I grew up in a small fishing village in Southern Sweden overlooking the Baltic Sea. My journey to become a physical therapist and my passion for helping people began early in life, after my beloved grandfather had a massive stroke. Watching his healing process inspired me to lend a helping hand to people in need. I started PT school in 2004 and have pursued my dream of wanting to be a great listener and healer ever since.

In my years working in PT clinics and pediatric settings, I came to understand that the pelvic floor remains largely overlooked. What sometimes presents as an orthopedic issue is often compounded by a pelvic floor issue. It is my goal to look holistically at the individual.

I’ve given birth to three children and live an active lifestyle and know the frustration of leakage and the inadequacy of traditional care. I began to do more research and understood how pelvic floor therapy can treat a variety of issues in both men and women. I discovered there were ways I could help.

Being diagnosed with lupus in early 2023, I experienced firsthand a long and often grueling recovery. I dealt with dismissive doctors and endless tests. Eventually I found a team who listened and developed a treatment plan that was intrisic to me.

My first Pelvic Floor course opened up new insights and treatment methods for the issues some of my PT patients complained of, including issues I experienced myself. It became an “Aha!” moment and it changed my life both physically and professionally. My passion for promoting the awareness and importance of pelvic health to women and men started from that day. I have since completed many courses and certifications while being mentored by experienced pelvic floor therapists to learn how the pelvis interacts with the rest of the body. The majority of my practice was completed in the NYU Pelvic Health Department.

I have found my greatest professional fulfillment in pelvic health. I am honored to be able to do the work I do.

Meet Maria

Certifications

Master of Physical Therapy, 2007

Herrman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1 (Introduction to Pelvic Health”)

Herrman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 2 (Urogynecologic Examination and Treatment Interventions)

Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist 2.0-Sarah Duvall

Institute for Birth Healing-Treatment of Pregnant Body

Pelvis Pro-Sarah Duvall

Maitland 1-Peripheral and Maitland 2-Basic Spinal

NDT Facilitation Techniques