Empowered Mama Physical Therapy & Wellness - Upland, California

Meli

I know a lot of people have had great experiences with Dr. Mel, and that's truly awesome for them, but my experience was not great at all. I only had a few appointments with Dr. Mel, but every time I had an appointment, we would always start late, due to her still working on her previous client's notes, and then we would end early. She would wait until after her previous client's session to write up her notes, but would write my session notes during the session. So instead of looking at my form and ensuring everything was done correctly (and I know it wasn't as I was recovering from a c section and have very weak abs), she would be focused on her laptop writing notes. This happened multiple times. The exercises themselves were very cookie cutter exercises that I could have googled online. Nothing felt customized to my specific needs. I informed them of my negative experience and my wish to cancel all future appointments, and I was told I would receive a phone call. Dr. Mel did call me (over a week after she said she would), but at a time when I was unable to answer. I texted them asking when I could call back and was then informed by Kinsley that Dr. Mel would call me back once she returned from her vacation. I was perfectly okay with that and expressed that that was fine with me. 3 weeks later and I still had not received a call back. I had to recontact them after over 3 weeks, and it was after I recontacted them that they then said Dr. Mel would call me back. I was informed Dr. Mel would call me that Friday in the afternoon. I did receive a call that Friday, but not in the afternoon as promised. Instead, it was at Dr. Mel's convenience at 4:30 pm, which was very inconsiderate of my own time. The phone call itself was basically Dr. Mel invalidating my feelings and telling me that everything I experienced and felt from my own personal perspective was wrong and that she was right. She basically acted like a bully in that phone call but still expects me to want to return to finish up my program. At this point, this isn't even about receiving the refund I initially requested; I understand the package I purchases is non-refundable. This is about basic respect and quality care. I'm not sure what to do, as I did prepay for a package, but just even thinking of going back there makes me feel stressed, not at all comfortable, and not at all in the right mindset to even heal my pelvic floor. I really wish I could have said I had an amazing experience, but I simply did not.

Yanira H.

Where do I start?!
First off, Dr. Mel is AMAZING!
After having a C/S and not knowing where to even begin with my recovery after being "cleared" at 8 weeks postpartum, I searched high and low for postpartum/post-CS PT/Programs and stumbled upon Empowered Mama - the rest is history!
Hands down the best PT I've ever been to. She tailors your treatment plan to you, and your specific issues. She discusses how each exercise will help the problem areas that she found in the initial assessment and then adds additonal exercises to help you achieve your wellness & fitness goals beyond your pelvic floor! If you're hesitant, the least you can do for yourself is scehdule an initial assessment appointment! 🙂

P.S. The best part, they are kid friendly!!!!!

Kristina C.

FIVE STARS ⭐️ Across the board!

No one will cheer louder than Dr Mel and Kenzley!

Pre pregnancy during pregnancy and post…your body needs this.

Don’t get a referral from your OB to some cookie cutter PT. It will be a waste of time.

I am a first time mom and had moderate issues I’d say after the birth of my son. Mainly because of my delivery and the lack of care during labor. After a 12 week program my Vag graduated and my body felt so much better overall! I also feel more confident getting back into lifting and running!

Here is the thing you can do the 12 weeks and feel great but it’s up to you to continue the care and Dr Mel is honest about that. She gives you the knowledge and key to make your life as a woman so much better!

I’ll be back for my next baby. I trust Dr Mel and appreciate everything she did for me.

Everything your doctor tells you that is “normal” IS NOT SO LADIES TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BODY AND STRIVE FOR BETTER CARE!

Also DONT follow random instagram pelvic floor influencers I guarantee you’re doing everything wrong…get the proper care with Dr Mel!

IT IS WORTH IT!

scpanda18

Dr. Mel and Kari are truly amazing! Dr. Mel helped me immensely throughout both of my pregnancies and postpartum. She gave me the guidance and confidence that I needed to get through the birth of both my babies and beyond.
Highly recommend Empowered Mama to anyone feeling nervous about preparing for labor and delivery.
During my pregnancy Dr. Mel helped me strengthen my core and she set targeted workouts for me on how to best prepare me for labor and delivery. I'm so grateful for that! Both my labor and deliveries were a breeze and I owe it to the fantastic ladies at Empowered Mama. I will definitely be back in the future with anymore pregnancies. Thanks ladies!!

Mrs M.

Absolutely loved meeting Dr. Mel and learning so much from her. The process can be intimidating but she made every step of the way easy and comforting. I’m already feeling so much better just after my first visit and starting with my exercises. She’s great and can’t wait to see how this whole experience goes.

Erin B.

Kari and Dr. Mel are the best! I first went to visit them when I was 8 years postpartum! I was looking for some answers about my abdominal muscle separation and pelvic floor issues. Dr. Mel checked me all out and reassured me that my concerns were valid but not something that couldn't be improved. She provided me with numerous exercises to strengthen the necessary areas and with lots of support. My appointments at Empowered Mama are always encouraging, supportive, good hard work and even fun!

Melissa A.

I don’t even know where to begin to explain how great my experience has been with Kari & Dr. Mel. Not only are they great at what they do but their warm, kind, and fun personality make my visits so much more comfortable. They’re passionate about helping moms and the abundance of knowledge I have learned about my body has been so empowering and motivating. I originally thought I was done having children because of how much my body was affected but after working with Kari every week, I feel confident in knowing my body is strong enough to endure another pregnancy. Thank you both so much!

katie R.

I am a very active person who enjoys sports and doing CrossFit. When I found out I was pregnant I wanted to stay active and continue my workout habits, but in the safest way possible. I had never been pregnant before, or knew what would be safe or unsafe for me to do while pregnant. I continued to workout but would constantly worry if I had done something unsafe for myself or my baby without knowing it even though I felt fine. I almost completely stopped doing CrossFit until my girlfriends and gym owner encouraged me to get an assessment done by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empowered Mama. I was not exactly sure what a pelvic floor PT was for but I went got got an assessment done and Melissa started me on a pregnancy program. She prescribed a program tailored to me and my needs. She would observe me doing crossfit movements that were in my workouts and she would make sure my core looked solid and it was safe for me to continue. She advised me when to scale certain workouts and educated me on why. It took a lot of the fear of staying active while pregnant out for me and I have continued to workout and feel great throughout my pregnancy. I am currently 36 weeks (8 months) pregnant and am still able to work out safely. Melissa gave me a program that included stretches to prep my pelvic floor for birth, as well as, improve other areas of strength for me. Overall after participating in the program for about 4 months I have seen immense improvement in my pelvic floor strength and relaxation, and my glute strength and mobility. I highly recommend Empowered Mama to not only expecting mothers, but women who already have children, as well as, women in general for good overall pelvic floor health.