Below you’ll find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If you still have something you’d like to ask, visit our contact page and our team will be happy to assist you.
Very little — we keep it simple. Comfortable clothing you can move in Any relevant medical records or imaging (if you have them) A list of current medications or supplements Questions or concerns you want to discuss For in-home visits, we bring the equipment. You just need a small open space (like a living room or bedroom area) where you feel comfortable.
Your first visit is focused on listening and understanding your full picture — not rushing into treatment. We’ll start with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, health history, pregnancy or postpartum experiences (if relevant), lifestyle, and goals. From there, we perform a movement and musculoskeletal assessment.
After your evaluation, you’ll receive:
· A clear understanding of what’s contributing to your symptoms
· A personalized treatment plan tailored to your stage of life
· Practical exercises and strategies you can begin right away
· Guidance on what progress typically looks like
Appointments are one-on-one, unrushed, and private — whether in your home or via telehealth. Our goal is simple: help you understand your body and move forward with a plan that feels manageable and realistic.
The first session usually lasts about 75 minutes. All sessions after this will last about 60 minutes.
Care is personalized and may address concerns such as pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal leakage, bowel or bladder urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, diastasis recti, endometriosis, sexual discomfort, and even blocked milk ducts.
We also treat pregnancy-related pain, postpartum recovery challenges, and scar discomfort following cesarean or episiotomy. Beyond pelvic health, care may include support for back pain, sciatica or SI joint dysfunction, neck pain, hand, elbow, or wrist pain, balance concerns, post-surgical rehabilitation, and ergonomic issues.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fall within this scope, we’re happy to help you determine if physical therapy is the right fit.
We do not accept insurance. However, we are willing to assist you by providing paperwork that you can submit to insurance for out-of-network providers so that you can pursue reimbursement.
We will will accept the following methods of payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card (fee included), FSA Card (fee included), HSA Card (fee included), Venmo, & Zelle
The frequency of sessions depends on the individual's plan of care developed by your physical therapist. Most patients have either weekly or bi-weekly visits. The number of sessions is based on the severity of your issues/your progress. Your physical therapist will discuss both the frequency and number of sessions with you.
It depends. Consult with your OB-GYN or midwife who was responsible for your prenatal care to find out when you should make an appointment.
Yes, we do provide service to locations throughout Harris County and Fort Bend County. Appointments outside our service area (See Above Service Area map) will be charged a traveling fee.
Not necessarily. You are free to continue or opt-out of Telehealth at any time. Patients may be Telehealth only, or a combination of Telehealth and in-person, or in-person only. We will work with you to determine what is best for you after the initial consultation.
Pricing for evaluations start at $235 + travel rate (varies by area). Evaluation and treatment visits are sold in the form of package pricing, and the more visits you purchase, the better your price per visit. Your package expires 9 months from the date of purchase. We also offer sliding scale pricing for those with demonstrated financial need.
Our practice operates outside of insurance so we can provide the level of care women truly deserve. Insurance plans often restrict how much time we can spend with patients and limit what conditions can be addressed during a visit. By working out-of-network, appointments are longer, one-on-one, and focused entirely on your individual needs. This allows us to fully evaluate your symptoms, address multiple concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan — often resulting in meaningful progress in fewer visits compared to traditional insurance-based care.
Yes. Pelvic physical therapy is safe during pregnancy and specifically designed to support the changes the body goes through during this time. Dr. Valerie Akinwande is trained to work with pregnant patients and adapts treatment to your stage of pregnancy and how you’re feeling each day. Care is gentle, individualized, and always focused on protecting both mother and baby. Physical therapy during pregnancy may help: reduce back, hip, and pelvic pain, improve pelvic floor and core coordination, address urinary leakage or pelvic pressure, prepare the body for labor and delivery, learn effective breathing and pushing strategies, and support smoother postpartum recovery
In most cases, no. Physical therapy can safely continue during your menstrual cycle. Strength training, movement work, and coordination exercises can still be performed, and sessions can always be modified if you are experiencing discomfort. In fact, many people seek pelvic physical therapy specifically for symptoms that occur during their cycle, such as cramps, pelvic pain, heaviness, or urinary leakage.
If your flow is extremely heavy or you are experiencing severe pain and prefer to rest, you may reschedule your visit prior to the cancellation window.
The videos typically shown in school are designed to briefly introduce puberty and menstruation. Our class goes much deeper. This is an interactive, educational experience where both mothers and daughters learn together. We explain how the body actually works, what physical and emotional changes to expect, how the menstrual cycle functions, and how to confidently navigate period products and symptoms. The goal is to replace confusion with understanding — and help families feel more prepared for this transition.
Sexual activity is not discussed in this class. We believe those conversations are best guided by parents when they feel their child is ready. Our focus remains on puberty education, menstrual health, anatomy, and understanding how the body changes during adolescence. Scientific terminology and anatomy are explained clearly, but discussions about intimacy are intentionally left out so the class can remain focused on puberty and period education.
No. This class is designed to be a shared learning experience for both mothers and daughters. Attending together allows families to build a common understanding of puberty and the menstrual cycle while opening the door for ongoing conversations at home.
The goal is not only to educate your daughter, but also to help parents feel confident supporting her through this stage of development.
The class is designed for girls approximately ages 9–13, which is typically when many begin experiencing or preparing for the changes of puberty.
However, every child develops at their own pace. If your daughter is slightly younger or older but beginning to ask questions about puberty or periods, the class can still be very beneficial.
Our in-person classes are intentionally kept small to create a comfortable and supportive environment. Smaller groups allow for meaningful discussion, thoughtful teaching, and time for questions while still maintaining a welcoming group atmosphere.
You don’t need to bring anything special. All educational materials and resources are provided during the session. We recommend simply arriving ready to learn and participate in the conversation. Many families find it helpful to bring a notebook if they would like to jot down notes or questions.
Yes. We always leave time for questions during the class. Some questions are addressed as part of the teaching, and others can be asked during designated discussion time. Our goal is to make sure attendees leave feeling informed and supported, with their most important questions answered.
Yes. Many women continue to experience symptoms well after their final menstrual period. This class provides valuable education about post-menopausal changes, pelvic health, and wellness strategies that support long-term health. You’ll also learn about screenings, lifestyle strategies, and ways to support bone health, metabolism, energy, and pelvic floor function moving forward.
Not at all. This class is designed for women 35 and older who want to be proactive about their health. Hormonal changes often begin years before menopause itself, and understanding these shifts early can help protect your energy levels, pelvic health, bone health, and overall well-being. Learning about these changes sooner allows you to make informed decisions before symptoms become more disruptive.
Yes. The class is designed to provide clear, practical direction. You will leave with guidance on how to support your body during perimenopause, including exercise strategies, lifestyle considerations, conversations to have with your healthcare provider, and practical next steps that can be applied to daily life. The goal is for you to leave feeling informed, supported, and equipped with actionable tools.
You don’t need to bring anything special. All educational materials and resources are provided during the session. We recommend simply arriving ready to learn and participate in the conversation.
Yes. We always leave time for questions during the class. Some questions are addressed as part of the teaching, and others can be asked during designated discussion time. Our goal is to make sure attendees leave feeling informed and supported, with their most important questions answered.
Labor and delivery preparation refers to the process of getting ready for childbirth. It includes physical, emotional, and informational aspects to ensure a smoother and more positive birthing experience.
Most women take the class during the second or early third trimester (around 20–34 weeks). This timing allows you to learn the concepts early enough to practice the techniques before labor begins, while the information is still fresh as you approach your due date. However, the class can still be helpful at any point during pregnancy.
No. This class is designed to support all birth experiences. Whether you are planning an unmedicated birth, epidural, induction, or even a cesarean delivery, understanding how your pelvic floor, breathing, and body mechanics work during labor can help support your experience and recovery. The goal is to help you work with your body, regardless of the type of birth you have.
Yes. Partners are encouraged to attend. Many participants bring their partner so they can learn how to support positioning, breathing, and comfort techniques during labor. Having a shared understanding can help partners feel more confident and involved during the birth process.
Yes. The class includes practical techniques that can be used during pregnancy and labor. These may include breathing strategies, body positioning, movement patterns that support baby’s descent, and ways to prepare the pelvic floor for delivery. The goal is to give you tools you can practice before labor and use during birth.
One of the goals of birth preparation is to help the pelvic floor lengthen and relax effectively during delivery. The class teaches strategies that may help reduce excessive tension in the pelvic floor and support more coordinated pushing. While no class can guarantee a specific birth outcome, preparation can help the body function more efficiently during labor.
The class can still be very beneficial. Understanding pelvic floor function, breathing mechanics, and movement patterns can help support your body during pregnancy and may also improve recovery after surgery.
Birth Prep focuses specifically on how the body works during labor, especially the pelvic floor, breathing, and movement. It complements traditional childbirth education by giving you a deeper understanding of the physical mechanics of birth and how to support your body throughout the process.
Live classes that create space for questions, clarity, and connection around women’s health.