Recommended Providers
Here is a list of recommended medical providers in the New York City area that have been reviewed by other mothers.
I would love to expand this section to include your recommendations as well. If you have seen a physical/occupational therapist, sports medicine doctor, massage therapist, etc. that has helped you recover from any upper body related injuries during the course of your pregnancy and postpartum please send me your recommendations via the “Get Involved” tab.
What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?
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Helps patients restore movement to their body caused by injury, illness and disability by using manual therapy such as massage and other techniques such as exercise. Pelvic stress incontinence and achilles tendonitis would qualify to see a physical therapist.
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Helps a person improve his or her ability to perform any activities of daily living, such as changing a diaper. Upper extremity issues like carpal tunnel and mommy’s wrist would qualify to see an occupational therapist.
New York/New Jersey Providers
It is important to note I am recommending providers that take health insurance. You can check with the provider first to make sure they take your insurance.
Physical/Occupational Therapy
Spear Physical Therapy: spear center.com
Spear physical therapy offers PT, OT, and pelvic floor therapy. They have 37 locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey. They accept most insurances.
My review: I have been going to the Spear location at East 84th street in Manhattan since I was 2 months postpartum for pelvic floor, nerve damage in my arms and achilles tendonitis. All of the therapists have been professional, knowledgeable and passionate about helping me recover. The exercises are easy to do at home and they work with you to incorporate those exercises into your busy mom life schedules.
I saw occupational therapist Micheal Carroll at Spear 84th street for close to 2 years. He is the reason my nerve and muscle damage is now healed. He gave me confidence and hope that my situation would improve with time and was excellent at explaining the reasons behind the exercises he gave me. He also listened to how I was feeling and would tailor my exercises based on where I was experiencing my discomfort. I highly recommend seeing him.
Sports Medicine Physicians
Dr. Eliana Cardozo DO: Mount Sinai Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine
I have only seen Dr. Cardozo via Telehealth appointments since my son was born. This was extremely convenient since it was very difficult for me to find childcare in order to see her in person. When I started to notice my nerve damage worsening at 2 months postpartum I was able to schedule an appointment with her quickly and ask for a physical therapy referral asap. She was a very good listener and empathized with my condition, being a mom herself, as well as reassured me that there were options to treat what I was going through at every stage of my recovery with my upper body. For example she took the time to review proper ergonomics while working at a computer and sent me options for splints and computer stands.