
Get Ready to Move:
5Rhythms Classes Are Here!
We’re thrilled to announce the start of our regular 5Rhythms classes on February 20th in San Francisco’s Mission District! Many of you have been eagerly waiting, and now is your chance — join the waiting list to secure your spot and be the first to know.
Sign up today and kickstart your reset with our free downloadable guide, ‘5Rhythms Stress Reset’ — simple tips for stress relief!
“The hardest part is showing up — once you do, stress melts away, and your soul feels lighter.”


Discover Your Inner Balance with Postpartum Physical Therapy
January Newsletter

Are you a new mom grappling with postpartum discomfort, pelvic dysfunction, or uncertainties about caring for your body? Physical therapy at Rising Sun Physical Therapy could be the key to unlocking optimal well-being and empowering you with the knowledge and tools to flourish.
Childbirth can leave a lasting impact on a woman’s body. While some changes are inevitable, physical therapy can help you regain pelvic floor function, reduce distressing symptoms, and reconnect with your true self.
Our physical therapists possess advanced, specialized training in various musculoskeletal conditions that arise during the postpartum period and can lead to pain and dysfunction. Our holistic approach emphasizes education, empowerment, and empathetic support to help you meet your goals and return to life as you knew it before having a baby.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!
Understanding Pregnancy and Pelvic Pain
The pelvis is a crucial part of a woman’s body, housing essential organs and supporting the spine and lower extremities. This intricate system comprises muscles, ligaments, and tissues that stabilize the area and facilitate bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
The dramatic transformation a woman’s body undergoes during pregnancy can lead to pain, gait changes, and pelvic dysfunction. Our therapists will thoroughly assess and develop a care plan to improve your post-pregnancy function.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with the following:
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Back and hip pain
- Incontinence
- Organ prolapse
- Scar pain
- Diastasis Recti
- Pelvic floor “heaviness”
Our therapists excel in postpartum rehabilitation and pelvic floor dysfunction management. Your personalized care plan will comprehensively evaluate your musculoskeletal system and address your unique needs and concerns.

The Holistic Approach to Postpartum Physical Therapy
Our expert physical therapists at Rising Sun Physical Therapy are dedicated to helping you thrive during your prenatal and postpartum journey. We recognize that each individual is unique and conduct a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
With a focus on positive outcomes, our team is committed to improving your overall function and well-being throughout this incredible life-changing experience.
At the heart of our assessment process, our physical therapists meticulously review your medical history to gain a thorough understanding of your past and present health. This crucial step enables us to identify potential risks and tailor our approach to your goals.
Our specialists then assess your range of motion and strength, ensuring a solid foundation for your treatment plan. By identifying any muscle imbalances or weaknesses, we can develop targeted exercises and interventions to optimize your body’s ability to adapt and recover during pregnancy and postpartum.
Specialized pelvic floor testing is another essential aspect of our comprehensive evaluation. Our physical therapists employ techniques to assess the integrity and function of your pelvic floor muscles. This vital information helps us design an individualized program that addresses any dysfunction and promotes optimal pelvic health.
Your customized treatment plan will include effective exercises and pain management techniques tailored to your needs. These may consist of the following:
- Soft tissue mobilization: Hands-on therapy helps break up rigid muscle tissue, relax tension, and reduce pain.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Targeted movements to address pain, weakness, and dysfunction in pelvic floor muscles.
- Core strengthening program: Enhance core muscle support for pelvic organs and control leakage.
- Diastasis recti correction: Strengthen stomach, lower back, hip, and diaphragm muscles to reduce rectus abdominis separation.
- Patient education: Learn proper body mechanics, pelvic floor function, bowel and bladder habits, scar massage, and more.
Our team of seasoned physical therapists is committed to helping you recover from postpartum symptoms swiftly and comfortably. We empathize with the challenges of postpartum recovery and are here to support you in reclaiming your well-being.

Embrace Postpartum Healing at Rising Sun Physical Therapy
If you relate to any of the information above, pelvic floor physical therapy is for you! We understand the challenges of being a new mom and want to make it easier for you by providing the education and support you need.
Additional visits may be scheduled depending on your goals and the information gained during the evaluation. We welcome your baby to tag along for your session, and we can even incorporate them if needed.
Contact us at Rising Sun Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment today!


Our Patients Get Great Results
“Bettina is just magic. I got to her few months ago quite desperate with pelvic floor pain for a year and she knew exactly what was going on. I’ve been given the right tools and now it’s gotten so much better! If you’re tired of experiencing pain and you’re willing to work also at home she’s your person!”
—Laura C.


Integrative Wellness Partnership
Aurras Transformation offers a holistic approach to stress relief, using dance and natural rhythms to support your healing journey. Join our monthly New Moon Ritual and 5Rhythms Offerings and start your path to wellness.
Explore Our Offerings:


5Rhythms Meets Neuroscience: The Dance of Stress Relief
In preparation, we’d love to share our latest blog post from Aurras Transformation: 5Rhythms Meets Neuroscience: The Dance of Stress Relief. This article explores how 5Rhythms not only enhances brain function but also helps reduce stress and foster healing, making it a perfect complement to your journey at Rising Sun.
Discover how this powerful movement practice can support your mental and physical well-being.


Birthing Positions: Understanding Your Options
There’s no one way to birth a baby. While most of us picture a mother giving birth while lying on her back, this may not be the most effective birthing position for you. At Rising Sun Physical Therapy, we can tell you more about your birthing position options: what they are and what might work best for your needs.
Here are some of your options:
- Hands and Knees: This position puts you down on all fours (or in a position similar to child’s pose in Yoga), which allows you more mobility during labor and helps ease the pressure. It also offers a bit of gravity assistance.
- Side-Lying: This position involves lying on your side with a partner or nurse helping to hold up your top leg during pushing. Unlike the upright positions, you can easily move into this position if you’ve had an epidural.
- Squatting: This position allows you to open up your pelvis as you give birth. It also recruits gravity to help with delivery, and many hospitals offer squat bars for support. Do check with us to ensure this position will work for you, though!

Want more personalized guidance? Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
Meet Our Team
-

Kelsey Anderson
Operations Manager -

Bettina Neumann
PT, CST, LLCC -

Simone Vienneau
PT

Exercise of the Month
Figure 4 Stretch
Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat, and in line with your hips. Bring either ankle to the opposite knee forming a figure four (i.e. cross your legs). Reach through your bent knee and grasp the back of the leg still on the ground and pull it towards your chest. You should feel the stretch in your buttocks. Keep your head and neck relaxed and hold the position. Repeat for both sides.



Feel Better by Eating Better!
Apple Pie Chia Smoothie
Ingredients:
• 1 apple cut into small pieces
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch nutmeg and salt
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired.
Yes, this actually tastes like pie! So drink this instead and save yourself a ton of calories. The chia seeds have plenty of fiber and protein to keep you full until lunch.




