Your Questions, Answered
Questions are a normal part of starting physical therapy. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum care, hypermobility and EDS, orthopedic physical therapy, scheduling, and what to expect at Lumina Physical Therapy.
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I bring a deep understanding of the conditions I treat and am committed to continually learning and growing as a clinician. If there is ever something I do not immediately have the answer to, I will take the time to research, problem-solve, and find the best path forward for your care.
I am passionate about helping patients better understand their bodies and teaching practical strategies for long-term self-management. My goal is not only to help you recover, but also to give you the knowledge and tools to feel confident in managing your health moving forward.
I believe the best outcomes come from working together as a team. You will always be listened to, respected, and actively involved in the decision-making process throughout your care.
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Yes. Telehealth physical therapy is available for patients throughout Washington State, including Bellingham, Whatcom County, and surrounding communities.
This is a great option for those who do not have a local specialist in pelvic health or hypermobility conditions.
This is also great if you are unable to attend in person visits for whatever reason.
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No referral is required to begin treatment.
If you would like me to communicate or share treatment information with your physicians or other healthcare providers, please include their information in your intake paperwork so we can coordinate your care appropriately.
If you plan to submit a superbill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to determine whether a physician referral is required for out-of-network physical therapy benefits under your specific plan.
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Getting started is simple. You can schedule directly through the “Book Now” page, or you can call, text, or email me and I will be happy to assist you.
In general, most patients benefit from visits once per week for approximately 4–6 weeks. As you gain a better understanding of self-management strategies and your symptoms improve, visits can often be spaced further apart.
During your first visit, we will determine the best plan of care together.
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In general, most patients benefit from scheduling visits once per week or every other week for approximately 4–6 visits, depending on their condition, symptoms, and pain levels.
During this time, we will focus on managing your symptoms while building a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. I will provide education, guidance, and a personalized home program designed to help you better understand your body and take an active role in your self-management.
After the initial phase of care, scheduling becomes more flexible based on your individual needs and goals. Some patients choose to continue with periodic visits every few weeks for ongoing treatment, progression of their home program, and continued support, and I am happy to provide care in whatever way best supports your long-term health and function.
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As a solo practice, in order to provide the care you deserve and ensure appointment availability for all patients, our policy is all appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time to avoid the fee.
If less than 24 hours notice you will be responsible for the $80 fee.
If you no-show the visit (no communication of missing visit), you will be responsible for full payment of the scheduled visit, $175.
If you have 3 visits of late cancel or no-show, I may require future visits to be prepaid, we may need to change you to same day or waitlist scheduling, or we may need to discharge you from services.
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You can reach me anytime via our contact page or email aimee@luminaphysicaltherapy.com
You may also text or call me at 360-599-4022.
I aim to respond quickly.
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After you submit a contact form, Aimee Bean will review your information and reach out within 48 hours. During this conversation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether physical therapy is the right fit for your needs. If you'd like to move forward, we'll help you schedule your initial evaluation.
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There are two options for parking at the Bellingham Towers.
Street Parking: This is a great option. Paid parking is only required between 11am-6pm. Use the meters or PayByPhone app. Signs are posted on the street if you are unfamiliar with this option.
Diamond Parking lot: This is available for Bellingham Tower clients only during business hours, which allows for availability, but parking needs to be paid by the Offstreet website, not via the signage in the parking lot. Information for this website can be found inside the elevators. Please be aware, if you do not pay for parking, they are strict with tickets, make sure to pay prior to your appointment.
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I offer comprehensive treatment for all pelvic health, orthopedic, and hypermobility conditions.
Conditions comonly treated at Lumina Physical Therapy include:
pelvic floor dysfunction
painful intercourse
urinary leakage
urinary urgency and frequency
prolapse
endometriosis-related pelvic pain
hypermobility and EDS
chronic pelvic pain
See the conditions page for more information.
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My first priority is understanding what brings you to physical therapy and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, activities, and goals.
Your initial visit will include a comprehensive evaluation tailored to your specific condition and concerns.
This assessment helps determine the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and guides the direction of your treatment plan.
During your first visit, I will also provide education and recommendations to help you begin moving forward right away.
For pelvic health patients, an internal examination may be recommended as part of the evaluation.
If appropriate, the exam will be thoroughly explained beforehand and will only be performed with your full consent.
If you are being seen for hypermobility concerns, we will have an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and overall condition.
If Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is suspected and you have not yet been formally diagnosed, I can also perform a screening assessment and discuss appropriate next steps.
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Not always. Every evaluation and treatment plan is individualized based on your symptoms, goals, and comfort level.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include education, movement assessment, breathing strategies, strength training, hands-on treatment, or external assessment techniques.
For some pelvic health concerns, an internal examination may be recommended because it can provide valuable information about pelvic floor muscle function.
If an internal exam is appropriate, I will thoroughly explain the process beforehand, answer any questions you may have, and only proceed with your full consent.
You are always in control of your care, and an internal examination is never required to begin treatment.
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Treatment should not be painful.
While some techniques may temporarily reproduce familiar symptoms or address sensitive areas, treatment is always adapted to your comfort level and tolerance.
My goal is to create a safe, collaborative environment where we can work together to improve symptoms without overwhelming your system.
Open communication is encouraged throughout every session so we can adjust treatment as needed.
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Yes. I provide care for people of all genders and backgrounds.
Pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder and bowel concerns, pelvic pain, sexual health concerns, orthopedic injuries, and hypermobility conditions can affect anyone.
Every treatment plan is individualized and designed to address your specific symptoms, goals, and lived experience.
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Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Athletic or casual clothing is usually ideal.
Depending on your symptoms and the type of evaluation being performed, I may assess posture, movement patterns, strength, or mobility, so clothing that allows for comfortable movement is helpful.
If you are coming for a pelvic health appointment, there is no need to wear anything special.
Your comfort is always a priority, and I will explain each part of the evaluation and treatment process before proceeding.
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You should still attend your appointment. As a pelvic health provider, menstruation is a completely normal part of care and does not affect my ability to treat you.
Your comfort is always a priority, and there are many treatment options available depending on how you are feeling and what you are comfortable with during your session.
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Absolutely! You are always welcome to bring your child to your appointment.
If you are bringing an older child, I do recommend bringing activities or items to help keep them entertained during your session.
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I do not bill insurance directly and operate as an out-of-network provider. This allows me to provide individualized, one-on-one care based on your specific needs rather than insurance restrictions or visit limitations.
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement amounts vary depending on your specific plan and coverage.
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Choosing an out-of-network provider allows for a more individualized treatment experience that is focused on your needs rather than insurance requirements.
At Lumina Physical Therapy, every visit includes dedicated one-on-one care with the same provider. Appointments are up to 55 minutes, allowing time to thoroughly evaluate your concerns, answer questions, provide education, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Because treatment is not dictated by insurance restrictions, I am able to take a whole-body approach to care. Many pelvic health, orthopedic, and hypermobility conditions involve multiple body systems and contributing factors. This flexibility allows me to address the full picture of your condition and provide treatment that reflects your individual needs, lifestyle, and priorities.
My goal is to help you better understand your body, build confidence in self-management, and create lasting improvements in function and quality of life.
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Coverage depends on your individual insurance plan. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network physical therapy benefits, which may allow you to receive partial reimbursement for services.
If you are considering using out-of-network benefits, I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask:
Whether your plan includes out-of-network physical therapy coverage
Whether a referral is required
What percentage of the visit may be reimbursed
Whether services apply toward your deductible
I am happy to provide a superbill to support reimbursement requests.
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For many patients with high-deductible insurance plans, out-of-network care can actually be a more cost-effective option. My session rate is often significantly lower than the amount typically billed through insurance-based care for a standard physical therapy visit.
Insurance-based clinics are required to bill contracted insurance rates, which are often substantially higher than cash-pay rates. If you are using an in-network provider and have not yet met your deductible, you are generally responsible for paying those higher contracted rates out of pocket due to insurance agreements.
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may still be able to submit a superbill for reimbursement. In many cases, the amount your insurance recognizes for the visit can also be applied toward your deductible, depending on your specific plan and coverage.
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Yes. I accept HSA, HRA, and FSA payments.
Many patients choose to use these funds for physical therapy services, which can help offset out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. If you plan to use one of these accounts, I recommend confirming eligibility requirements with your plan administrator.
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Visits are $175 for up to 55 minutes of one-on-one care.
I operate as an out-of-network provider, which allows me to provide individualized treatment based on your specific needs rather than insurance limitations. This flexibility allows me to address the full picture of your condition, regardless of what brings you into the clinic.
If desired, I can provide a superbill that you may submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, reimbursement is typically sent directly to you based on your coverage.
I also accept HSA, HRA, and FSA payments.
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I am unenrolled with Medicare. You will not be able to submit for reimbursement.
Medicare and Medicare supplements do not reimburse for physical therapy services if the provider is unenrolled.
If you choose to see an unenrolled provider you understand that you cannot submit to Medicare and you are responsible for the full cost of the visit. If you want Medicare or your supplement to cover the cost of the visit, you should find an enrolled provider.
Frequently Asked Questions: Symptons & Conditions
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Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a wide range of conditions affecting the pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, sexual function, and core.
Common concerns include pelvic pain, urinary urgency or frequency, urinary leakage, constipation, painful intercourse, prolapse, pregnancy-related symptoms, postpartum recovery, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, goals, and overall health.
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Yes. Pelvic pain can have many contributing factors, including muscle tension, nerve irritation, movement dysfunction, joint restrictions, connective tissue disorders, and previous injuries or surgeries.
Physical therapy focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms and developing a treatment plan that may include hands-on treatment, movement retraining, education, and self-management strategies.
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Yes. Pain during intercourse is common but should not be considered normal.
Physical therapy can help address contributing factors such as pelvic floor muscle tension, scar tissue, movement restrictions, nerve sensitivity, and coordination deficits.
Treatment is always individualized and progresses at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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Yes. Urinary urgency, frequent urination, and bladder symptoms are often influenced by pelvic floor muscle function, bladder habits, nervous system regulation, and movement patterns.
Physical therapy can help identify contributing factors and provide strategies to improve bladder control and reduce symptoms.
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Yes. Constipation can be influenced by pelvic floor dysfunction, coordination deficits, breathing patterns, abdominal muscle function, and lifestyle factors.
Treatment may include education, pelvic floor retraining, movement strategies, and recommendations to improve bowel function and reduce straining.
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Yes. Physical therapy cannot eliminate prolapse, but it can often help manage symptoms and improve support, function, and quality of life.
Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training, pressure management strategies, movement modifications, and education to help you return to activities with greater confidence.
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No. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of all genders.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address bladder, bowel, sexual health, pelvic pain, and core-related concerns regardless of gender identity.
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Absolutely! I work with men experiencing pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, bowel dysfunction, core dysfunction, and other pelvic health concerns.
Treatment is individualized and designed to address the specific factors contributing to your symptoms.
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Yes. Chronic pain is complex and often involves a combination of physical, neurological, and lifestyle factors.
Physical therapy can help improve movement tolerance, strength, mobility, body awareness, and confidence while providing education and strategies to better manage symptoms over time.
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Yes. SI joint pain is common during pregnancy, postpartum, and in individuals with hypermobility, but it can affect anyone.
Treatment may include movement assessment, stabilization exercises, hands-on treatment, and strategies to improve load management and reduce irritation.
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Yes. Back pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced during pregnancy.
Physical therapy can help address movement patterns, strength deficits, joint irritation, posture changes, and activity modifications to help you remain active and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
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I treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions including neck pain, back pain, hip pain, SI joint dysfunction, shoulder pain, chronic pain conditions, movement dysfunction, injury recovery, and hypermobility-related orthopedic concerns.
Every treatment plan is individualized based on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
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Preventative care is some of the most valuable care you can receive during pregnancy and postpartum. I love helping patients better understand the changes occurring in their bodies throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery so they can continue doing the things they love with confidence.
If you are scheduling for preventative care during pregnancy, I generally recommend 1–2 visits per trimester to help support your changing body, address symptoms early, and prepare for delivery and recovery.
As an out-of-network provider, I have the flexibility to address the whole body rather than focusing on a single symptom or body region. This allows me to provide individualized care that may include movement assessment, hands-on treatment, birth preparation education, postpartum recovery support, and guidance for safely returning to exercise, daily activities, and sports based on your specific evaluation.
I do not require a referral to begin treatment. However, I am always happy to collaborate with your OB/GYN or other healthcare providers and can provide treatment notes as needed to help ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
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Absolutely, preventative care is some of the most valuable care you can receive during pregnancy and postpartum. I love helping patients better understand the changes occurring in their bodies throughout pregnancy, delivery, and recovery so they can continue doing the things they love with confidence.
Postpartum, I recommend an initial visit within the first 6 weeks after delivery to assess recovery, vitals, movement tolerance, and overall healing. A second visit around 6–8 weeks postpartum is recommended for pelvic floor assessment, recovery guidance, and individualized recommendations for returning to daily activities, exercise, and higher-level activity.
As an out-of-network provider, I have the flexibility to address the whole body rather than focusing on a single symptom or body region. This allows me to provide individualized care that may include movement assessment, hands-on treatment, birth preparation education, postpartum recovery support, and guidance for safely returning to exercise, daily activities, and sports based on your specific evaluation.
I do not require a referral to begin treatment. However, I am always happy to collaborate with your OB/GYN or other healthcare providers and can provide treatment notes as needed to help ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
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Yes. Physical therapy can help improve abdominal wall function, core coordination, breathing mechanics, and overall movement strategies following pregnancy.
Treatment focuses on restoring function and building strength rather than simply measuring abdominal separation.
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Yes. Postpartum pelvic pain can occur for many reasons, including pelvic floor dysfunction, muscle weakness, scar tissue, joint irritation, movement changes, and recovery from delivery.
Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms and goals.
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Absolutely! Physical therapy can help you better understand pelvic floor function, breathing strategies, positioning, movement options during labor, and techniques to support delivery and recovery.
The goal is to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident.
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Yes. Physical therapy can help address scar mobility, abdominal wall function, core strength, movement limitations, pain, and return to activity following a Cesarean delivery.
Treatment is tailored to your stage of recovery and individual needs.
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Yes. Physical therapy is often one of the primary treatment approaches for individuals with EDS.
Treatment focuses on improving stability, strength, movement efficiency, symptom management, and overall function while respecting the unique needs of connective tissue disorders.
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Yes. Many individuals with hypermobility experience pain, instability, fatigue, injury, pelvic floor dysfunction, or difficulty tolerating exercise.
Physical therapy can help improve body awareness, movement strategies, strength, and resilience while working within your body's capabilities.
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Yes. I work with individuals who have been diagnosed with hEDS as well as those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and other hypermobility-related conditions.
Treatment is individualized and may address orthopedic concerns, pelvic health symptoms, pain management, and movement tolerance.
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EDS is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and is a specific type of genetic disorders that weaken the connective tissue in the body.
HSD is Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder and can be related to many different conditions of the connective tissue. HSD can be just as impactful for people as EDS.
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Yes. Chronic pain in hypermobility conditions is often influenced by multiple factors including joint instability, muscle overuse, nervous system sensitivity, movement patterns, and fatigue.
Physical therapy focuses on improving function, reducing symptom burden, and building sustainable long-term management strategies.