Holistic Physical Therapy
in San Francisco
FOR THE PELVIC FLOOR AND THE WHOLE BODY
REDUCE YOUR PAIN
BUILD YOUR RESILIENCE
GET YOUR LIFE BACK
Are these problems preventing you from fully recovering and enjoying your life?
Has your medication stopped reducing your pain?
Are you in the midst of a symptom flare-up or reinjury and just want to get back to normal?
Do you feel alone and unheard because doctors say your pain is just “in your head”?
Are you exhausted and afraid your pain will never go away?
Have you lost hope of ever having sex + intimacy with your partner again?
Are your symptoms keeping you from being able to work, see friends, travel, or exercise?
Physical therapy can help you recover faster.
I specialize in these areas.
Pelvic Health
Bladder problems, endometriosis, chronic UTIs, interstitial cystitis (IC), vaginismus, vulvodynia, cramps
Postpartum
Diastasis recti, prolapse, bladder or gas leaks, urinary frequency, pain with sex, pelvic floor healing
Neurovascular
Pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, neurogenic / neuropathic pain, thoracic outlet syndrome
Spine
Scoliosis, stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica, degenerative disc/joint disease, sacroiliac (SI) joint issues
Joint + Soft Tissue
Arthritis, chronic sprains and strains, impingement, repetitive-use injuries
Digestion
Bloating, constipation, IBS, abdominal pain, SIBO, hiatal hernia/GERD
Head + Neck
Headaches, migraines, TMJ issues, sinus pain, jaw pain, trouble swallowing pills
Gentle Recovery
From surgery, a bad fall, trauma, stress, illness, infection, or posture problems
Ready to relieve pain, restore your range of movement, and get back to your normal activities?
You can get better — it’s never too late.
And I’m here to help.
Hello and welcome!
I’m Arlene Cavan, PT, DPT, a doctor of physical therapy who uses a holistic, integrative approach to treating musculoskeletal issues in the pelvic floor and the whole body.
To help my clients recover and build up their personal resilience, I offer a deep toolbox with many different techniques and resources so that we can create a custom care plan that’s right for YOU.
As a compassionate provider with a gentle and caring presence, I listen to your unique needs, goals, and preferences. I enjoy working on “complex” cases, getting creative, and thinking outside the realm of traditional treatment methods.
I believe in giving my clients the tools to tune into the nervous system and emotions, retrain the body’s movement patterns, and expand into full-body mindfulness. Another important key to managing pain is building community connections that bolster us for the longer term.
I want you to know:
If you’re in the middle of a flare-up or a reinjury…
If you’ve ever been told by a doctor that your pain is “all in your head” because everything “looks fine”…
If your social life, exercise routine, or ability to work or travel is dwindling because of muscle or bladder issues…
If intimacy with your partner has been put on hold due to pain…
…I’m here to help you.
You can recover. It’s never too late to start.
I want you to feel supported and informed in your healing journey, and to feel hope again in your body’s innate healing potential.
If you have questions, I invite you to set up a free phone consultation. Or, book now if you’re ready to make your appointment and start on the path to recovery. I’ll see you soon!
Start feeling better right away.
Here’s your action plan.
It’s easy to book your appointment with the online scheduler and then add it to your calendar.
Attend your session and receive a customized treatment plan so you know exactly how to recover.
Leave feeling heard, supported, and empowered, knowing that you can get your life back!
Choose the appointment type that’s right for you.
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In my office
Overwhelmed by noisy, bustling PT clinics? Me too. That’s why I see patients one at a time in my peaceful, cozy office in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. You deserve to relax and not feel rattled or rushed.
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At your home
You can have physical therapy in the comfort of your own home. I offer home visits within San Francisco city limits. Ideal for new parents, busy executives, public figures, and anyone recovering from a recent surgery.
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Virtual
Telehealth + virtual coaching appointments can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Ideal for folks with kids, busy schedules, or compromised immune systems — or anyone located outside the Bay Area.
I have worked with other PTs in the past, but I can say that Arlene is amazing. She listens carefully to her patients and understands what they are going through. Many PTs will just repeat the same techniques over and over, but Arlene is able to develop a plan that leads to real recovery. I would highly recommend her for your PT needs. She cares about what she is doing and treats her patients with understanding, compassion, and patience.
— S.K.
When I first reached out to Arlene, I had been dealing with pelvic pain symptoms for 6+ months. Multiple rounds of antibiotics didn't relieve my pain, and I had lost much hope of a recovery. Arlene brought a holistic approach to dealing with my symptoms with a combination of minor lifestyle changes and physical therapy. After about four months, I felt over 90% back to my prior self and experienced a significant improvement in my quality of life. I highly recommend Arlene!
— T.S.
Arlene is phenomenal, and sessions with her are like magic. I was experiencing periodic recurring lower back pain for a year or so when I first started working with Arlene. She diagnosed the issue and possible causes, worked with me to develop a stretching and strengthening plan, and applied direct bodywork to help correct the issue. Within a surprisingly short amount of time, after a set of sessions and following the exercise routines she recommended, the pain subsided, and I've been pain-free since. I would work with Arlene daily if I could!
— R.B.
Integrating multiple whole-body and mind modalities, Arlene is highly skilled in pelvic pain treatment, and, importantly, she is caring, responsive, and compassionately attuned to the patient experience.
I came into the clinic during an excruciating level of distress, barely able to walk, stand, or sit. After two sessions with Arlene, my pain had decreased significantly, my emotional state had improved, and I was able to return to daily activities. With continued treatment, my pain is minimal and has stabilized at a level that's allowed me to get back into life again, with greater self-management skills that I've developed with Arlene's guidance.
— W.B.
I first came to Arlene for foot PT following the last of four surgeries. I was apprehensive and highly anxious, but Arlene was both kind and patient as she guided me into feeling comfortable working with my foot, and that trust has been invaluable in my recovery. She helped me with range of motion and quality of movement, desensitizing traumatized areas, working through stiff tissue, and retraining things like walking correctly. Not only did she help me recover from that surgery, but my progress went well beyond what I had expected after many years of issues.
I therefore felt hopeful in contacting Arlene again a few years later to help me with flexibility, sensitivity, and muscle control to work back up to being able to do recreational ballet.
I believe that Arlene’s compassion, knowledge, and holistic approach to health and wellness really sets her apart, and I would recommend her services to anyone in need of great PT!
— S.C.
Frequently asked questions
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Not at this time. Here’s why:
Insurance plans are only willing to pay for a limited number of appointments (usually six). They also cut off session lengths at 45 minutes. These limits are based solely on their profits and have nothing to do with your diagnosis or the care you actually need in order to recover.
Different conditions require different durations of care. My patients often benefit from longer appointments or more robust treatment plans based on their symptoms, goals, and progress.
Because I’m not limited by insurance companies in the care that I can provide, that means you’ll receive the highest quality and most personalized physical therapy to address your unique needs and honor your body’s own healing timeline.
I can provide a superbill if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance.
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No referral needed. California has what’s called “direct access” for physical therapy, which means you can have 12 visits over 45 days (which would equate to 2x/week for six weeks) without needing a doctor’s referral.
However, if you need more than 12 visits, more than 45 days of care, or out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance, then you should get a doctor’s referral before working with me. If you have questions about this, feel free to call me at 415-799-1046 or book a free consultation.
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Your pace of healing is as unique as you are. In your first visit, we’ll talk about your goals for recovery and create a treatment plan customized just for you.
You can expect to see me once per week for a few weeks, and then reduce that frequency as your symptoms stabilize and you feel comfortable with the exercises you do at home between appointments.
The average patient sees me for about eight sessions — some less and some more, depending on their symptoms and goals. Between appointments, you are welcome to email, call, or text me if you have questions or need additional support.
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Anyone! I work with people of all genders — women, men, and gender-diverse folks. I also work with trans individuals both before and after affirmation surgery so that we can make sure your pelvic floor is strong, resilient, and functioning optimally.
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Absolutely. I am delighted to travel to any location within San Francisco city limits if a home visit works better for you than coming into my office. Home appointments are a great option for:
Recent surgeries
New parents/recent childbirth
Accessibility or privacy needs
Busy professionals, executives, and public figures who prefer top-quality, personalized concierge physical therapy
Anyone who wishes medical providers still made house calls
To schedule a home visit, please contact me.
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Yes, I am pleased to offer a 20% discount on my services as equity pricing for anyone who identifies as part of a marginalized group (including BIPOC, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those who need help with accessibility).
If you are interested in this option, please email me with "EQUITY ACCESS" in the subject line, and I will apply a 20% discount to any services you book with me.
If you’re ready to overcome any of these issues, physical therapy can help.
✓ Digestion issues: Bloating, IBS, constipation, SIBO, abdominal pain, GERD
✓ Muscle & joint issues: Chronic pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, pinched nerves
✓ Head + neck issues: Headaches, migraines, TMJ problems, sinus pain
✓ Pelvic floor issues (all genders): Bladder leaks, endometriosis, IC, recurrent UTIs, painful sex
✓ Recovery issues: After surgery, illness, a bad fall, or a repetitive-use injury
✓ Spine issues: Scoliosis, stenosis, degenerative disc/joint disease, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction