is and isn't working so your program is adjusted accordingly.

  • Treatments may include strength/mobility training; myofascial work, dry needling, taping, or cupping; ongoing movement assessments; and education on self-management.

Myofascial Release & Dry Needling

Price: $85

  • 45-min targeted treatment session focused on pain relief and muscle recovery for wellness purposes and ongoing maintenance.

  • Modalities such as muscle scraping and cupping may be used per therapist’s discretion to maximize effects of MFR or DN.