Specializing in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Pelvic Pain, Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Dr. Rivka Friedman has been helping women for over 15 years. Originally from New York, she graduated from SUNY Downstate's Doctor of Physical Therapy program with honors in 2008. She has extensive orthopedic manual therapy training and experience, having treated patients for conditions such as back, neck, shoulder, hip and knee pain and post-operative care from the onset of her career. For her women’s health training, Dr. Friedman completed numerous courses with the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Women's Health and the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, in addition to training and working with a renowned women’s health physical therapist in Manhattan. After moving to South Florida, she played a vital role as staff physical therapist at a flourishing Urogynecology practice for 8 years, where she gained additional expertise in the medical and surgical treatments available for various women's issues. She is highly skilled in myofascial release, visceral manipulation, scar mobilization, neural mobilization, joint mobilization, alignment/ mobility assessment and correction, and biofeedback among other techniques. Utilizing a holistic approach, she has helped many women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder and bowel problems, pelvic pain, and pregnancy & postpartum related issues. Passionate about her profession, Dr. Friedman lectures in the community to promote awareness about the various women's health issues that she addresses. Dr. Friedman is frequently sought out by patients and professionals alike for her expert knowledge and compassionate care.
Testimonials
Postpartum Pelvic Pain:
I don’t usually write reviews but I honestly feel like Dr. Rivka saved my life. I walked in in agony, I had a newborn baby that I couldn’t hold. She’s literally worked magic on my body. She’s gentle and kind and respects my specific needs. I’m so fortunate that I found her and that I have the opportunity to get the most effective therapeutic treatment for my traumatic injury. Thank you Dr. Rivka for this amazing experience!
Complex Chronic Pelvic Pain:
I met Dr. Rivka Friedman almost two years ago and, since then, she has been a part of my life. When I first met with her, I cried, explaining to her how I didn't understand why I had pelvic floor dysfunction. She listened to me through my tears and explained to me what she was going to help with and told me that we would work on managing my pain levels. I did not know what to expect when I heard the term "pelvic floor therapy." Rivka showed me how to use the tools that would help me relax my muscles and helped me to feel relief upon the first visit. Since our start, I have made amazing progress over time. Before each and every session, she always asked me how everything was going, if there were any changes in how I felt, and if I had any new medications. During the sessions, I was able to relax more because she played soothing spa music to help me relax and she always seemed to be able to find the areas where I was feeling the most pain. There were times where I felt that I would never get better but Rivka was always positive during and after every session, helped me to notice the improvements I was making. At the end of each session, she always asks me if I have any questions or concerns and makes sure to mention if I am running low on appointments. In my profession, it can sometimes be very difficult to get time off of work. Rivka always found a way to fit me in her schedule and is one of the most accommodating doctors I have ever had. Not only do I trust her experience and expertise, but I have learned over the past two years what a truly caring individual she is. Consider yourself blessed if you have the opportunity to be seen by her. She will do everything she possibly can to help you through this difficult experience. Dr. Friedman, I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated.
Urge Urinary Incontinence:
I am 29 years old, and I’ve been suffering from urinary incontinence for almost 4 years now. It started during my first pregnancy, so of course I blamed it on that…After my baby was born, I was still suffering. I tried taking vitamins for bladder control but it didn’t help. I got pregnant very soon thereafter and continued to suffer…I would have this issue where I would have an urge to go to the bathroom, but not that badly, so I would push it off a bit. When I finally did go, I was slightly wet. Or on some days, I’d constantly be running to the bathroom, and anyway find myself wet (even though I was just in the bathroom minutes before!). Also, at the end of the day, I would very often have extreme vaginal pain while standing. I would have to take frequent breaks to sit down and rest. I suffered silently for so, so long…until I met Dr. Rivka Friedman! She literally transformed my body back to normal again! She helped me with many different techniques to stop my bladder from overacting. She taught me excellent exercises (that really worked!), gave me massages, helped me strengthen my muscles, helped me find out which foods are triggers, and explained how stress plays a major role. I have seen drastic results in less than a month! In a few short months, I had major improvement and completely recovered! I finally have a normal life again – without frequent trips to the bathroom or having to change a few times a day! Dr. Rivka Friedman is really amazing! Her kindness, patience, and understanding is unbelievable! Her concern, dedication and devotion is truly astounding! Dr. Rivka Friedman is a physical therapist like no other! Thank You Again!
Painful Intercourse:
Dr. Rivka Friedman is extremely dedicated to each and every patient. Her kindness and sensitivity along with her vast knowledge of “women’s health” put me at ease right from the start. She hasn’t let me down. Together we are achieving what my husband and I once thought “impossible.” I highly recommend her. Thank You!
Mixed Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Pain:
When I failed traditional medical treatment for recurrent urge incontinence soon after stress incontinence surgery, my doctor threw out Dr. Friedman's name as a last ditch effort. In truth, it should be the first thing you think of when you hear "Pelvic Floor Dysfunction".
As a relatively young patient with complex pelvic floor dysfunction characterized by mixed urge incontinence among other things, Dr. Rivka Friedman knew exactly what and how to treat all the little nuances in the least invasive manner! With her techniques, combined with the different home exercises, results were apparent almost immediately.
Even after needing a second surgery which resulted in complications, Dr. Rivka Friedman was able to rehabilitate me in far shorter time than any imagined and was very dedicated throughout. Dr. Friedman is diligent and dedicated; never allowing work to stop after session's completion. She was always available for questions and additional help despite her busy schedule.
2 years later, I'm proud to call myself one of Dr. Friedman's success patients. I'm even prouder to admit to everyone that the treatment not only works, but lasts. For me it lasted far longer than any conventional medical treatment -- without the side effects.
Thank you, Dr. Rivka Friedman - the best in pelvic floor therapy!
Urinary Urgency-Frequency Syndrome:
I am delighted to recommend Dr. Rivka Friedman for women's health/pelvic pain issues. For over a year, I was experiencing bladder urgency and frequency and a ball-like pressure in the right groin area. The pain was so strong that it was affecting my mental health, as well. For months, I had seen Dr. Rivka's advertisement for women's health physical therapy. I hesitated because I did not know what to expect. From the first phone call, Dr. Rivka Friedman has been a pleasure to work with. The appointments are discrete in a lovely office. Dr. Rivka Friedman works one on one with the patient, and gladly explains any questions you may have. Dr. Rivka Friedman realized that my issues were: 1) my pelvic floor muscles were spasming, 2) so it felt like a golf ball that was pressing on the bladder.- causing bladder incontinence. Within 2 weeks, I felt relief, and my old self was coming back. Within less than 2 months, my issue has been resolved. I highly encourage you to have Dr. Rivka Friedman as your women's health PT. My deepest gratitude to Rivka.
Uterine Prolapse:
Dear Rivka,
The therapy really helped me. I feel a major difference. Thanks for your expert care and your sensitivity. You did a great job. Painful Intercourse and Post-Partum Pelvic Floor Weakness:
Dr. Rivka’s personal interest in my well-being was a major factor in my successful treatment. I can’t thank her enough for her sensitivity and understanding. All the best!
Fecal Incontinence:
Dear Rivka,
Although I’ve written an “accolade” about you before, I have to reinstate again: You are very professional and proficient, but more than that. It doesn’t take away one iota from your kindness and caring heart. Painful Intercourse and Urinary Frequency:
Dear Rivka,
… I feel so comfortable and relaxed working with you. Your smile and confidence add so much to your competence and knowledge. It’s a pleasure to work with you. Thanks from the depth of my heart. I am delighted to recommend Dr. Rivka Friedman for Women’s Health. From the first phone call, Dr. Rivka Friedman has been a pleasure to work with. She works one on one with you and explains any questions you may have. I highly encourage anyone with women’s health issues to seek Dr. Rivka Friedman’s help.
Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain:
Thanks a million for all you’ve done! Rivka has been a real lifesaver! The difference between now and a couple of weeks ago is enormous! Thanks!
Pelvic Floor Weakness:
Dear Dr. Rivka Friedman,
It is so wonderful coming here and working with you. Your care and devotion mean so much to me. I’m enjoying every moment. Thank you! Urge Urinary Incontinence:
Words alone would be inadequate to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to Dr. Friedman for the therapy and exercise she’s taught me. Her endless patience, devotion, and perseverance are incredible and she is the most amazing physical therapist for women’s issues. I highly recommend her for women’s healthcare.
Uterine and Bladder Prolapse:
I, a patient of Dr. Rivka Friedman, was very happy with my therapy results. I have learned to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles and follow an exercise regimen which when maintained, improved my condition. I highly recommend Dr. Friedman.
Urinary Urgency-Frequency Syndrome:
To whom this may concern,
I'm an otherwise healthy 30-year-old female who had suffered with urinary frequency and urgency issues for years. Over the course of time I had seen every type of specialist, from Uro-Gyno physicians to Allergists to Holistic healers. None of them were able to provide me with any relief or cure.
I had just about resigned myself to arranging my life around this condition (i.e., not drinking enough, only attending events where I have easy access to restroom) when I was referred to Dr. Rivka Friedman. In a matter of weeks the symptoms and issues I had struggled with for years dissipated.
Dr. Friedman is extremely knowledgeable in her field and respectful of any sensitivities or mental discomfort I may have had. I feel completely at ease with the therapy and with talking to her about these very personal matters.
I know now that there is no need to live with these conditions. After suffering for years and then finding relief I would strongly recommend Dr. Rivka Friedman's services to anyone else who may have urinary urgency or other female health issues.
Painful Intercourse:
No words in the world can adequately describe the tremendous feeling of gratitude and appreciation for all you have done for me. Your pleasant personality and genuine interest and happiness in my progress has made this “personal issue” so very comfortable. May G-D continue to give you the strength to go on with your worthy work.
Painful Intercourse:
...wishing you all the best and hope you go on to change many more lives the way you did mine! It happens to be my anniversary today and thanks to you these past few months we were able to grow much closer!
Clitoral Pain:
I've had clitoral pain for three years and had never been able to find a doctor who could help me until Dr. Friedman. For the first time since the pain occurred, I've seen a significant improvement in my condition and how I'm able to manage it. She's helped not only improve my pain levels, but given me the knowledge and skills to manage it on my own too.
Working with Dr. Friedman has been amazing, in particular because I finally, for the first time in years, feel like I have some control over my body again. After years of being brushed off by specialists, going to professionals made me feel helpless and hopeless. Dr. Friedman, on the other hand, listens to everything I have to say and works with me to figure out what factors could be triggering my pain, something I had wished for for years. She is a real pleasure to work with.
Vulvodynia and Hip Pain:
I had such intense pelvic pain that I couldn't have sex with my husband. Some days were so bad that I couldn't even sit comfortably. Dr. Friedman patiently and compassionately did a thorough interview and evaluation of my pain, and I felt comfortable talking to her because she clearly understood what I was going through. She started me on a course of physical therapy to get my pelvic muscles out of spasm and restore mobility. I have recovered enough that I can sit without pain, and my husband and I have repaired our relationship. I am continuing to improve. I can't thank Dr. Friedman enough for getting me back to myself...
For my entire adult life I have had occasionally had mild pain in my right knee. The right side of my lower back started hurting with middle age. I had chalked up the knee pain to overexertion and the back pain to motherhood. Dr. Friedman, however, took the time to examine me very carefully. She was the first medical professional to correctly diagnose my real problem, a torn hip labrum, and promptly sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. The MRI bore her out; my ball-and-socket hip joint is a bad fit, resulting in a torn hip labrum, which requires surgery to repair. I am very grateful to her for pinpointing my true diagnosis and starting me on the road to recovery.
Follow up, one year later:
I am happy to report that, 8 mos. post surgery for a torn hip labrum, I am doing much better. Thank you for your diagnosis (I quote you all the time: "I think it's not your back, it's your hip, and I want you to see a surgeon"). I can walk distances, cook, clean, and do everything I need to do. Even more important to me is that my pelvic floor issues have also drastically improved post-surgery and most of my pelvic pain has resolved as a result. I continue to see improvement over time and I am hopeful that it will all eventually resolve. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"I suffered silently for so, so long…until I met Dr. Rivka Friedman! She literally transformed my body back to normal again!"
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(954) 399-3241
