Soft Power Occupational Therapy
About
I’m Dr. Rebs (they/them/she/her), a pelvic floor and chronic pain specialist with interest and expertise in working with people of all gender identities, all sexualities, and across the anatomical spectrum. I’m not just queer & trans friendly, fat friendly, and sex worker friendly; I have competence in treating folks with a variety of identities and expressions and want to honor your unique experience. You will never be expected to educate me on how to be respectful around people with diverse bodies, identities, or preferences. I have a special interest in working with people on the hypermobility spectrum and people with EDS. I have my own family history with related conditions and find it quite intuitive to work with clients and patients who have had similar life experiences. I have done research and education specifically in this realm and understand how to safely work with bendy bodies to help increase strength and decrease pain.
EDS Healthcare in New York
The NYIT EDS/Hypermobility Treatment Center operates in Old Westbury and Central Islip, offering specialized rehabilitation and treatment. Mount Sinai South Nassau Chiari EDS Center in Oceanside focuses on EDS with Chiari malformation. Weill Cornell provides pain management expertise. New York Medicaid covers genetic testing with prior authorization. Wait times at major programs can be 6 months or longer.
Both EDS Centers of Excellence are on Long Island, leaving upstate New York significantly underserved. Patients in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and the Adirondacks face drives of 4-6+ hours to reach these programs. Wait times of 6 months or more are common. Rural upstate access is very limited, and telehealth is important for follow-up care.
Finding Physical Therapy for EDS
When choosing a PT for EDS, ask whether they have experience with hypermobility and use stabilization-first protocols rather than standard stretching routines.