Dr. Maria Victoria Vargas
Dr. Maria Vargas, M.D.
Victoria Vargas – Gynecologist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon
Summary: Victoria Vargas MD, also known as Dr. Vargas OBGYN, is a skilled gynecologist and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Washington, D.C. Specializing in endometriosis, Dr. Maria Vargas combines a deep understanding of the disease’s complex nature with a patient-centered approach to care. She emphasizes the multifactorial origins of endometriosis, incorporating the latest research, including the Mulleriosis theory, to offer individualized treatment options.
Dr. Vargas provides comprehensive care, including hormonal therapies like combined oral contraception and the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD, tailored to each patient’s needs. She also focuses on managing persistent pain post-surgery, offering non-narcotic solutions such as nerve blocks, acupuncture, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Whether through lifestyle recommendations or advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Vargas helps her patients improve their quality of life with personalized, holistic care.
City: Washington DC, USA
Philosophy: Endometriosis is a complex disease and its etiology appears to be multifactorial. Currently, Mulleriosis seems to be the most accepted theory of origin. Unfortunately, we still lack understanding about the full spectrum of the disease, which includes a self-sustaining, highly inflammatory environment with the capacity to promote its own nerve and blood supply. There seems to be a hereditary component, and increasingly, we are defining somatic mutations common to endometriosis lesions. Given the many unknowns regarding endometriosis, I focus my practice on ensuring patients understand the complexity of the disease and try to develop an individualized approach based on each patient’s preferences and circumstances.
Medication: Depending on my patient’s preferences and needs, I offer hormonal suppressive therapy, including combined oral contraception, oral progestin medication, and the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD. I typically recommend extended-cycle dosing or continuous dosing of oral medications to achieve amenorrhea. In some cases, when patients don’t have sufficient improvement with hormonal suppression or when they don’t tolerate or are opposed to hormonal suppression, I may also recommend NSAIDs, gabapentin, or SNRIs.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: I bring up the possibility of residual pain before the surgery takes place so patients understand that there may be ongoing treatment beyond the recovery from surgery. I follow patients closely after surgery to ensure that they are able to achieve a maximal improvement in quality of life. If residual pain is present, I consider the possibility of co-morbidities, such as pelvic floor dysfunction and painful bladder syndrome. When appropriate I refer to my colleagues in pelvic floor physical therapy, pain management, and urology. I do promote a focus on non-narcotic options for residual pain, such as nerve blocks, trigger point injections, acupuncture, and TENS therapy. I also encourage mindfulness and meditative practices. I utilize hormonal suppressive therapy when appropriate as well. Rarely, I discuss second-look surgery as an option. I find that the vast majority of my patients achieve a positive outcome with this approach.
Erica Michitsch, PT, DPT
Erica Michitsch, PT, DPT
Erica Michitsch – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Erica Michitsch is a skilled endometriosis physical therapist based at Solstice Physiotherapy in New York. With a strong focus on pelvic health and orthopedics, Erica Michitsch combines expertise and empathy to help patients restore function and reduce pain, improving their everyday lives.
Erica integrates her knowledge of orthopedics, bladder, bowel, and sexual function alongside myofascial mobility to treat the whole person. As an avid yogi, Pilates instructor, and former collegiate athlete, she incorporates movement techniques that support healing and strength. Erica Michitsch uses an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with other specialists to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Passionate about empowerment and advocacy, she is dedicated to helping those with endometriosis live pain-free and regain confidence in their daily activities.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: Yes
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I, at Solstice Physiotherapy, specialize in pelvic health and orthopedics. My goal is to restore function and eliminate pain so that my patients can improve their daily functionality. We treat a complex part of the body, and I do this by integrating my knowledge of orthopedics, bladder, bowel, and sexual function, and myofascial mobility to fully understand the entire person. The experience I have gained over the years treating pelvic helped has allowed me to use empathy and detail when treating my patients. I am an avid yogi and a pilates instructor as well as a collegiate athlete, and use these skills when performing movement with patients. I use an interdisciplinary approach to focus on communicating with other specialists and providers in order to create an appropriate treatment plan and provide the best care to our patients. I am committed to helping patients decrease symptoms and live the life they want, pain-free. We believe in empowering our patients and advocating for them.
Lisa Whisenant, OTR
Lisa Whisenant, OTR
Lisa Whisenant – Endometriosis Occupational Therapist
Summary: Lisa Whisenant is a compassionate endometriosis occupational therapist of Genesis PT & Wellness in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to helping patients move, breathe, and live with less pain. Lisa Whisenant combines thorough listening with evidence-based care, tailoring every session to each person’s daily goals and lifestyle.
Her holistic approach addresses the entire body: diaphragmatic-breathing coaching, core and pelvic-floor coordination, and gentle abdominal lengthening restore balanced movement. She integrates visceral mobilization, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling to ease tension, while functional positioning and mobility training support pain-free work, exercise, and rest. Education on bowel, bladder, and sexual routines—plus adaptive tools like squatty potties, dilators, wands, and vibration—empowers patients to self-manage symptoms between visits. Warm, professional, and collaborative, Lisa Whisenant helps people with endometriosis regain control, confidence, and comfort in everyday life.
Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual/Home
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I treat holistically, looking at the full body. Diaphragmatic breathing education and techniques, proper core and pelvic floor contract/relax, lengthening abdominals, functional positioning and mobility, bowel, bladder, and sexual habits and routines, visceral mobilization, myofascial release, cupping, dry needling, and adaptive equipment/modalities such as squatty potty, dilators/wands, and vibration.
Kara Mortifoglio, PT, DPT
Kara Mortifoglio, PT, DPT
Kara Mortifoglio – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Kara Mortifoglio is an experienced endometriosis physical therapist in New York who takes a holistic and collaborative approach to pelvic health. At Solstice Physiotherapy, Kara Mortifoglio integrates advanced techniques and personalized care to help patients manage pain and improve daily function.
Her treatment plans often include visceral mobilization, myofascial release, internal manual therapy, bladder and bowel retraining, biofeedback, and dilator training. She also uses therapeutic exercise, Pilates, and postural re-education to support long-term recovery. Kara Mortifoglio believes in treating the whole person, which is why she regularly collaborates with pelvic pain specialists, acupuncturists, and mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Patients appreciate her compassionate, multidisciplinary approach, which empowers them to feel supported, informed, and confident in their healing process.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I like to use a hollistic approach, including: bladder/bowel techniques and retraining, visceral mobilization, myofascial release, biofeedback, dilator training, internal manual manipulation, anorectal manometry balloons, therapeutic exercise, pilates, postural re-education. Along with this, I often work in conjunction with pelvic pain specialists, acupuncturists, talk therapists, and many other practitioners.
Kelly Resha, PT, DPT
Kelly Resha, PT, DPT
Kelly Resha – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Kelly Resha is a compassionate endometriosis physical therapist in Martinez, Georgia, dedicated to helping women feel truly heard and supported in their pelvic health journey. At Georgialina Physical Therapy, Kelly Resha uses a hands-on, whole-body approach to address the many factors contributing to pelvic pain and dysfunction.
With advanced training in visceral mobilization, internal pelvic floor therapy, myofascial decompression (cupping), and targeted treatment of the hips, lumbar spine, and abdominal wall, she tailors care to meet each patient’s unique needs. Kelly Resha believes healing starts with listening, and she creates a safe, empowering space for her patients to feel seen, understood, and guided toward lasting relief. Through her expert care, women living with endometriosis can gain greater comfort, mobility, and confidence in their daily lives.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English, some Spanish (not fluent)
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I believe that every woman needs to be heard when it comes to their pelvic pain. I am trained in a hands-on approach of visceral mobilization, internal pelvic floor therapy, myofascial decompression (cupping), and treatment of the “other pieces of the puzzle,” including the hip/lumbar spine and abdominal wall.
Claire Hamnett, PT, DPT
Claire Hamnett, PT, DPT
Claire Hamnett – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Claire Hamnett is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist in New York who takes a whole-person approach to pelvic health. At Spruce Physical Therapy, Claire Hamnett blends expertise in orthopedics with a deep understanding of bladder, bowel, and sexual function to support patients in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and reclaiming their quality of life.
Through evidence-based care, Claire offers hands-on techniques like myofascial release, along with targeted exercises to strengthen muscle imbalances. She incorporates yoga, Pilates, and sports-specific interventions to meet each patient’s unique needs. With a strong focus on collaboration, Claire Hamnett works closely with other specialists to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible. Passionate about advocacy and empowerment, she is committed to helping those with endometriosis feel heard, supported, and truly cared for throughout their healing journey.
Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: At Solstice Physiotherapy, we specialize in pelvic health. Our goals are to restore function and eliminate pain so that patients can improve their daily functionality. We treat a complex part of the body by integrating our knowledge of orthopedics, bladder, bowel, and sexual function to fully understand the entire person. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we focus on communicating with other specialists and providers to create an appropriate treatment plan and provide the best care to our patients. We practice myofascial release, strengthening associated muscle weakness, and providing evidence-based intervention. We also perform yoga, pilates, and sports-specific intervention. We are committed to helping patients decrease symptoms and live the life they want, pain-free. We believe in empowering our patients and advocating for them.
Dr. Jon Einarsson
Jon Einarsson, M.D.,
Dr Jon Einarsson MD – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon
Summary: Dr Jon Einarsson, MD, a leading endometriosis specialist in Boston, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women with pelvic health concerns. With expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Dr. Einarsson focuses on the complete excision of endometriosis, recognizing that its origins are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. While surgery is the primary treatment, he emphasizes the importance of a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to address persistent pain and recurrence. After surgery, Dr. Einarsson often recommends hormonal options like continuous birth control or a hormonal IUD to help reduce the risk of recurrence. He works closely with a team of specialists, including pain experts and pelvic floor physical therapists, to offer holistic care that promotes long-term relief and well-being for his patients. With Dr. Einarsson, you receive thoughtful, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.
City: Boston, MA, USA
Philosophy: The origin of endometriosis is probably multifactorial and includes coelomic metaplasia, retrograde menstruation and genetic predisposition. Complete excision is the mainstay of the surgical approach, but since endometriosis can be found in lymph nodes and elsewhere, recurrences can occur even in the best of hands since microscopic implants may continue to evolve after surgery. This is correlated with age, with a higher risk of recurrence in younger patients.
Medication: In patients who are not contemplating pregnancy after surgery, I generally recommend either continuous birth control pills, hormonal IUD, or oral progestins. This has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence and repeat surgery. These agents are also better tolerated and equally effective to medications such as Lupron, which we generally do not use.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: A multidisciplinary approach to pain is essential. We, therefore, work closely with other disciplines such as pain experts, gastroenterology, urology, pelvic floor physical therapy, etc. The goal is to alleviate the patient’s symptoms, and sometimes the main cause of symptoms may not be endometriosis, although this is the most common etiology.
Niva Herzig, PT, DPT
Niva Herzig, PT, DPT
Niva Herzig – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Niva Herzig is a compassionate and highly skilled endometriosis physical therapist based in Englewood, New Jersey. With a patient-first philosophy, Niva Herzig creates a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard and empowered in their healing journey. She combines her expertise in physical therapy with training in health coaching and sexual counseling to provide holistic, personalized care.
At Core Dynamics Physical Therapy, Dr. Herzig uses a variety of hands-on techniques—including myofascial release, visceral mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and cupping—alongside neuromuscular re-education and pain science approaches such as guided imagery and graded exposure. She also incorporates tailored exercise and movement strategies to restore function and reduce pain. Patients working with Niva Herzig benefit from her integrative, evidence-based methods and her deep commitment to improving the quality of life for those living with endometriosis.
Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual
Spoken languages: English, Hebrew
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: My approach is patient first: I provide space and time to hear the story, guidance, and resources when needed. My background, in addition to PT, includes health coaching and sexual counseling (in the process). PT approach using manual therapy (myofascial, visceral mobilization, soft tissue, cupping, etc.), neuromuscular re-Ed: pain science (graded exposure, guided imagery, etc.), exercise, and movement.
Juan Michelle Martin, PT, DPT
Juan Michelle Martin, PT, DPT
Juan Michelle Martin – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Juan Michelle Martin is a dedicated pelvic health specialist at JMM Health Solutions in Georgia, USA, offering comprehensive care for patients with endometriosis. Juan Michelle Martin believes in a holistic approach that addresses not only pelvic floor dysfunction but also lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional wellness. Treatment sessions often include manual therapy, myofascial release, visceral mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, and relaxation techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Understanding that endometriosis can affect many aspects of life, Juan Michelle Martin works collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists, GI specialists, and gynecologists, to provide well-rounded care. At JMM Health Solutions, patients are treated with compassion, respect, and individualized attention, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Juan Michelle Martin’s warm and patient-centered philosophy helps those with endometriosis find relief and improved quality of life through personalized, empathetic care.
Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I believe that patients with endometriosis need to be approached from a comprehensive and holistic perspective. These clients often will have so many things going on. My sessions will typically include pelvic floor therapy comprising manual therapy, myofascial release, visceral mobilization, mobility work, visual imagery, relaxation, neuromuscular re-education, and education. They will also entail lifestyle habits and changes as necessary, nutrition components, wellness, and lifestyle management. I love working collaboratively with other professionals and often refer these clients as needed to other professionals who can also serve them, including nutritionists and functional medicine providers, GI specialists, GYNs, etc.
What should be known about you: I founded my practice, JMM Health Solutions, on being a beacon within my community. When clients come in, they are not a number, nor do I want them to feel that way. They need to feel cared for, respected, and listened to. That might mean that they need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and not just a clinician, and I provide that within my office. Patients with endometriosis have been through so much, and I believe that compassionate care is truly the way to serve this population best.
Dr. Shanti Mohling
Shanti Mohling, M.D.
Dr Shanti Mohling – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon
Summary: Dr Shanti Mohling, an experienced endometriosis specialist based in Portland, OR, takes a multifaceted approach to treating pelvic pain and endometriosis. Dr Mohling believes endometriosis originates during embryogenesis, and hormonal changes at menarche trigger its progression. Her philosophy combines a deep understanding of the condition’s genetic and environmental factors. With a focus on complete excision, Dr Mohling works to arrest the disease and improve her patients’ quality of life. She offers various hormonal therapies, including progestin-only contraceptives and bioidentical hormone therapy for surgical menopause patients. For pain management, she uses a combination of NSAIDs, nerve modulation, and sometimes Botox for pelvic floor myalgia. Dr Mohling’s holistic approach also includes collaboration with specialists in areas like functional medicine, pelvic floor physical therapy, and nutritional support, making her a compassionate and thorough provider for patients seeking expert care for endometriosis.
Incorporating her expertise and dedication, Dr Shanti Mohling is a trusted name in Portland for patients looking for comprehensive care in treating endometriosis and pelvic pain.
City: Portland, OR, USA
Philosophy: I believe endometriosis has multifactorial origins. Regarding surgical management, I treat it as though its origin begins with development during embryogenesis as the müllerian system is migrating. I believe most patients with endometriosis are born with it and that it flourishes during menarche with advent of hormonal changes. I also believe that there is a component of environmental impact such that a patient with genetic predisposition (and abnormal cells from embryogenesis) may do worse with an inflammatory environment (foods, pollution, stress, etc.). However, I believe that complete excision should mostly arrest disease and my treatment is based on mullerianosis as the genesis.
Medication: I work with patients in a collaborative fashion to arrive at the best option for each individual.
Hormonal therapies: Progestin-only contraceptives, combination oral contraceptives, Levonorgestrel IUD, Nexplanon occasionally. I almost never offer Depo Medroxyprogesterone acetate (due to side-effects) or GnRH analogs (due to side-effect profile and long-term negative effects). I have worked with bioidentical hormone therapy for over 20 years and also incorporate that when appropriate, such as in patients who have undergone surgical menopause or patients who do not tolerate synthetic hormonal therapy.
For pain: NSAIDS, occasionally narcotics, naltrexone and occasionally Medical Marijuana when appropriate. Sometimes neuromodulators such as gabapentin and pregabalin. I often recommend amitriptyline, especially in the case of interstitial cystitis. Finally, I sometimes prescribe compounded vaginal suppositories which may include valium, baclofen or ketamine.
I also use Botox for pelvic floor myalgia on a routine basis.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: I believe most pelvic pain is multifactorial: endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, bowel dysfunction (to include IBS, SIBO, Intestinal Permeability, gastroparesis), myofascial pain and neuropathic pain. At the initial work-up, I attempt to identify each of these contributors. Yesterday, I saw a postop patient who had had extensive endometriosis excised and confirmed by pathology. She had persistent pain. We reviewed her history of bowel symptoms, history of schistosomiasis and giardia (she had worked in Africa) as well as an exam suggesting pelvic floor myalgia. She will now work with a functional medicine specialist and pelvic floor physical therapist. We also discussed hormonal options (progesterone has a distinct effect on gastric function). This is very typical of my approach.
Dr. Chris Kliethermes
Chris Kliethermes, M.D.
Dr Chris Kliethermes – Endometriosis Specialist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon
Summary: Dr Chris Kliethermes is a compassionate endometriosis specialist and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon based in Troy, MI. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of endometriosis, Dr. Kliethermes is known for his commitment to optimal excision and restoring normal anatomy—an approach influenced by his training under Dr. Patrick Yeung. Patients seeking expert care appreciate Dr. Kliethermes’s balanced perspective on treatment options and his personalized approach to managing endometriosis pain. Whether you’re researching Dr. Kliethermes or looking for insights into Chris Kliethermes’s surgical philosophy, his profile provides both clinical expertise and patient-centered care.
In addition to surgery, Dr. Kliethermes supports patients with education on hormonal options and collaborates closely with pain specialists, physical therapists, and fertility experts. His goal is always to guide each patient toward effective, long-term relief with warmth and professionalism.
City: Troy, MI, USA
Philosophy: At this point, I take all theories into consideration as possible origins for endometriosis. I inform my patient about the Mullerianosis, stem cell/retrograde flow, or vascular dissemination theories. My goal is to best treat my patients and, until we learn more about the disease, try to look at aspects of research being conducted for origins. Training with Dr. Patrick Yeung in residency, I fully agree with his teachings of optimal excision and restoration of normal anatomy as essential to properly treat the disease surgically.
Medication: Medication does not treat endometriosis, but more masks symptoms. I do offer patients who are not interested in pregnancy hormonal suppression following surgery, pending their postoperative pain, as I have seen decreased pelvic pain in patients with a levonorgestrel IUD. For patients that are absolutely adamant they want to avoid surgery (which is extremely rare) the IUD is again my preferred method. I often will educate pre- and post-op patients regarding the GnRH analogs and give them the autonomy to choose these methods if desired, although I do believe the benefits of these medications do not outweigh the cons.
Approach to Persistent Pain: For patients with persistent symptoms after surgery, I have multiple options, assuming optimal excision. Our hospital system has access to pain specialists, physical therapy, other surgical specialties, and nutritionists. Thus far, I have only had to utilize them sparingly, but I am lucky to have their services accessible. There are also local sex therapists. I work closely with and often get referrals from our REI department, with whom I consult frequently for fertility concerns.
Rebecca Patton, PT, DPT
Rebecca Patton, PT, DPT
Rebecca Patton – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Rebecca Patton is a dedicated pelvic health physical therapist based in Arizona, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Rebecca Patton specializes in supporting patients with endometriosis by focusing on pain management before and after surgery. Her approach includes calming techniques to downregulate the nervous system, such as visceral and nerve mobilization, breathing exercises, and dry needling when appropriate. Understanding that every patient’s journey is unique, Rebecca Patton tailors treatment plans to individual goals—whether that involves pelvic floor retraining, managing bowel and bladder symptoms, or returning to joyful activities. She advocates for inclusive, gender-affirming care, ensuring a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Rebecca Patton prioritizes clear communication with interdisciplinary teams to help patients navigate complex care pathways with confidence and ease. Her practice reflects empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to empowering each person on their healing journey.
Visit types: Office/Hospital
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: Yes
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: If I suspect endo based on their symptoms, my main priority is getting them to an endo specialist for a formal diagnosis and surgery. That can take a few months for them to get paperwork together and finally see the specialist. During that time during physical therapy, we focus on pain management.
This is typically in a calm environment (dim lighting and meditation tones are helpful to relax the nervous system). I provide an environment that helps downtrain the CNS with visceral and nerve mobilization, passive mobility, and breathing techniques.
After surgery, it depends on the person and their individual goals. Some want to continue visceral mobility. Some want to focus on pelvic floor retraining and possibly integrating dilators. Some are trying to manage bowel and bladder symptoms.
Others are trying to get back to exercise or recreational activities. I use dry needling if appropriate and if I feel someone’s nervous system will respond well. Improving management of bowel and bladder hygiene can be accomplished through pelvic floor retraining, breath work, CNS down training, visceral and fascism mobility and getting back to joyful activities.
Interdisciplinary care and communication are important and can involve the surgeon/specialist, GYN, PCP, nutritionist, acupuncturist, GI/colorectal doc, or urogynecologist, just to name a few. I try to help my patients navigate this complex system so they can prioritize their care and not feel as overwhelmed. The most important thing I have learned is that although endo can have a lot of similar symptoms, every patient is individual in their goals, factors that exacerbate their symptoms, activity tolerance, and overall lifestyle. I try to meet them where they are at for treatment, and goals may change over time.
More information: My main priority is providing a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. I am an advocate for gender-inclusive language, inclusive and affirming intake paperwork, and not assuming heteronormative or cisnormative lifestyles when asking my patients about sexual health and gender identity.
I always have my pronoun pin on. I want to normalize transgender individuals seeking care for pelvic physical therapy.
