Specialty care
Specialty diagnoses we treat
At a glance
Conditions on this page
- 1Infant torticollis and plagiocephalyA head tilt or turning preference in a baby, often with flattening on one side of the head.For: Babies and their parents
- 2Infant feeding difficulties related to neck and jaw tensionLatch or positioning trouble linked to neck tightness, jaw tension or a preferred head position.For: Babies, parents and lactation consultants
- 3Diastasis recti and postpartum core rebuildingSeparation of the abdominal muscles along the midline during or after pregnancy, often with core weakness.For: Pregnant and postpartum clients
- 4Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disordersConnective tissue conditions that cause very flexible joints, joint instability, pain and fatigue.For: Teens and adults with hypermobile joints
- 5Pelvic pain in menOngoing pain in the pelvis, groin, perineum or genitals, often linked to tense pelvic floor muscles.For: Men with pelvic, genital, perineal or tailbone pain
- 6Long COVID, dysautonomia and POTSFatigue, dizziness, a racing heart on standing and symptoms that worsen after exertion.For: Adults with lasting symptoms after COVID-19
- 7TMJ dysfunction in adults and adolescentsJaw pain, clicking or limited opening, often with neck pain or headaches.For: Teens and adults with jaw pain
Specialty 1 of 7
Infant torticollis and plagiocephaly
Also called: Congenital muscular torticollis, Head tilt in babies, Flat head syndrome
What it is
Congenital muscular torticollis is a tightness of the neck muscle on one side (the sternocleidomastoid), so a baby tilts the head toward one shoulder and turns the face the other way.
Because the baby rests the head in the same position, one area of the skull can flatten. This is called positional plagiocephaly, and it often appears alongside torticollis.
How physical therapy can help
- Clinical practice guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association recommend referring infants to a physical therapist as soon as a head tilt or turning preference is noticed.
- Gentle stretching and active movement can improve neck range of motion and symmetry.
- Positioning, tummy time and play strategies help your baby use both sides of the body and take pressure off the flattened area.
- Care also supports your baby's motor milestones, such as rolling and sitting.
What we do
- Assess neck range of motion, head position, head shape and early motor skills.
- Build a home program for parents: positioning, carrying, feeding positions and playful stretches.
- Track progress over time and coordinate with your pediatrician when further evaluation is needed.
Telehealth: Parent coaching and progress check-ins can work by telehealth. Hands-on assessment and treatment happen in person.
Specialty 2 of 7
Infant feeding difficulties related to neck and jaw tension
Also called: Breastfeeding difficulty with torticollis, Infant jaw and oral tension
What it is
Feeding asks a baby to coordinate the head, neck, jaw and body. When neck muscles are tight on one side, as in torticollis, a baby may have trouble turning comfortably or holding a good position to feed, often more on one side.
Feeding difficulty has many possible causes. Physical therapy addresses the musculoskeletal part, such as neck and jaw mobility, posture and positioning.
How physical therapy can help
- Improving neck mobility and head position can make it easier for your baby to feed comfortably on both sides.
- Positioning strategies can reduce strain for both baby and parent during feeds.
- Physical therapy works best alongside your pediatrician and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who address milk transfer and latch technique.
What we do
- Assess head and neck movement, jaw and oral area mobility, posture and body symmetry.
- Teach gentle hands-on techniques and positioning you can use at home.
- Communicate with your baby's pediatrician and lactation consultant so everyone works toward the same plan.
Telehealth: Some consultation and coaching can happen by telehealth. Hands-on care is done in person.
Specialty 3 of 7
Diastasis recti and postpartum core rebuilding
Also called: Diastasis rectus abdominis, Abdominal separation after pregnancy, Postpartum core weakness
What it is
Diastasis recti is a widening of the connective tissue (the linea alba) between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle. It is common during and after pregnancy.
It can show up as a ridge or doming along the middle of the belly, and some people notice low back pain, core weakness or pelvic floor symptoms.
How physical therapy can help
- Research reviews show that structured exercise programs can reduce the gap between the abdominal muscles compared with no treatment.
- Breathing, deep abdominal and pelvic floor training help the core work as a team again.
- A graded plan helps you return to lifting your baby, exercise and sport with confidence.
What we do
- Measure the separation and assess how your abdominal wall and pelvic floor manage pressure during movement.
- Build a progressive core program that starts with breathing and coordination and advances to strength.
- Coach everyday movement, such as lifting, carrying and getting up from the floor.
Telehealth: Well suited to telehealth for education and exercise progression after an in-person evaluation.
Specialty 4 of 7
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders
Also called: EDS, hEDS, HSD, Joint hypermobility
What it is
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Hypermobility spectrum disorders involve symptomatic joint hypermobility that does not meet the criteria for EDS.
People often experience joints that move too far, frequent sprains or partial dislocations, widespread pain, muscle spasm and fatigue.
How physical therapy can help
- According to The Ehlers-Danlos Society, targeted exercise builds the muscle strength that helps stabilize hypermobile joints and can reduce pain from muscles working too hard.
- Balance and body-position (proprioception) training improves joint control.
- Education on posture, pacing and easier ways to do daily tasks reduces flare-ups.
- Gentle manual therapy may ease pain. Aggressive stretching is avoided.
What we do
- Take a detailed history and assess joint mobility, control, strength and your daily demands.
- Build a slow, steady strengthening and stabilization program with clear flare-up guidance.
- Coordinate with your physicians and other specialists involved in your care.
Telehealth: Structured exercise programs and check-ins work well by telehealth once a plan is in place.
Specialty 5 of 7
Pelvic pain in men
Also called: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Pudendal neuralgia, Pelvic floor muscle pain
What it is
Chronic pelvic pain in men is persistent pain in the pelvic region. It can include pain with sitting, urination or ejaculation, and it is often called chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome even when no infection is present.
Tension or tenderness in the pelvic floor muscles is a common contributor. Pudendal neuralgia involves irritation of the pudendal nerve, which supplies the pelvic floor.
How physical therapy can help
- The American Urological Association's 2025 guideline on male chronic pelvic pain says clinicians may offer individualized manual physical therapy, including myofascial release, for men with pelvic floor muscle pain.
- Learning to relax the pelvic floor, along with breathing and movement retraining, can reduce muscle tension.
- Physical therapy is one part of a team approach with your urologist or physician.
What we do
- Discuss your symptoms privately and explain each part of the assessment before it happens, with your consent throughout.
- Assess posture, hips, abdomen and pelvic floor muscle tension and control.
- Build a plan that may include hands-on care, pelvic floor relaxation training, breathing and a home program.
Telehealth: Education and some exercise sessions can be done by telehealth. Assessment and hands-on care happen in person.
Specialty 6 of 7
Long COVID, dysautonomia and POTS
Also called: Post-COVID condition, Post-exertional malaise (PEM), Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
What it is
Long COVID describes symptoms that continue or develop after a COVID-19 infection, such as fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath and heart rate changes.
Some people develop post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms 12 to 48 hours after physical or mental effort. Others develop dysautonomia, including POTS, where the heart rate rises sharply on standing.
How physical therapy can help
- Guidance summarized by the CDC calls for individualized rehabilitation plans. For people with post-exertional malaise, pushing through with standard graded exercise is not recommended.
- Pacing, energy management and symptom tracking help you stay within your limits and avoid crashes.
- For POTS, reclined or seated exercise and gradual conditioning may be introduced as tolerated, in coordination with your physician.
What we do
- Screen for post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance before any exercise.
- Teach pacing, heart rate awareness and a symptom diary.
- Progress activity only when your symptoms allow, and coordinate with your medical team.
Telehealth: Well suited to telehealth, which can also save energy on travel days.
Specialty 7 of 7
TMJ dysfunction in adults and adolescents
Also called: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), Jaw pain, Jaw clicking
What it is
Temporomandibular disorders are a group of more than 30 conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles used for chewing, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Common symptoms include pain in the jaw, face or neck, jaw stiffness and painful clicking when opening or closing the mouth.
How physical therapy can help
- Manual therapy and exercise can improve jaw movement and ease muscle tension.
- Because the jaw and neck work together, treating neck posture and mobility can help, especially when headaches or neck pain are present.
- Education on jaw habits, such as clenching, and on sleep and posture supports long-term relief.
What we do
- Assess jaw opening, joint sounds, chewing muscles and neck mobility.
- Provide hands-on care and a home exercise program for the jaw and neck.
- Coordinate with your dentist or physician, for example when a night guard is part of your care.
Telehealth: Education and home exercise progression can be done by telehealth.
FAQ
Questions about specialty physical therapy
Do I need a doctor's referral for specialty physical therapy?
Is specialty physical therapy covered by insurance?
How early should a baby with a head tilt be seen?
Can any of these conditions be treated by telehealth?
Is pelvic health therapy for men private?
I have long COVID and exercise makes me feel worse. Is physical therapy safe for me?
Which clinic offers specialty care?
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your therapist will recommend care based on your evaluation. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Talk with a specialist
Text (949) 540-5641 to ask whether physical therapy is a fit for your condition and which clinic to visit.