Archives

image
2 years ago

Mary Beth Thompson, PT, PRPC

Mary Beth Thompson, PT, PRPC

Mary Beth Thompson—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Mary Beth Thompson, PT, PRPC, is an experienced endometriosis physical therapist located at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Virginia. Mary Beth Thompson uses a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to help patients manage the complexities of endometriosis. Her care includes hands-on techniques like myofascial release, visceral mobilization, and trigger point therapy, alongside nervous system regulation and patient education. Mary Beth Thompson sees herself as a “quarterback” in her patients’ care, helping them build a personalized team that may include acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition guidance, and mental health support. Her goal is to empower patients to better understand their condition and feel confident in managing it long-term. With compassion and clinical expertise, she guides each individual toward greater well-being and improved quality of life.

City: Alexandria, Florida

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages:  English, all others via in-person or video interpretation

Interpreting services for other languages: Yes

What you should know about me:

Endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. I utilize a holistic approach to patient care, including manual techniques (myofascial, visceral, trigger point), indirect manual, and central nervous system education and techniques. I view my role as a “quarterback” to a patient’s management, aiding in helping a client find their best “team”. I encourage other disciplines, including acupuncture, massage, dietitians, and therapists/counselors. I feel my role is to aid in “tossing the ball” to the patient to self-manage their chronic condition.

image
2 years ago

Briana Wyatt, PT, DPT

Briana Wyatt, PT, DPT

Briana Wyatt—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Briana Wyatt, PT, DPT, is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist based in Bonita Springs, Florida. At Holistic Health Physical Therapy and Wellness, Briana Wyatt offers a whole-body, holistic approach to care that focuses on identifying root causes and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. She combines expertise in pelvic floor therapy, visceral mobilization, and myofascial release with advanced training in functional medicine and strength conditioning. Briana Wyatt believes deeply in a multidisciplinary path to recovery, often collaborating with other providers to ensure each patient receives comprehensive, personalized care. Her goal is to help individuals with endometriosis feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate their healing journey with compassion and expert guidance.

City: Bonita Springs, Florida

Visit types: Office/Hospital, At home, Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

What you should know about me:

I take a holistic approach to physical therapy and wellness, focusing on addressing the whole body, identifying the root cause of illness and injury, and maximizing the body’s potential to heal. I incorporate my education in functional and holistic medicine, as well as additional training in pelvic floor therapy, visceral mobilization, myofascial release, and extensive strength and conditioning training. I believe in a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis and enjoy working with additional providers for a well-rounded journey to healing.

image
2 years ago

Brita Allgyer, PT, DPT

Brita Allgyer, PT, DPT

Brita Allgyer—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Brita Allgyer, PT, DPT, is an experienced endometriosis physical therapist based in Great Falls, Virginia. At Pelvic Healing and Wellness Physical Therapy, She offers personalized, whole-body care designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term healing. Her integrative approach includes visceral mobilization, myofascial release, yoga therapy, and joint mobilization. Brita Allgyer also uses cupping therapy, Graston technique, and deep breathing to ease tension, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. She believes in empowering patients through education and hands-on techniques that address both the physical and emotional effects of endometriosis. Patients working with Brita can expect a warm, compassionate environment where their symptoms are heard and validated, and where healing goes beyond the pelvic floor to restore overall wellness.

City: Great Falls, VA

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

What you should know about me: Visceral mobilization, myofascial release, yoga therapy, joint mobilization, cupping therapy, Graston, deep breathing

image
2 years ago

Carissa Francisco, PT, DPT

Carissa Francisco, PT, DPT

Carissa Francisco—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Carissa Francisco, PT, DPT, is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist based in Reno, Nevada. Carissa Francisco takes a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to care, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of endometriosis. Her treatments include visceral mobilization, myofascial release, and soft tissue work to relieve adhesions and pelvic floor tension while also addressing bowel and bladder function. Carissa Francisco prioritizes patient education, including the science behind chronic pain and the impact of the nervous system, and often collaborates with mental health professionals and nutritionists to support full-body healing. She empowers patients with tools like yoga, journaling, and meditation to manage pain and reduce stress. Her integrative approach also includes guidance on sleep health and hormone disruptors. Patients can expect compassionate, expert care rooted in respect and collaboration.

Visit types: Office/Hospital

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

What you should know about me: With patients who have endometriosis, I approach the plan of care with a biopsychosocial approach. Thus, I am assessing and treating the musculoskeletal impairments of endometriosis, including visceral mobilization to address abdominal and pelvic viscera fascial adhesions, myofascial release, and soft tissue mobilization of pelvic floor muscles and surrounding pelvic muscles, as well as addressing bowel and bladder habits. I also usually refer the patient to CBT or some form of therapy to address possible previous trauma, trauma from being gas light by medical providers regarding their pain/symptoms, for any anxiety/depression related to the disease from being in constant and chronic pain, and to receive education in pain science in order to prevent or treat central sensitization or sympathetic up-regulation. I will also educate the patient myself in the role of the sympathetic nervous system in regard to chronic pain and ways to manage the sympathetic response through activities that help them regulate, whether that be meditation, yoga, acupuncture, journaling, etc. I address or refer to a nutritionist regarding diet in order to prevent increased systemic inflammation from food. Lastly, I address the relationship between sleep and pain management and discuss the avoidance of estrogen disruptors in their environment to prevent excess systemic estrogen.

image
2 years ago

Chelsea Petrakovitz, PT, DPT

Chelsea Petrakovitz, PT, DPT

Chelsea Petrakovitz—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Chelsea Petrakovitz, PT, DPT, is a compassionate endometriosis physical therapist based in Jackson, Michigan. Chelsea Petrakovitz specializes in treating the complex and often misunderstood symptoms of endometriosis through a biopsychosocial approach that supports the whole person—body and mind. Her techniques include myofascial release, scar tissue mobilization, trigger point work, somatic exercises, and nervous system regulation methods such as vagus nerve stimulation and breathwork. Chelsea Petrakovitz also prepares patients for excision surgery and supports post-op recovery, addressing related issues like hip, back, or pelvic pain and painful intercourse. She partners closely with a trusted network of providers to ensure comprehensive care and believes deeply in validating and empowering every patient. Her mission is to help you find relief—and to remind you that it’s not “all in your head.”

Visit types: Office/Hospital; Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

What you should know about me: My passion for endometriosis came from seeing patient after patient who had gotten nowhere with their treatment for YEARS. The physical, mental, and emotional toll it had taken on these people was heartbreaking. I committed myself to being the person to treat what I could and guide them to the right people for the things that are outside of my scope of practice.

Take a biopsychosocial approach to treat all aspects of the person. Treatment techniques I use include myofascial release, trigger point release, stretching, scar tissue mobilization, and somatic exercises. We also work to decrease central nervous system sensitization that can amplify pain signals—breathing exercises, vagus nerve stimulation, and education. We use treatments such as TENS and dry needling for patients open to these modalities.

I help patients prepare for excision surgery and recover after surgery. I also treat secondary symptoms that occur with endometriosis, such as hip/back/groin pain, pain with intercourse, interstitial cystitis, and more! I firmly believe in a team approach and am dedicated to using my network of other practitioners to help patients.

It’s not “all in your head,” and I would love to help you.

image
2 years ago

Dr. Kenneth I. Barron

Kenneth I. Barron

Dr Kenneth Barron – Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist.

Summary: Dr Kenneth Barron is a leading gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon in Charlottesville, VA, specializing in endometriosis care and advanced fertility support, including IVF in Charlottesville VA. Known for his compassionate, patient-focused care, Dr Barron Charlottesville offers expert excision surgery and custom treatment plans for those navigating complex pelvic pain and fertility challenges.

Kenneth Barron MD approaches endometriosis with the precision of cancer care—targeting lesions with wide excision to reduce recurrence. He combines surgical expertise with hormonal therapies like high-dose progesterone and GnRH antagonists to support patients before and after treatment. When pain persists, he continues care by assessing for other pain sources such as nerve or myofascial issues. Patients seeking both endometriosis relief and fertility options turn to Dr Kenneth Barron for trusted, long-term support and highly specialized care in the heart of Charlottesville.

City: Charlottesville, Virginia

Philosophy:

Endometriosis is the medusa of gynecologic care. It is a many-headed monster with evidence of disease from birth (congenital); spread through vascular and lymphatic channels; metaplasia; and efflux of menstrual tissue. The origin is less important than the disease location, symptoms, and treatment goals. I treat endometriosis much like cancer: It must be resected with wide margins as recurrences when they occur, are typically in the same locations as previous disease.
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis?: Excision

Medication: Hormonal medications can be helpful for patients in controlling symptoms, preparing for fertility treatment, and anticipating surgery. Patients seek me out for surgical management when medicine fails. I often have patients try high-dose progesterone (norethindrone at 2.5 mg) if they have not before. I occasionally treat with GnRH antagonists in cases of nerve involvement, desire to shrink the disease before operating to reduce the risk of oophorectomy, and prolonged waiting for surgery.

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery:

I always continue to take care of my patients after surgery. There can be more than one pain generator coexisting with endometriosis. If pain persists post-operatively, I re-evaluate the patient for other sources of pain, if not already recognized pre-operatively, such as myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, primary uterine pain, or bowel and bladder-related pain.

 

 

image
2 years ago

Dr. Tarek Toubia

Dr. Tarek Toubia

Dr Tarek Toubia – Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist.

Summary: Located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Dr Toubia is a compassionate gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon specializing in endometriosis care. With a focus on the complex, multifactorial nature of endometriosis, Dr Tarek Toubia offers personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.

Dr Toubia performs precise excision surgery to remove endometrial lesions and alleviate pain. For patients seeking non-surgical options or contraception, he provides hormonal suppression using combined contraceptives or progestational agents. Additionally, Dr Toubia utilizes GnRH antagonists for symptom relief when delaying surgery is preferred. When pain persists after surgery, he carefully reassesses for other causes and recommends postoperative hormonal treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence. Patients trust Dr Toubia for his thoughtful approach and dedication to long-term health and comfort.

City: Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Philosophy: Multifactorial origin for a complex disease (with emphasis on genetic and embryonic theories), and thus the treatment approach needs to be personalized and multidisciplinary.

What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis?: Excision

Medication: I use hormonal suppression with combined contraceptives or some progestational agents when someone does not want surgical treatment and desires contraception. I use GnRH antagonists for patients who are suffering from pain symptoms and desiring to delay surgical intervention and not attempting conception.

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: Reassess and reevaluate for any concomitant pathology that could be contributing to pain. Also, postoperative hormonal suppression decreases the risk of recurrence

image
2 years ago

Dr. Romeo Lucas

Dr. Romeo Lucas

Dr Lucas – Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist.

Summary: Based in Freeport, Maine, Dr Lucas OBGYN is a dedicated gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon at the New England Center for Pelvic Health, specializing in endometriosis care. With a commitment to patient-centered treatment, Dr. Romeo Lucas performs thorough excision surgery and collaborates with other specialists when needed to ensure comprehensive care.

Dr. Lucas believes in transparent communication and detailed documentation. If full excision isn’t possible during surgery, he carefully records and reviews all findings with the patient, offering appropriate referrals when necessary. Grounded in the coelomic metaplasia theory, he approaches endometriosis as a complex condition often requiring multidisciplinary insight. Through his work at the New England Center for Pelvic Health, Dr. Lucas OBGYN helps patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options, empowering them to make informed decisions on their journey toward relief.

City: Freeport, Maine

Philosophy: I employ excision to the fullest extent that I am comfortable operatively. I may call for an intraoperative consult as needed. I may ask for certain specialists to be present or available if I have a high suspicion before surgery. Even if I am unable to excise or there is no surgeon available to excise, I thoroughly document the lesions (digital pictures) remaining and review them with the patient post-operatively. I then provide a referral as needed/desired.

Theories of endometriosis origin: Most likely due to coelomic metaplasia. Certainly, there are cases owing to menstrual regurgitation (i.e., imperforate hymen) or seeding during surgery (i.e., abdominal wall endometriosis after cesarean delivery). However, in such cases, it seems possible, if not likely, that there is an aberrant immunologic process allowing for unaddressed proliferation of that tissue.

Please tell us about your typical diagnosis strategies for a patient who is suspected to have endometriosis (ex, History, P/E, MRI, US, Laparoscopy, etc.)

What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis?: Excision

image
2 years ago

Jennifer Bloemendal, PT, DPT

Jennifer Bloemendal, PT, DPT

Jennifer Bloemendal—Endometriosis Physical Therapist

Summary: Jennifer Bloemendal, PT, DPT, is a skilled endometriosis physical therapist at Fit PT in Hudson, Wisconsin. She specializes in personalized, evidence-based care to help patients manage pelvic pain and restore function. Her holistic approach includes visceral mobilization (trained through the Barral Institute), myofascial release, and internal pelvic floor assessment and retraining. Jennifer Bloemendal also incorporates yoga for pelvic pain and Pilates reformer techniques to improve breath awareness and support healing. With a focus on pain management and body-mind connection, she empowers her patients through compassionate care tailored to their unique needs. Her goal is to help each individual move forward with less pain and more confidence in their daily life.

Visit types: Office/Hospital; Virtual

Spoken languages: English

Interpreting services for other languages: No

What you should know about me: Visceral mobilizations (Barrel Institute VM 1 and 2), myofascial release, internal pelvic floor assessment and retraining, pain management, yoga for pelvic pain, and Pilates reformer for breath connection.

image
2 years ago

Dr. Chauncey Stokes

Dr. Chauncey Stokes

Dr Stokes OBGYN – Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist

Summary: Dr Stokes OBGYN is a respected gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon based in Lansdowne, VA, offering expert care to patients facing endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. As an experienced OB GYN in Lansdowne, VA, Dr Chauncey Stokes combines surgical skill with a deep understanding of the complex nature of endometriosis. Practicing near Virginia Heart in Lansdowne, Virginia, he performs advanced excision surgery and provides comprehensive, compassionate care.

Dr Chauncey Stokes believes emotional support is essential to long-term healing. He incorporates oral contraceptives, antiestrogen medication, antidepressants, and neuromodulators into his treatment plans, tailoring care to each patient’s needs. When pain persists after surgery, he evaluates psychological and lifestyle factors and may include dietary changes, counseling, and exercise. Dr. Stokes, OBGYN is committed to helping patients reclaim quality of life through thoughtful, individualized care and evidence-based therapies.

City: Lansdowne, Virginia

Philosophy: Please refer to the uploaded document for further discussion. In short, I believe that endometriosis starts with the early development of the embryo. We can operate and remove endo, but understanding the origin is still perplexing. With more genetic research, we may have better answers to the question. For now, extensive excision seems to afford the best relief in the short term. Long-term relief usually requires more aggressive surgical intervention. For most patients, they have had their children. For others, they have been so debilitated by the disease that they opt for aggressive therapy at the exclusion of childbearing. Emotional/psychological support during the management of this disease is crucial to success because of its chronicity.

What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis?: Excision

Medication: Oral contraception, antiestrogen meds, antidepressants, gabapentin, and Lyrica. I typically offer the younger females a trial of oral contraceptives followed by antiestrogen medication. I will add antidepressants and neuromodulators as needed, especially if the initial regimen is not sufficient. Counseling and relaxation techniques are considered as an adjuvant to the medical therapy, just to get some relief

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: I initially use a questionnaire to help determine if patients have had sexual abuse and other psychological factors that may play into the overall management. If they are positive, I may refer them out for further evaluation or before initiating medical treatment. I advise weight loss for those women with increased BMI. I try to avoid chronic pain clinics due to the concern about addiction. I have used them in the past when major meds for management have been unsuccessful. I have those who have used acupuncture, but the results have been unpredictable. Exercise can be beneficial, along with alterations in diet. I work with a nutritionist to assist with developing anti-inflammatory diets. The truth is that some of these patients are difficult to manage, and we have little left once we have exhausted surgical and medical treatments. The initial questionnaires do help us to delineate those who may be difficult to treat. We try to set expectations and promote small successes as a step in the right direction.

image
2 years ago

Dr. Sean Copson

Dr. Sean Copson

Dr. Sean Copson – Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist.

Summary: Dr Sean Copson is a dedicated endometriosis specialist based in West Perth, Western Australia. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr Sean Copson provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. His expertise in gynecology and minimally invasive surgery ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments for managing endometriosis, including medications like progesterone-only pills, COCP, Zoladex, NSAIDs, and TCAs.

Dr Sean Copson believes in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to care. He recognizes that endometriosis requires not only surgical intervention but also comprehensive management, especially for patients experiencing persistent pain after surgery. His treatment plans involve collaboration with pain specialists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers to improve the patient’s overall well-being. With Dr Sean Copson, patients can trust that their care will be customized to address the unique aspects of their condition and help them achieve the best possible outcomes.

City: West Perth, Western Australia

Philosophy:

Coelomic metaplasia, immunological, and genetic

Medication:

Progesterone-only pill, COCP, Zoladex. NSAIDs, TCAs.
Tailored approach to each patient

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery:

Involvement of a pain specialist, a physiotherapist, and multidisciplinary care.
image
2 years ago

Dr. Ioannis Koutoukos

Dr. Ioannis Koutoukos, Gynecology & Minimal Invasive Surgery, Endometriosis Specialist.

City: Athens, Attica, Greece

Philosophy?

Migration

Medication:

Herbals, hormonal, letrozole

Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery:

Multidisciplinary approach!!! Depends on symptoms
iCareBetter