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.
It has been 2 months since the end of my therapy sessions and I have been nearly pain-free since then! This is because of your training and the treatment I received. You have taught me how to be my own therapist and deal with any flare ups that come my way. I feel in control and am so grateful such treatment exists. Please share this with your patients as I want them to know there is hope and happiness!
Two years ago, I had my third back surgery, a 4-level fusion. Within a week of the surgery I developed a pain in one of my testicles. My urologist said I had Epididymitis and put me on antibiotics, three different antibiotics over an 8-week period made no difference in my symptoms, the doctor recommended removing the testicle. The thought of another surgery and the possible side effects drove me to look for another urologist and to search for other solutions. Over a 6-month period I visited another urologist, physical therapists and a specialist in men’s health. Never was the pelvic floor mentioned, in fact I was not aware of the muscle group involved in the pelvic floor nor what they actually do. I had given up after a year of pain, discomfort and frustration. I was taking Vicodin daily, had stopped all my activities, like surfing, bike riding and gardening and was becoming a couch potato. I decided to have the surgery and take a chance this would rid me of the constant pain. By a strange chain of events my wife ended up at a hand therapist’s office because of a broken finger. My wife mentioned that I was schedule to have surgery and the therapist mentioned Sarton Physical Therapy. I made an appointment and met with Julie Sarton. To make a long story shorter I have been visiting the clinic for 5 months. I am 95% pain free, off of the Vicodin, back to gardening and ready to surf this summer. Julie and the therapists at Sarton Physical Therapy have saved me from another surgery, from the side effects of pain medications and given me my life back. I can’t say enough about the wonderful therapists and staff at Sarton. My family doctor and my new urologist were both amazed by the results from treatment at Sarton. The pelvic floor and its importance to good health does not seem to be a topic of much importance in medical school.
I attended the out of Town Program for chronic pelvic pain. I have 5 children and could barely participate in their lives due to pain. I had tried so many treatments including other physical therapists. Sarton Physical Therapy was truly a lifesaver for me! They gave me hope when I felt entirely alone and thought I would live a life of profound and debilitating pain and agony.
While this sounds ‘dramatic’, each day was stretching out longer than the prior one. In particular Allea, Julie, and Zeena were there for me to help me on my journey to health. They were highly professional, very knowledgeable and educated me on my home program. They had positive attitudes as well and it was infectious! The entire staff changed my life and I am so grateful! I cannot endorse them enough!
I saw over 12 doctors who could not diagnose my problem. Once it was finally diagnosed, several methods of treatments were recommended including the application of estrace cream, anti-depressants, anti-histamines and biofeedback. For the first year of under going these treatments, nothing seemed to help my pain until I found Julie and started undergoing internal pelvic floor manual work with Julie. After one month of PT, I was able to be intimate with my husband for the first time. My vulvar pain level when I came in was an 8 and now is down to a 1. Julie’s pelvic floor treatment has literally changed my life.
I have struggled with chronic pelvic pain for just over 3 years. When my doctor first recommended pelvic physical therapy, the first thought I had was, “they’re going to do what to me?” I avoided the idea of pelvic physical therapy for an entire year due to my fears. If my doctor had only explained to me what I would get with Julie, I would have made an appointment that very same day. Sarton PT is THE BEST in Southern California and I promise you it would be a HUGE mistake to go anywhere else. I have been working with Julie and her other therapist for 2 years. I could have never imagined 3 years ago that I would look forward to my PT sessions every week, but I do!
Before calling Sarton Physical therapy to make my very first appointment, I did quite a bit of research on other PT facilities. What sets SPT apart from ANYONE else is:
In Julie I have found my Physical Therapist who helps relieve my pain, my psychologist, my cheerleader, my educator, ears that listen, a shoulder to cry on, a friend and family.
Julie actually came with me to one of my doctors appointments. I mean, common, what physical therapist does that? !?
At Sarton Physical Therapy, they are not out to get your money or get you in then out the door. They genuinely care. You can tell they are all so passionate about what they do, and those are the kind of people you want on your team!
Do yourself a favor, go to Sarton PT. They are worth every penny!
Today, two days after I returned from US, I am sure I will come out of it. If not 100%, definitely to the level that I won’t suffer any more and could enjoy my life fully. It is a matter of time and my patience only. Already in US, even after the first session with you all, I felt like my symptoms improved significantly. Two days before leaving US, I was “Leaving Las Vegas,” after spending more than 10 hours driving with no pain symptoms at all. Sitting in the airplane on my way back home for another 13 hours didn’t cause any remarkable pain either. Today I feel fantastic. Full of hope, able to sit as long as I need (if I feel a bit worse, I know what to do to stop it), sleeping at night (even having some sweating, but not driving me to stress much). Even sensation improved by 30% (!). But what is most important, every single stretch, self-treatment and exercise lead to remarkable improvements. Even though initially for a short time, it’s repeatable and cumulative and works immediately. Summarizing, you fixed me (!)…… brought me to the level that my organism can take a lead and start healing itself.
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! I achieved what I expected.
When I first discovered them I was suffering from Pudendal Neuralgia and had been to many doctors. Julie helped diagnose me which was so important. After seeing her for a period my pain went away compltely, something I had not thought possible. I was also, with her help, able to have children, which doctors had said was not possible. I was fine all thru the pregnancies, as well as after I recovered so well I was able to play Volleyball again and resume work full time, with kids. When my L4 disk went out recently (12 years later) I went to Sarton PT again and am currently well again, after just 5 months this time. Julie has become an expert in the field of pelvic floor rehabilitation and has an amazing positive and proven track record with many patients. She has organized an incredibly skilled team and is versed in all the areas necessary to heal. Muscle Skeleton, nutrition, PT, rubs, massage, Guided Imagrey, they have it all under one roof… and all of it plays a crucial role in healing. She has figured out and cured many very difficult injuries… including mine.
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 highly recommend Sarton physio for anyone struggling with pelvic pain. I found Sarton physio through online patient forums where many other patients recommended them (because my local PTs were not able to help me). Five years ago I had a rare bladder infection that left me with tissue damage, inflammation, tightness, and scarring in my pelvis resulting in Pudendal Nerve (PN) pain and sitting problems. This has caused ongoing pain and limited my ability to work and function at times. I saw numerous pelvic PTs as recommended by my doctors in Vancouver Canada, but none were particularly knowledgeable or comfortable with PN PT. I had asked for internal and external work as outlined in the “headache in the pelvis” protocol, but was told I did not have trigger points and they were not trained in this area. Finally I decided to work only with experts in PN because it is so rare and I want to reduce pain and get back to working, and I traveled to California to work intensively for 10 days with the Sarton team. The experience was amazing and SO HELPFUL. First of all, the team immediately and easily identified all my internal trigger points.
After a full assessment they adjusted my therapy plan to focus on these, and the director, Julie Sarton, adjusted her busy schedule to accommodate seeing me regularly. At times I had two physios working with me simultaneously to corroborate their assessment. Because of their tremendous experience and knowledge with manual therapy, they could identify the source of the pain, and when things were too much or too little pressure to relieve pain. They combined internal work with external myofascial release, cupping, heat, and body rolling which provided me with many hours of complete pain relief. They added in adjunct therapies such as mindfulness and pain psychoeducation ( Book: why pelvic pain hurts) and helped me to clearly identify ongoing tissue pain, versus referred pain. They also helped me to communicate with PTs in my local area to properly explain what I needed on my return home.
PN issues are rare and this was the first time I was able to feel secure and safe that my provider had more knowledge than me; they were able to educate me on pain and on the pathways of my particular pain so that I felt more empowered, validated, and in control. Leaving Sarton I felt renewed hope, I felt supported and empowered, and more knowledgeable about a treatment plan that will help to reduce my pain over time. They provided me with a full assessment to take back to my PT in Canada as well as a daily self-care protocol to follow to reduce pain. They also continue to follow up with me. In my case, the etiology is muscoloskeletal and it will take ongoing self-care and PT to fully peel away those layers of tightness, but I see regular and increasing positive results that are lasting and hope inspiring. In fact I sat for five hours with no pain after leaving Sarton—I just have to be mindful to not push my limits and to keep up with the protocol to build sustainability in my sitting time. I was truly blown away by the care and expertise of this team. I believe they are the best in North America working on this issue. If you need local or out of town support then I highly recommend the Sarton team. Because PN issues are rare and because there are multiple paths (etiologies) that can lead to the same symptoms, it is important to have a proper physio assessment as part of your care approach. The team at Sarton can tell you if your symptoms will benefit from soft tissue therapies or not, and when you may need to look at other PN approaches. They knowledge of PN extends beyond PT so that they can help identify which path to healing may be most helpful to you. My primary PT at Sarton, also answered all of my psychosocial questions and gave me some input on ways to communicate better with my support network around PN pain. This physio work is very sensitive as well, and I highly commend the team for making me feel safe and comfortable and almost like family during my stay.
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!
Joanne at Sarton Physical Therapy has changed my life. I was hesitant to make an appointment at first but I am so happy I did! Although I had a strong core from years of pilates, I had a weak pelvic floor which lead to stress incontinence and mad dashes to the bathroom. I just thought this was normal as one got older. I was surprised to learn, IT’S NOT!
Through education, muscle awareness and practice I am a different person-a better person.
Joanne is patient, knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding. She explains everything completely and thoroughly. I appreciate her matter of fact demeanor and her sense of humor which makes a potentially awkward situation completely normal. She truly cares about me and wants me to improve. I am so thrilled that I met her.
I am not exaggerating when I say that pelvic floor physical therapy at Sarton Physical Therapy with Joanne is LIFE CHANGING!
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!
As you know, the traumatic birth of my son 3 years ago left me with a 180 degree tear of my external and internal anal sphincter muscles. This defect caused me to have frequent daily episodes of fecal incontinence. This handicapping condition drastically reduced my quality of life and I though my only recourse was to have an exceptionally risky and painful surgery. Then I was referred to you and you determined that I would benefit from intensive pelvic floor PT and designed an individual program for me. Because of your patience, excellent teaching and expertise, I have now gone from 10 episodes of fecal incontinence day to 1 or 2 small episodes per month. My life has completely changed for the better. After 6 weeks of PT with you, my (physician) concurs that I do not need surgery to correct my muscular defect. I can now swim, work, exercise and go about normal life without worrying about leaking. Thank you!
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.
They are truly they BEST, and I wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else. I started at Sarton PT back in 2016. My urologist suggested that I needed to do pelvic floor PT and I put off going for an entire year because the idea of it intimidated me. There is absolutely nothing to be intimidated about, especially here. My only regret is that I wish I started sooner. I mainly work with Julie and Kelly, but have been treated by every therapist there and all are EXTREMLEY knowledgeable, professional, and empathetic. I am so thankful to have Julie and Kelly in my life because when doctors have given up on me or kicked me to the curb, both never stop trying to find different angles on how to solve my pelvic floor mystery and never give up on me. The administration team is amazing as well. Very helpful! Even their insurance representative is fabulous, and I have never been able to say that about any insurance representatives before. Donna goes above and beyond. Julie has truly put together an amazing team of people. I have never felt so cared for. It is very apparent that patients health and well-being is their first priority!
After being in traditional PT for six months with No change to my pain AND after seeing another pelvic PT whose web ratings were better than their actual care for their patients, I came to Sarton PT. Julie’s compassion and years of expertise are bar none. She took me from living a level 9 pain for over a year, to functioning with my family again!! Julie and her staff are incredible. Wish there were 20 stars to rate how awesome they are!
I had been dealing with postnatal pain and discomfort for 2 yrs; I was unable to workout without pain. (Not even yoga or pilates). When another PT referred me to Sarton for specialized PT, I thought “I have nothing to lose”. It was the BEST thing I could have done for my body. Treatment took 8 months, but i am now back to my old workout schedule (5 days/week), no pelvic floor or incontinence issues! It is awesome to feel like myself again. And because they have taught me to self-treat, I can take care it if myself. Thank you Sarton!
With 3rd degree tearing, scar tissue, pelvic pain and some prolapse after baby, Sarton brought me back to life. I have been going here for 6 months seeing Becky Paulson and Julie Sarton. Their passion and knowledge of the pelvic floor is unmatched in a boutique spa like experience. During the hour long sessions they provided me with relief, healing, hope and encouragement. They will even work with your OB to make sure you are receiving the best treatment possible to reach your physical/emotional goals during recovery. I am forever grateful to Sarton and would highly recommend coming to them either postpartum or during pregnancy.
I went to see Julie, who was immensely helpful in teaching me the correct ways to recover. She taught me strengthening exercises, about the importance of balancing both sides of the body, and was a wealth of information on how the body works. She always said she would teach me “to be your own therapist” and I think I’m doing better at managing my much improved symptoms on my own. My visits with her were a ray of light in what was a dark time of recovery for me. She told me I would continue to get better, and I have been when before I didn’t understand what was going on with my body. If you’ve visited physical therapists who don’t seem effective in addressing your postpartum issues then you should really do yourself a favor and visit this clinic. I have absolutely no regrets about the time and money that I have invested here.
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.
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.
There are defining moments in our lives that permanently change us, and this desmoid tumor diagnosis was definitely one of mine. Things were now different, and you cannot go back to the way they were before. I realized that in order to be happy, I would have to let go of the picture I had in my mind of the way that it was “supposed” to be and accept what was happening and where I am right now, in this moment. To move forward in life, sometimes we have to let go…read Laura’s full story—including a rare sarcoma, an abdominal wall desmoid tumor, the size of a softball, that was surgically removed and replaced with synthetic mesh—> here> .
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.
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!
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