We know your pain, you are not alone, and there is hope. Don’t believe us? Check out these Sarton Physical Therapy testimonies.
Discover how people with conditions like yours found relief.
Julie, the owner, is so compassionate and knowledgable and up to date, and it’s very clear she is passionate in her work about helping people in pain. Unlike other similar clinics, she has more updated equpiment, such as a hot laser, and spends over an hour with you sometimes, whereas other places spent about 25 minutes. She answers all your questions, makes you feel comfortable and at ease, and I always feel leaving better both psychologically and physically. She is well-connected with specialists in the area, and therefore can work with your doctor. Staff is super nice, and they have an amazing massage therapist, Sergio, that’ really helps complement the overall treatment. I have been going to her for about 3 years, and in those years she’s moved three times,and i’ve followed loyally. i trust her 100% with my body, which is rare for me, since i have been hurt by physical therapists before.
I trust Sarton Physical Therapy with my health needs like no others.
One in Ten women suffer from endometriosis. In honor of those women, & their loved ones who support them, I share this post. A couple weeks ago, Julie Carter Sarton invited me to do something I have never done…> to share my story with a group of people whom I have never met.> I shared almost the whole story with a surprising amount of struggle with the vulnerability I felt leading up to it! That I am only now posting on the last day of March, Endometriosis Month, may hint at how private I really am, even though I like to think of myself as being very open. Many women like me would rather no one know about the true level of suffering and instead, just plan every detail around it. It took about 17 years for me to find the excellent care I needed. There is so much hope and really great expertise sometimes hidden away. If you or someone you know is dealing with endometriosis, feel free to message me. The good Lord doesn’t waste anything–perhaps my experiences can help.
To start off, Sarton Physical Therapy is amazing. The type of therapy that is offered here is very rare to find. So finding this place is like finding the hidden treasure. I’ve been a patient here for almost a year. I’ve been diagnosed with endo. and during my years of suffering it has caused some issues with my bladder and nervous system.
With all the suffering I didn’t believe anyone or anything could help me. Well, I see Physical Therapist, Becky Paulson. This woman is truly amazing at what she does. I can see that she loves her job; and she shows it perfectly during every session. I can tell she truly cares about my health, physically and mentally. She’s easy and fun to talk to. She is always giving me guidance and advice on how to take care of myself at home.
I could truly say that she saved me from a lot of pain and discomfort. What she has done for me I don’t think a gyno or your general doctor would be able to do or even more understand. I would never be able to thank Becky enough for everything that she has done for me. Even though I still have another year or so with her, she already brought normality back into my life.
…to you for all that you have done for me. I was in so much pain and felt so hopeless before I came to you. Now I am filled with hope for the future and I feel so much better. I want you to know how thankful I am for you. You are doing a great job and changing lives.
These ladies worked at both Hoag hospital and UCI and have vast knowledge and resources. They are able to refer you to the best doctors to work in conjunction with your issues. I truly believe that these ladies know more about pelvic pain than any doctor I have seen, and I have seen many, that usually give up on me. These ladies are constantly going to the latest conferences to craft their skills. They also have an on-site masseuse and a couple of pilates instructors that can work in conjunction to help you with your pelvic floor problems. Also, they are extremely sweet, hard-working, and funny, so you get two types of therapy in one session – one that works physically on your pelvic floor problem and the other mentally to cheer you up after being treated!
I’m doing really well – slowly progressing towards being pain free. This is my 5th day in a row that I’m being close to feeling pain free with level of discomfort 1-2. I can sit normally, spread my legs, do squats…burning has shifted down towards my knees and below them and this is the only part of my body where I can still feel discomfort I mentioned in the sentence before. Everything above has cleared and doesn’t cause any problems at all.
My routine is still the same – exercising, hot baths, supplements and cymbalta. I live my life like before and feel happy, positive and hopeful that somewhere close to the end of the year I will be able to slowly wean off cymbalta. My son is a big boy now and we went to the seaside again which he enjoyed even more than the first time. He eats everything, always smiles and everybody adores him – even complete strangers on the street because he smiles to everyone.
Thank you for publishing my story on your webpage – I shared the link with my closest friends and family and they are really proud of me which makes me feel special as well.
Hope you guys are doing ok and that Sarton continues helping people like it helped me. My life is so much better now, I am really happy and even small things can make my day.
…but how does one thank a clinic and therapists that literally saved your life? On April 24, 2012, my husband and I walked in to Sarton Physical Therapy broken. I was broken physically, but my pelvic floor dysfunction had broken our spirit. I had gone a year untreated and misdiagnosed by doctors, chiropractors, and therapists. I distinctly remember walking in to the clinic, standing during the consultation and pacing the room as we discussed what I was going through. It was the first time I was really heard, felt understood, and diagnosed.
After a thorough investigation, my PT confirmed what I feared the most. I likely had Pudendal Neuralgia. I couldn’t sit without pain, any physical activity spasmed my pelvic floor, and I had nervy sensations all throughout my female parts. I felt like I was sitting on a golf ball almost all of the time. The sensations started the moment I opened my eyes and remained until the moment I went to bed. It not only was uncomfortable, it messed with me emotionally. I can remember asking her, “Can I get better?”. She answered, “Yes”. And although I didn’t really believe her at the time, we sprung into action.
Sarton PT navigated my entire healing journey. They got me to the correct Pain Management Doctor (Dr. Frank King), who prescribed medications to calm the nervous system and muscle relaxers for the pelvic floor. They advised me to see Dr. Michael Hibner in Arizona, at that time mostly just to set my heart at ease that we were on the right track. Lastly, we began extensive pelvic floor physical therapy. I drove to Tustin, one hour away from my home, three times a week at its peak for therapy. I didn’t miss an appointment and I followed their advice to a t. It was a full time job. Each time I went, I felt a tiny bit better. I did not see dramatic changes for a long time. In fact, the recovery has been more like a roller coaster. Ups and downs for which I have learned to weather with ease rather than ramp up my emotions and nervous system which likely would cause more pain.
One might ask, “How did this happen?”. At this point, it’s all conjecture. I am a 34 year old female, former triathlete, competitive swimmer, mother of two, and teacher. We believe that my body was probably brewing this perfect storm for some time. I had history of Iliotibial Band problems from running, sacroiliac joint dysfunction likely inherited from my mother, and a long labor with my large headed son. Bam. There you have it.
The good news, though, two years later after countless hours of physical therapy, hours in the gym retraining my core muscles and ridding my body of compensatory measures, and at home treatments, I am 90% recovered. If you go online, read about Pudendal Neuralgia, no one gets better. The doctors at Sarton PT instructed me to get off the forums, blogs, and facebook pages. They were not helping in any way, in fact they would breed anxiety and fear. But, I am living breathing proof that you can recover from Pudendal Neuralgia.
I am still under their care and will continue until I am 100%. Now, I know that I will get there. Without Sarton Physical Theapy, their always calming reassurance and expert manual therapy techniques, I would not be the woman that I am today. Today, I went to the gym, cared for my children, took care of my home, and lived a normal life. I am happy, joyful, and very thankful for her healing hands and the work that Sarton Physical Therapy does.
With the greatest of gratitude,
You honestly changed my hip-life. So many little things I have not done or adjusted to for so long that I didn’t realize how much it was impacting me! You are a wizard.
I would recommend them 100%! I have been working with Kelly for the past couple on months and she is the best of the best. Not only is she helpful and kind, she also is full of knowledge of different aspects of Physical Therapy. She even took the time to do a quick overview for my husband who had a hurt back and said he may have a bulging disc, we got an MRI and she was completely right! So grateful we found Sarton!
…of the tremendous transformation I’ve just encountered through the efforts of Sarton PT. I have gone form 6 bathroom calls a day, with all the attendant toilet paper, wipes and diaper (fecal incontinence) to only 2 ( with a tremendous cost savings in paper products) in a period of only 4 weeks and 4 treatments.
For any physician who works in this area, the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles is the answer for a normal life. I strongly recommend your services below to all my doctors and their colleagues.
I came to Sarton Physical Therapy for urinary urgency and hip pain. The care was extraordinary by Dr. Allea Francis which was exceptional and beyond measure. After an evaluation and two visits, my hip pain and urgency was completely gone!!! I’ve realized with Dr. Allea how important pelvic health and how the pelvic floor affects everything. Anyone who suffers from these ailments, should seek out treatment at Sarton PT. Dr. Allea is an amazing woman!
I can’t say enough about Dr. Sarton and her wonderful staff. I have a very popular California HMO and was first referred to physical therapy by a Urologist who (after 6 months of going round and round with multiple doctors at said HMO) finally diagnosed me with pelvic floor dysfunction. I was finally happy that they figured out what was going on with me but I could not get my first PT appointment for 9 weeks! This is when I went outside my HMO and found Sarton Physical Therapy. I finally did try my HMO PT and then couldn’t get my second appointment for another three weeks! Not only that, I was just disappointed with the whole treatment. I think she did an actual 15 minutes of actual physical therapy so I went right back to Sarton. This is what they specialize in and after just 4 sessions, I feel 90% better. I will not even try to go back to my HMO.
I met Julie Sarton DPT eight years ago after I had been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis/ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction for about four months. At that point, the pain was debilitating and Julie provided skilled treatments, compassionate support and helped coordinate my care. She introduced me to other practitioners that were helpful for my healing and gave me hope. I have also worked closely with other therapists at Sarton PT and I trust the people Julie puts on her team. As a physical therapist myself, I appreciate the progressive, scientifically based, quality, heart-felt treatments provided by this center. My case was very complicated and it took me years to heal, but I am now pain-free most days without medications and my inner and outer life has changed in dramatic and positive ways. Working with Julie was a huge part of my recovery.
Julie, the owner, is so compassionate and knowledgable and up to date, and it’s very clear she is passionate in her work about helping people in pain. Unlike other similar clinics, she has more updated equpiment, such as a hot laser, and spends over an hour with you sometimes, whereas other places spent about 25 minutes. She answers all your questions, makes you feel comfortable and at ease, and I always feel leaving better both psychologically and physically. She is well-connected with specialists in the area, and therefore can work with your doctor. Staff is super nice, and they have an amazing massage therapist, Sergio, that’ really helps complement the overall treatment. I have been going to her for about 3 years, and in those years she’s moved three times,and i’ve followed loyally. i trust her 100% with my body, which is rare for me, since i have been hurt by physical therapists before.
I finally feel like there is some hope for my core strength (or lack thereof after having my babies Jan ’14 & Sept ’15). She’s super knowledgeable and really understands all the changes that take place during and after pregnancy and labor. I only wish I had found her sooner to start the rehab process of my super stretched abdominal muscles, and that I had known to see her during pregnancy to strengthen but also learn to relax my pelvic floor during labor. Anything that could have helped me have an easier shorter less traumatic labor would have been worth its weight in gold. I recommend any mamas to be or recovering mamas to see her right away , I’m sure there’s some aspect she can help every woman with. Looking forward to regaining some strength and to my next appointment.
All women Who are pregnant or postpartum should see them! They can help with almost any issue and get your feeling like yourself again!
I had a full time job and exercised daily combined with yoga and meditation. I continued my regimen through my pregnancy and ate a well balanced organic diet. I had hired a doula and did 19 hours of natural childbirth by hypno-birthing and mediating. It was pretty spectacular, although I did have a 2nd degree tear.
At my 6 week OB check up I complained that about recently developing an incredible amount of pain with and after bowel movements. I was diagnosed with hemorrhoids and told to do sitz baths and follow up with my PCP. Eventually I had the hemorrhoids banded and removed with no relief and exacerbations of my pain. Finally, after a fourth opinion, I was diagnosed and treated with having an anal fissure.
I had gone from being an active healthy mom to being bedridden and in constant pain. During the next 18 months I had to have full time care for my son, quit my job, and eventually moved in with my parents after my husband was able to re-locate jobs. It hurt to sit, lie down, nurse my baby, and just to breathe. I tried several treatments, saw numerous physicians, and tried alternative treatments and herbs; all failed. The only option left was surgery, with possible long-term side effects of bowel incontinece, and no guarantee of preventing a relapse. I was hesitant to proceed with surgery, not only because of the complications, but it would not treat the underlying cause.
Luckily, and thankfully, I was referred to Julie Sarton, DPT after finding a colorectal doctor who recognized my rectal pelvic floor muscles were in spasm. After my first treatment I remember leaving with an instant decrease in my pain level. After all these months, Julie was the first person to discuss treating the underlying cause of my condition. I discovered that all the years of painful periods and pain with intercourse were signs and symptoms of a pre-existing condition: pelvic floor muscular dysfunction. Through weekly treatments consisting of both internal and external manual treatment and daily self therapies, I have gained a tremendous amount of pain relief. I am now beginning to enjoy being a mom for the first time in 2 years and am able to take care of my son independently. I am starting to exercise and slowly feeling normal again! I no longer have any pain with intercourse and my painful periods have been gone away since childbirth.
I am so happy I finally saw a PFPT. 2 kids in less than 18 months did a lot on my body and while I don’t have many glaring symptoms it was good to go in and LEARN about my body and how to use it to the best of my ability as I recover. Karen was also the sweetest! Sherine was so helpful in getting me to understand and helped me visualize what i needed. It may sound odd, but I’m excited to go back!
As a new mom who just gave birth to her first baby and should be experiencing the happiest moments in her life, I was dealing with the most excruciating pain 24/7. I was depressed, sad and felt hopeless because I didn’t understand what was going on. All I kept asking myself every single day was: “Why me God?” I couldn’t eat, sleep, sit or take care of my newborn. This burning pain took over my life as well as my vagina, rectum, inner thighs, sacrum and legs. Luckily I came across Sarton Physical Therapy and met two amazing women: Dr. Allea Francis and Julie Carter Sarton.
They taught me to believe that healing is possible and to embrace my body no matter what because it will pay me back. Today, three months after returning back home from the States, I realized they were right. Although I’m still not completely pain free, I’m really close to achieving that goal and the most important thing—I have my life back again. I can sit, sleep, drive my car and enjoy the role of a mom, wife, daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, godmother, maid of honour and a friend. I’ve remembered how it feels to laugh again and I’ve learnt that health shouldn’t be taken for granted because when it comes to that, you are and should be the most important to yourself—and everything is about you. If you’ll ever have pelvic floor or similar issues, you need to know that you’re not alone and that help exists—it’s called Sarton and it’s always here for you.
Two and a half years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) after a hysterectomy. I opted for the Trans Vaginal Mesh surgery with the understanding that I would be “fixed”. I was “fixed” for about three months and then my pelvic floor started to fall again. PFD doesn’t just impact ones ability to urinate, defecate, and have intercourse, but it’s extremely uncomfortable, and exhausting to have your organs laying on top of each other.
I found a new Urogynocologist thinking that I would just get another surgery and get “fixed” again. Most of my PFD symptoms had returned and I was in constant pain and discomfort, I had chronic UTI’s which caused me to start to become resistant to antibiotics. My new doctor said my repair was fine and I did not require another surgery, but I had a chronic condition I needed to learn to live with. I still had a weak pelvic floor and the surgery helped in that the organs were back inside my body, but my muscles were not strong enough to keep them in place throughout the day. She told me my pain was not from the mesh, but from muscle spasms as my pelvic floor struggled to support the mesh which was supporting my organs and I needed physical therapy for my pelvic floor. I had no idea what that entailed, to say I was skeptical is an understatement. However, at this point I had nothing too lose and figured I’d go one time, think it was a waste of time and quit, but at least I could report back to my doctor I tried it. I was desperate to find a solution to my pain and discomfort.
The staff at Sarton is stellar and they take great pride in what they do, but more importantly they believe in what they do. I was expecting the facility to be cold, uninviting and clinical like the many doctor offices I had been in over the last two years, but it was welcoming, comfortable and I kid you not, spa like. At Sarton they understand that by the time a patient sees them they have been to numerous doctors, feel hopeless and are desperate for help. Sarton understands the emotional toll pelvic pain has on their patients and family members. Not only are they extremely respectful due to the nature of the subject matter but they provide emotional support and more importantly they provide hope.
I have been going to a Sarton for over 6 months and I am now a believer. I have learned exercises to strengthen my pelvic floor and increase my endurance. I do my exercises every night as if practicing a religion. I physically feel better now than I have in the last two years. Am I “fixed”? No, I will never be fixed, but my quality of life is back, and I have no pain or muscle spasms. It’s been a long journey and I will have to do my pelvic floor exercises the rest of my life if I want to continue to have normal bladder, bowel and sexual function. I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Sarton for their support. Sarton doesn’t just treat the disorder, they treat the whole person.
The therapists at Sarton Physical therapy are truly some of the most amazing, caring & dedicated women I’ve ever met. They have helped me with everything from pelvic pain, lack of mobility, incontinence, constipation & sexual disfunction. They have coordinated my treatment plan and are more than determined to help me improve every week. I can honestly say I would never have been able to make the progress I’ve made without them. The work they do is often quite intimate, but they make you feel so comfortable as if it’s no big deal. I am more than determined to get back to where I was before the surgery. With the help of these therapists I know I will get there. I’m eternally grateful for the expertise & dedication.
Additionally, the ladies at the desk Debbie & Lynn are so helpful with appointments. Often times I’m looking for a cancellation & they always manage to get me in.
This was a whole new world to me, I had never even heard of pelvic floor therapy prior to my surgery. SARTON PT has been a blessing! I would be happy to speak to anyone about my experience.
A few months after a major surgery 5 years ago, I began to have pelvic pain symptoms that felt like a bladder infection with no infection present. After a series of humiliating tests and misdiagnoses, I was finally referred to pelvic floor physical therapy. I was scared, in lots of pain and had no idea what to expect. Not only did Julie’s team ease me into the process at a pace that was comfortable for me, but I saw real results and significant decrease in my pain within the first few visits. I started with weekly appointments for the first few months, then was able to decrease the number to bi-weekly, then monthly as the time between my appointments and the return of the pelvic pain increased. After a few years of therapy once a month, incorporating stretching, foam rolling and exercises I could do at home, I got to the point where the pain no longer returned. I am forever grateful to Julie and the whole Sarton Physical Therapy team!
The clinic has a very inviting atmosphere that provides a sense of comfort from the moment you enter. Although known for expertise in pelvic floor dysfunction, I believe Sarton PT excels in any condition or injury requiring PT rehabilitation. Following surgical repair of a torn meniscus and torn MCL, I was sent to another clinic where I was aggressively rehabbing. Unfortunately, treatment was too aggressive and I struggled with constant inflammation and the formation of calcium deposits. Upon meeting with my surgeon, we discussed possible surgical intervention as I continued to fall behind in rehab goals and struggle with ADL’s and quality of life. I visited Sarton PT and was paired with Brooke. Through weekly visits, use of their Rapid Release Technology and a unique program designed for me to follow between visits, we had a break through. I am now 6 months post-op and have progressed ahead of the rehabilitation curve according to my Orthopedic Surgeon while we are no longer discussing surgical intervention. My ADL’s and quality of life have drastically improved. I owe this to Sarton PT, Julie Sarton and her team of amazing Physical Therapists.
There was only the constant aching belief that life would always be this way. For eighteen months, my life was filled with despair, with pain, and with tears. Each day crawled by and deepened the black hole that consumed my thoughts, my nighttime dreams and any shred of hope that my life would return to anything even close to what it was before. As I look back now on those dark days and nights, I can still feel the depth of despair, and say with certainty that despair is no longer part of my world. During that time, I could not see even a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel. There was only blackness surrounding me in every action and every thought.
Let me tell you how I came to be in that darkness and what it was that dispelled it. A surgery to repair abdominal tissues and insert a bladder sling brought low-level pelvic muscle dysfunction to a critically high level. This caused my entire body to respond by tightening up. The symptoms included a bloated and tender torso, tissues everywhere in my body to expand with fluid, a complete shut down of the elimination system that required daily use of enemas, and daily tears for the things I lost – my health, my body, and my life as I knew it.
For eighteen months, I did not know about pelvic floor dysfunction and neither did the parade of sixteen medical specialties that I saw one-by-one. As the eighteen-month mark approached, another problem surfaced. The bladder sling moved and could now be felt upon vaginal internal exam. My gyn referred me to a surgeon to discuss removal surgery. During the first vaginal exam, after the surgeon felt the sling, she touched the deep internal pelvic floor muscles and sent me through the roof with completely unexpected and intense pain. She was as shocked as I was. Before I left that appointment, I had the name and number of Julie Sarton, Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Specialist, and a directive to see Julie at least three times before the surgery scheduled five weeks later to remove the sling.
I met with Julie and during the initial evaluation, she heard me and understood all my symptoms and knew the reason for my pain and knew how to fix it! At the end of that time with Julie, a light appeared at the end of the tunnel! That very first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment made a huge difference in how I felt! The pain was reduced and hope was restored! I saw Julie three times before the surgery and several times after. Julie gave me exercises to do at home and taught me to recognize tight muscles in a part of my body in which I previously had no awareness. My torso is no longer bloated and tender. The tissues that were filled with fluid all over my body are slowly returning to normal. Enemas are no longer necessary. My body now functions normally in that way.
This short summation of the hellacious eighteen months can hardly capture the depth of despair I felt every day, every hour, and the new feeling of joy for knowing I have my body and my life back! Julie’s knowledge, expertise and sweet caring attitude has transformed my life in a way I never expected and could not believe possible.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is real. It presents a wide range of very painful and very distressing symptoms. With your cooperation and willing involvement, Julie can give you your health and your health body back just like she gave me mine! I call Julie my angel!
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