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Stella Dimitrakakis

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Stella specializes in treating conditions such as TMJ, headaches, neck and back pain, shoulder injuries, and postpartum/pelvic floor issues. Her approach is holistic, incorporating mindfulness and yoga principles to help patients of all activity levels achieve their goals. Dr. Stella Dimitrakakis earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro College in 2009 and holds advanced certifications, including Certified Functional Manual Therapist™ (CFMT) and Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), a distinction held by less than 5% of physical therapists. She is also a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.

pelvic floor dysfunction stressing out healthcare worker

The Overlooked Hazard: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Healthcare Workers

When we think about occupational hazards in healthcare, we often focus on back injuries, stress, or burnout. But there’s another, less-discussed risk that disproportionately affects female healthcare workers—pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), including pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, physical therapists, and caregivers, engage in frequent heavy lifting, often without adequate support or ergonomic […]

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Do I Really Need Surgery for a Meniscus Tear?

Table of Contents Why Surgery Isn’t Always Necessary for Meniscus Tears: A Better Solution If you’ve been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, you might think surgery is the only way forward. But what if we told you that’s not necessarily true? Research increasingly shows that physical therapy (PT) can be just as effective—if not better—than

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How to Stop Urinary Urgency Naturally

Urinary urgency and frequency can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to work, travel, or even get a full night’s sleep. Many people experience bladder issues due to dietary choices, lifestyle habits, or weakened pelvic floor muscles. The good news? There are natural ways to regain control over your bladder without relying on medication.

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Bladder Myths Busted: The Truth About Urinary Urgency and Frequency

Urinary urgency and frequency are common concerns, yet many myths surround bladder health. We often hear misconceptions that can lead to confusion, so I’m here to separate fact from fiction and help you better understand how your bladder truly functions! Myth #1: Needing to pee frequently means you’re just drinking too much water. Fact: While

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Avoiding New Year Exercise Injuries: A Common Pitfall

As the New Year begins, many of us are inspired to dive headfirst into ambitious fitness goals. However, this burst of motivation often comes with an unintended consequence: a rise in exercise-related injuries. According to research published in the Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine in 2017, there is a significant increase in emergency

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How Functional Manual Therapy and Visceral Mobilization Can Relieve Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

Living with conditions like chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis can feel overwhelming. Many individuals face years of discomfort, invasive treatments, or minimal results from traditional approaches. However, the latest research into endometriosis is shining a light on new pathways for treatment—and Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) and visceral mobilization can complement these findings to provide lasting

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Understanding TMJ Pain: The Posture-Breathing-Stress Connection

At Soma Vita Physio, we specialize in treating TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain by taking a whole-body approach. This means we don’t just look at the jaw in isolation—we assess how your posture, breathing patterns, and stress levels interplay with your symptoms. Our philosophy is rooted in uncovering the root cause of pain rather than just

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Shoulder Impingement vs. Rotator Cuff Tear: Understanding the Differences and Why Early Care Matters

Shoulder pain is common, especially among active individuals.  Two common causes are shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tears. While they may present similarly, they differ in their underlying causes, mechanism of injury (MOI), and long-term outcomes. Understanding these conditions is essential for addressing pain early and avoiding surgery. What Is Shoulder Impingement? Shoulder impingement occurs

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Understanding Rectus Diastasis: What It Is and How to Heal It

Rectus diastasis, also known as diastasis recti, occurs when the connective tissue between the left and right sides of the abdominal muscles stretches, creating a gap. This separation is most commonly seen in postpartum women but can affect men and children too, especially if they’ve had significant weight changes. Incident Rate of Rectus Diastasis Rectus

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