Dr. Monica Saliu Commitment to Women’s Health through Physical Therapy

Dr. Monica Saliu is a renowned orthopedic and women’s health physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy who places patients at the center of her practice. Throughout her career, she has consistently shown a deep passion for guiding her patients towards optimal physical health. Dr. Monica possesses an extraordinary ability to blend her extensive knowledge and skills with a genuine, empathetic approach, a quality that has earned her the affectionate title “The Body Whisperer” from one of her patients. Her extensive experience has honed her skills, allowing her to excel in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal / orthopedic and pelvic floor cases. Her patients rely on her as a trusted source of guidance and support on their path to recovery and overall well-being. She takes a personalized approach to each patient, actively listening to their concerns, addressing their fears, and supporting them throughout their journey to recovery.  

What inspired you to pursue physical therapy as a specialty, with a focus on women's health?

In my professional journey, I’ve seamlessly integrated my lifelong love for sports, particularly during my competitive volleyball-playing years, with my unwavering attraction to the medical field. This fusion has culminated in a deeply rewarding career as an orthopedic and women’s health physical therapist. Volleyball wasn’t just a pastime; it was my passion, and I poured my heart and soul into it. As my athletic career approached its conclusion, a compelling desire to harmonize my two passions emerged.

This pivotal moment prompted me to delve into orthopedic physical therapy, specializing in the rehabilitation of athletes. However, it was an unexpected personal challenge in the form of endometriosis that unveiled the profound significance of pelvic health physical therapy. This revelation was impossible to ignore, and it steered me towards pursuing further education and expertise in this vital domain. This journey ultimately led me to co-found Tribeca Physical Therapy alongside my dearest friend, Dr. Kristian Marcial. Our mission is rooted in a patient-centered approach, striving to raise awareness, provide education, and emphasize the importance of prevention. Our core belief is that by empowering individuals with knowledge and guidance, we can help them avoid the need for invasive procedures, ensuring not only their physical well-being but also their overall quality of life.

What types of conditions would benefit from pelvic floor therapy, and what does a typical care plan involve for a patient who may be experiencing one of these conditions? Can both men and women benefit from it?

I believe that everyone can benefit from a yearly pelvic floor assessment, similar to having a yearly medical exam as our body goes through changes due to many life factors like aging, stress level, injuries, medical health, which can interfere with the function of the pelvic floor musculature and trigger medical conditions that requires more in-depth care. These conditions can include:

• Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can be due to various causes, such as muscle tension, inflammation, or injury. Pelvic floor therapy can help by addressing muscle imbalances and tension.

• Incontinence: Both stress incontinence (leaking urine during physical activity or coughing/sneezing) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong urges to urinate) can be improved with pelvic floor therapy.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition involves the descent of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal or rectum. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and support the pelvic floor muscles to reduce symptoms.

• Postpartum Issues: After childbirth, many women experience issues like perineal tears, episiotomies, or weakened pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can aid in recovery and address postpartum symptoms.

• Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse can be caused by pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy can address this by relaxing and strengthening the pelvic muscles. Chronic Constipation: Problems with bowel movements can be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Therapy can help with issues like incomplete evacuation or difficulty passing stool.

Typically, a patient’s care plan for pelvic floor therapy involves the following steps:

• Initial Assessment: The therapist conducts an initial assessment to understand thepatient’s symptoms, medical history, and pelvic floor function. This assessment may include external and internal examinations.

• Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the therapist develops an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and lifestyle recommendations.

• Muscle Training: Patients are taught how to perform specific pelvic floor exercises to strengthen or relax the muscles, depending on their condition. These exercises are often referred to as Kegel exercises.

• Manual Therapy: In some cases, the therapist may use hands-on techniques to release muscle tension and improve function.

• Biofeedback: Biofeedback tools can be used to help patients gain awareness and control over their pelvic floor muscles.

• Education: Patients receive education about their condition, posture, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to their symptoms.

• Home Exercises: Patients are usually given exercises to do at home to complement the therapy sessions.

• Progress Evaluation: Patients typically have follow-up appointments to assess progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

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Both men and women can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. While some conditions are more common in one gender than the other, the pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in both men and women’s health throughout life, from puberty to post menopause and andropause.

How do you incorporate Pilates into your physical therapy care?

The foundation of the Pilates method of exercise is rooted in principles and concepts developed by Joseph Pilates, a German physical trainer who pioneered this system in the early 20th century. Pilates aims to enhance physical strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness, placing a strong emphasis on core strength and postural alignment. The method is renowned for its focus on precise, controlled movements and the connection between the mind and body.

I firmly believe that anyone can derive substantial benefits from several key Pilates foundation principles. These include “Centering”; which harnesses the core as a powerhouse; “Concentration”; highlighting the importance of the mind-body connection and mindful movements; “Control”; emphasizing precise, coordinated, and deliberate movement; “Breath”; where breathing is seamlessly integrated into each Pilates exercise, facilitating movement, increasing lung capacity, and reducing tension; “Postural Alignment”; which serves to alleviate stress on the body and enhance physical well-being; and “Awareness”; encouraging individuals to closely monitor how their bodies feel during each movement. This heightened body awareness is fundamental for injury prevention, effective pain management, rehabilitation, emotional and stress regulation, improved sports performance, enhanced posture and ergonomics, positive body image and self-acceptance, and overall well-being.

What advancements or research within the field of physical therapy are you currently most excited about? 

The introduction of APTA-Supported Bill Promoting Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Medicaid which would support education on pelvic health and physical therapy for postpartum individuals reaching communities with financial challenges.

At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?

Tribeca Physical Therapy’s approach to care is centered around hospitality, ensuring that patients not only achieve optimal health outcomes but also have a positive and enjoyable experience. Here’s a breakdown of how hospitality is applied:

• Holistic Focus on Patient Experience: The model goes beyond just focusing on medical outcomes; it aims to create a great overall experience for the patients. Recognizes that patient satisfaction is not only about successful treatment but also about the journey and environment. 

• One-on-One 1-Hour Long Treatment Sessions: The practice stands apart from high-traffic practices by offering personalized attention with one-on-one, hour-long treatment sessions. This personalized approach ensures that each patient receives focused and comprehensive care. 

• Innovative Patient-Centric App: Further enhancing convenience, our dedicated Tribeca Physical Therapy app empowers patients to seamlessly manage their care. Patients can easily access and view their updated home exercises, conveniently book appointments online, and communicate securely with their physical therapy team our HIPAA compliant messaging chat platform. This technological innovation reflects our commitment to providing a modern and efficient healthcare experience.
• Nurturing Healing Environment: Experience healing from the moment you enter our space, where carefully curated ambiance and soothing scents set the stage for your health and wellness journey. The ambiance of the facility is carefully curated to contribute to a positive and uplifting atmosphere, creating a relaxed environment for patients. A curated playlist is employed to set the mood in the facility, contributing to the desired energetic and fun environment. Tailored amenities are provided based on the specific needs of different patient groups. 

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