Somatic Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Oakland, CA for Pain, Pregnancy, and Pelvic Wellness
Conveniently located near downtown Oakland, right off the freeway!
Welcome to Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness. We are pelvic floor physical therapists our Oakland, CA community raves about.
Our cis women–held practice is for somatically curious humans in the San Francisco Bay Area who may have tried pelvic floor PT before and are still experiencing symptoms.
We specialize in trauma-sensitive care for pelvic pain, pain during sex, perimenopause joint pain symptoms, postpartum PT and prenatal pelvic floor physical therapy.
At Bodyful, we co-create a comfortable, safe, compassionate, and effective therapeutic alliance as the foundation for your lifelong resourcing and freedom from pain.
Why We Created Bodyful
Bodyful began because we, too, felt limited by the current healthcare system. We wanted to raise the standard of care for pelvic health—and we are confident that a visit with us will feel different than your typical pelvic floor physical therapy experience.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is often shamed, dismissed, or not discussed at all. We aim to normalize the conversation around pelvic health and bridge the gap between body awareness and strengthening beyond “just do your Kegels.”
Click here to read our comprehensive guide on pelvic floor therapy.
Who We Serve
Pelvic floor therapy at Bodyful works best if you:
want to engage with trusting your body
are interested in questioning your limiting beliefs
are ready to invest in the time, energy, emotions, and money to transform your relationship to your symptoms!
would like your pelvic PT to consult directly with your healthcare providers to collaborate on treatment options that will give you the most sustainable results possible
We offer inclusive care for all self-identified genders seeking healing, clarity, and embodied connection to their pelvic health.
Our Somatic Approach to Pelvic Floor PT
Specialized Pelvic Physical Therapy Services
As somatic movement physical therapists —board-certified in physical therapy and experts in pelvic health physical therapy—we offer a trauma-sensitive approach that centers your lived experience. Our somatic approach co-creates a space for:
compassionate inquiry into your story & medical history
somatic movement exercises that help you embody your anatomy and physiology with more ease
guided movement and breath to release tension & pain
comprehensive pain science to support understanding and agency
a clear roadmap for healing, grounded in your nervous system
Modern science affirms that nervous system support is one piece that may shape your physiology and pain responses. Somatic pelvic physical therapy works with your nervous system, allowing for sustainable change, deeper awareness, and long-lasting empowerment.
Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia) Treatment
We gently address the physical, emotional, and neurophysiological patterns involved in painful sex. Using somatic movement, trauma-sensitive care, and collaborative exploration, we help restore comfort, pleasure, and trust in your body.
Perimenopause Pelvic Pain
Hormonal shifts can influence pelvic tension, dryness, pressure, discomfort and aching joints. Our approach supports your pelvic health during perimenopause with nervous system supportive resources, individualized and nuanced breathing practices, gentle progressive strengthening, and we can work on your multidisciplinary team for your most effective long term outcomes.
Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
For pregnant bodies, we provide support for pelvic girdle pain, core strength changes, education for your birth plan, and preparation for labor and delivery. Our prenatal pelvic floor PT weaves body awareness, posture strengthening, mobility options, embodiment, and self-trust for a more empowered pregnancy.
A Better Way To Receive Pelvic Care.
As movement artists, healers, and humans, we have firsthand experience with the constraints of conventional healthcare. We spent too much time wrestling with insurance and it took away time and energy from connecting with patients—and that was not sustainable.
We heard your calls for quality pelvic care, and we listened.
If you’re seeking pelvic physical therapy in Oakland, CA or the Bay Area, we understand the challenges:
long wait times for an initial visit and for follow ups
limit on physical therapy care
limited session durations
sessions limited to treating only one body part or one symptom at a time
Our cash based pelvic PT can work with you for one hour 1-to-1, your follow up visit can be one week after the initial visit, and the starting frequency can be 1-2 weeks between visits.
For Those With A Mindful Movement Practice
If you have a mindful movement practice - this includes, but is not limited to, singing, hiking, dancing, yoga, and sports, expect diaphragmatic breathing, dynamic posture control, and core muscle strength and endurance training for total body integration and based in best evidence practices. Our bodyful approach helps you release tension patterns, understand your body’s wisdom, and reclaim ease and joy in movement.
Meet our team
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Dr. Karah Charette, PT, DPT, RYT
Doctor of Physical Therapy offering somatic pelvic health.
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Dr. Maryssa Steffen, PT, DPT, WCS
ABPTS Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health/Pelvic Health
“After my first visit at Bodyful Physical Therapy I began to cultivate a deeper understanding and connecting with my pelvic structure. I was given specific stretches to address the immediate challenges I was experiencing. After my second visit, I felt well supported by the team at Bodyful to set out on a healing process to begin addressing some of the root causes of my challenges. Many thanks to the wise, skilled and caring staff!”
— CARY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPIST, BODYFUL CLIENT
