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.
What a wonderful spirit, and her expertise is amazing!
I’ve been going to this clinic off and on since 2014 and have never had less than an excellent experience. The staff is professional, makes you feel safe, and is incredibly educated when it comes to the world of pelvic health. I found that they knew more than my doctors knew. If you’re considering going here, I highly recommend it. Thank you Sarton for helping me through such a difficult time in my life!
It has dramatically improved the quality of my life and has allowed me to travel again without severe pelvic pain and resulting anxiety. Dana, my physical therapist has worked wonders in a very short amount of time. Prior to coming to Sarton PT I was told I might need surgery or Botox injections. Currently, my pain/ discomfort has almost completely resolved. I would definitely recommend Sarton PT to anyone who suffers from pelvic pain or dysfunction, especially Dana. She is very caring and knowledgeable.
She is a brilliant and compassionate woman – the best!
My muscles were so tight and contracted. After seeing Joanne (JoJo) I can now pee on my own without any pain and I feel as if my bladder has been empty. Also, I no longer have pain during sex. My muscles are pretty much healed and back to normal. Joanne has been such an amazing therapist. I couldn’t ask for anything better :) I feel like I am starting to get my life back together after 2 years of pain and constantly feeling uncomfortable. The staff here is wonderful! The ladies at the front desk know me by name as soon as I walk in. They always have a huge smile on their face and make me feel welcomed. I would also recommend Becky as well. Both Joanne and Becky have helped me while I have been apart of Sarton.
…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,
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.
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!
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.
…and I also live in Texas! My doctor, however, was right and getting treated by Julie Sarton is worth the trips I am making to California every few months. Julie is the kindest most compassionate person you could ever meet and her experience with pelvic floor PT is unparalleled. She explained to me in detail why I was having this pain and in just 3 sessions I could feel the improvement in my symptoms. Julie gave me a home excercise program to follow until I see her again and she offered to guide any pelvic floor PT I find back home. Thank you Sarton PT for a being a warm and healing place like no other and for giving me hope.
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.
Julie Sarton is the Physical Therapist who truly changed my life. I am 100% pain free today and have stayed pain free for over 5 years. The physical therapy treatment I received from Julie was far superior to any physical therapy I had before. She was able to pinpoint the source of my pain immediately. I went to her for internal work and she gave me a home program that allowed me to correct imbalances in my body that were exacerbating my pelvic floor spasms. Julie empowered me to change my body, so I could finally become pain free.
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.
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!
My muscles were so tight and contracted. After seeing Joanne (JoJo) I can now pee on my own without any pain and I feel as if my bladder has been empty. Also, I no longer have pain during sex. My muscles are pretty much healed and back to normal. Joanne has been such an amazing therapist. I couldn’t ask for anything better :) I feel like I am starting to get my life back together after 2 years of pain and constantly feeling uncomfortable. The staff here is wonderful! The ladies at the front desk know me by name as soon as I walk in. They always have a huge smile on their face and make me feel welcomed. I would also recommend Becky as well. Both Joanne and Becky have helped me while I have been apart of Sarton.
All women Who are pregnant or postpartum should see them! They can help with almost any issue and get your feeling like yourself again!
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.
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!
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.
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa, who is the Pilates instructor at Sarton. As I was 23 weeks pregnant at that time, I needed help in strengthening my core to prepare for baby’s growth (and increased back pain as a result!) as well as help with better blood flow to minimize swelling. Lisa really took the time to understand my unique needs and situation, and created a customized program for me. I have worked with personal trainers before that I felt were merely trying to kill time during our sessions. Lisa, on the other hand, provided me with as much information as possible during our time together, so I never felt like my money and time were wasted.
Unfortunately, I only got to work with Lisa three times as I was temporarily visiting California from out of state. (My sister, who is a Sarton patient, recommended working with Lisa during my visit). But I felt I had enough information and hands on exercise tips to continue working out on my own throughout my pregnancy.
Thank you, Lisa, for your caring and beneficial sessions!
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 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 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> .
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!
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.
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