Purple Mountain Physical Therapy

Purple Mountain Physical Therapy We specialize in treating pelvic health, neck and back & TM joint conditions. Frustrated with your bladder, bowel, pelvic pain, neck, back or TM joint pain?

Whole body, personalized care for pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel/bladder, IC, chronic prostatitis, endometriosis, myofascial pain, back pain, vaginismus, pelvic & TMJ pain. We specialize in expert physical therapy men, women & kids experiencing pelvic conditions & TM joint pain. We offer physical therapy expertise that gets you results. You can expect compassionate, thorough, holistics and trauma

-informed care. You will be listened to, thoroughly evaluated and treated and educated on what's going on and what you can do to help yourself. Our treatment methods are based in many years of clinical expertise and advanced post-graduate training. If you are wondering if we have ever treated anyone with your condition, the answer is likely "yes, many times." Our expertise includes very severe and complex cases of pelvic and TM joint pain for which no one seems to know how to help. Need some examples? We treat pudendal neuralgia, complex endometriosis pain, chronic prostatitis pain, complex pelvic pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, myofascial TM joint pain, tension headaches, neck and low back pain, hip labral tears, sports hernia and much more. We can help you. We work with adults & kids with a combination of advanced hands-on myofascial and joint mobilization methods and exercise based care. We are conveniently located in the Cascade area of Grand Rapids, Michigan near the I-96 & Cascade Rd exit. Virtual telerehab appointments are available to any resident of Michigan and Illinois. Through virtual appointments we can discover and treat many issues contributing to your pelvic & TM joint problem.

🏆️The addition of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging is A Game-Changer! ⁠⁠With back pain, pregnancy or chronic pelvic hea...
08/17/2026

🏆️The addition of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging is A Game-Changer! ⁠
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With back pain, pregnancy or chronic pelvic health conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic organ prolapse or chronic pelvic pain, most of us have no clue whether we can effectively contract and relax our pelvic floor or if we have healed a diastasis recti abdominis or recovered our abdominal muscles.

Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging takes all the guesswork out of "what's going on down there?"

Seeing is believing!

Our patients love our ultrasound because they see their muscles, know their measurements and, with the watchful guidance of our experienced PTs, learn how to strengthen and rehabilitate their muscles, the correct way.

Having done this work for more than two decades, I have heard from a lot of patients that they previously were doing their exercises incorrectly and, in hindsight, they think they made themselves worse.
With rehabilitative ultrasound imaging something "clicks" in their brain and body and they finally are able to build the foundation of pelvic health and abdominal strength necessary to rehabilitate.
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💬Our patients can be heard saying "I had NO IDEA how to make my pelvic floor and abdominals to work. And with the ultrasound and you teaching me, I finally think I got it!" ⁠
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💬"Seeing on the ultrasound that I overuse my obliques made so much sense to me. And seeing my bladder push down (incorrectly) in response to my obliques, boy was that eye opening and I'm grateful to know I can fix it." ⁠
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Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging is included in everyone's treatment for pelvic floor, pregnancy, postpartum rehabilitation and back pain. ⁠
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☑️If you want to fix your back pain, weak abs, prolapse issues, pelvic floor problems or other pelvic/back concern, Purple Mountain PT in Grand Rapids, Michigan is here for you. We are the Community Votes Award Winning Best PT Clinic in Grand Rapids. We specialize in pelvic health, spine and TMJ conditions, providing a whole-body, holistic approach. Call 616-516-4334 to learn more. ⁠
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Have a question for us? Ask away! ⁠
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Peace,⁠
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🍀Dr. Maureen O'Keefe, DPT

A Pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis can feel like you're doomed to have a lot of pelvic problems, including pressure, pain...
07/17/2026

A Pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis can feel like you're doomed to have a lot of pelvic problems, including pressure, pain, bladder leakage, urinary frequency, bowel troubles and straining.

So many of our patients come in scared and unsure of what their future will look like.

They often ask:
“Will this get worse?”
“Is surgery my only option?”
“Can I still exercise… lift… live normally?”

You have the ability to improve your prolapse. Research has shown that highly skilled Pelvic PT does improve symptoms of prolapse!

We've written an article to give more info on how you can address your prolapse and feel better: https://purplemountainpt.com/2025/03/30/can-pelvic-floor-therapy-fix-prolapse/

Our trauma-informed pelvic PTs specialize in prolapse care using a whole-body, compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps you:

💜 Strengthen your pelvic organ support
💜 Improve hip, pelvis, and spinal mechanics
💜 Rebuild your core and breathing coordination
💜 Reduce pressure and heaviness
💜 Learn how to move, lift, and exercise safely
💜 Get back to the activities (and intimacy) you love

Prolapse doesn’t mean your life & activity levels have to stop.
With the right support, you will become more empowered, confident, and more connected to your body than ever before.

If you’re scared, unsure, or newly diagnosed— you don’t have to navigate this alone.

We’re here to help you feel safe, strong, and supported. 💜

Purple Mountain PT in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic serving adults and children. As pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor specialists, we make it our job to help you get back to feeling like yourself and to stop the fear and worry. To talk with one of our knowledgable team members call us at 616-516-4334.

Peace,
Dr. Maureen O'Keefe, DPT
Founder of Purple Mountain PT
Specializing in pelvic health, spine and TMJ disorders for over 2 decades. Pelvic organ prolapse care, pelvic pain and traumatic birth injury are top priorities for our clinic. If you need help, you've found the right place!

Most people with SI joint pain are told they have sciatica or back pain. SI joint pain is one of the most overlooked cau...
05/22/2026

Most people with SI joint pain are told they have sciatica or back pain.

SI joint pain is one of the most overlooked causes of back pain, hip, buttock and pelvic pain. And it often co-exists with disc injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pain, hypermobility, stiffness or movement imbalances.

In our latest article, we explain:
🌟Why SI joint pain is commonly misdiagnosed
🌟 The connection between SI joint, hips and pelvic floor
🌟Why women experience SI joint pain more often
🌟How prolonged sitting, pregnancy, sports and even simple twists can trigger symptoms
🌟 What to avoid if you have SI joint pain
🌟How pelvic health contributes to SI joint pain

At Purple Mountain PT, we don’t just chase symptoms and randomly pick exercises. We assess how your entire body moves to uncover why your SI joint keeps getting irritated. From there we create a personalized and progressive treatment plan.

Many of our patients come to us after trying other treatments without success and finally discover the missing piece behind their pain.

➡️ Swipe through the carousel to learn more about Si joint pain
➡️ Then head to the full article, linkin bio, & on our www.purplemountainpt.com website.

Our SI joint, pelvic health, back, hip and TMJ specialist PTs are here for you when you are ready! Call 616-516-4334 to learn more. We are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

05/19/2026

So many reasons for developing tailbone pain!

If you’ve had it, you know it’s miserable.

Did you more women are 5x more likely to experience it than men?

For more details, including treatment insights for tailbone pain, click the link in bio for the article link.

Peace,
Maureen O’Keefe, PT

“What is triggering my tailbone pain? And how can I resolve it?" This is one of the most common questions we hear from p...
05/18/2026

“What is triggering my tailbone pain? And how can I resolve it?"

This is one of the most common questions we hear from patients dealing with chronic coccyx pain who want solutions to their pain. This article shares insights to answer your question: https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/05/15/what-triggers-tailbone-pain/

Many people assume tailbone pain only happens after a fall. But we regularly help people whose pain developed from:
• Pregnancy or vaginal birth
• Pelvic floor tension
• Constipation & chronic straining
• Sitting for work or long drives
• Cycling, rowing, lifting or exercise
• Hip, SI joint or low back dysfunction
• Tailbone instability or hypermobility

Tailbone pain can become exhausting because daily life constantly aggravates it:
➡️ Sitting
➡️ Standing up from sitting
➡️ Driving
➡️ Exercising
➡️ Bowel movements

Our specialized PTs at Purple Mountain Physical Therapy use a holistic, pelvic-health focused approach to identify WHY your tailbone pain persists and what can actually help resolve it.

In our newest article, we explain:
✔️ Common triggers for tailbone pain
✔️ Why pelvic floor dysfunction matters
✔️ How hips, posture & movement patterns contribute
✔️ What treatments actually help
✔️ What you can start doing right now to reduce pain

If you are frustrated and wondering why your tailbone still hurts, this article is for you.

📖 Read the full article to get all the insights.

📞 Or call us at (616) 516-4334 to learn about working with our specialist physical therapists.

We close out C-section Awareness Month with a shoutout to our moms who have a C-section Shelf. C-section “shelf”… is a ...
04/30/2026

We close out C-section Awareness Month with a shoutout to our moms who have a C-section Shelf. C-section “shelf”… is a rarely discussed issue, but so many women experience it.

If you’ve noticed a “pooch” or overhang above your scar that won’t go away—even with exercise—you are NOT alone. And more importantly… there are so many things you can do to help your scar improve.

👉 C-section shelves are often a sign of what’s happening under the surface and of your body and the need to improve your movement patterns, pelvic floor, abdominals, fascia and breathing.

After a C-section, your body heals—but that healing can come with:
• Scar tissue + adhesions that limit mobility
• Disruption to key fascial systems like the Spiral Line & Deep Front Line
• Core weakness + abdominal wall changes (including diastasis recti)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction + even bladder leakage

💡 Translation: your body may be dealing with restriction, imbalance, and loss of support, not something you can fix with crunches or dieting.

The good news?
✨ These issues are treatable with the right approach—one that goes beyond the surface and addresses scar tissue adhesions & mobility while also restoring how your core, fascia, and pelvic floor work together.

If this resonates with you, it’s time to understand the why behind what you’re seeing and feeling.

📖 We break it all down in our latest article:
Will My C-section Shelf Ever Go Away?

👉 Click the link in bio to read now and learn what no one ever told you about C-section shelves.

👉️Share this with a friend who had a C-section, she'll appreciate the support.

💜 And if you’re ready for real answers and personalized care, we’re here for you. Purple Mountain PT is a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Reach out to us at (616) 516-4334 to learn more.

“What’s the best treatment for low back pain?”It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer may surprise ...
04/23/2026

“What’s the best treatment for low back pain?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer may surprise you. In our latest artticle, we detail what works to help back pain.
https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-lower-back-pain/

According to Clinical Practice Guidelines based on extensive research, the most effective treatment for back pain is not a quick fix or a single exercise. Instead, the best outcomes come from a combination of:

✔️ Hands-on manual therapy to reduce stiffness, tension, and nerve irritation
✔️ Personalized exercises to improve strength, endurance, and movement
✔️ Retraining how your body moves—so you’re not constantly re-injuring yourself
✔️ Education to help you understand your pain and what actually helps

Recovering from low back pain is rarely about isolating physical therapy care to the low back. Instead, our PTs use a whole body framework that addresses your posture, mobility, movement patterns, deep core, fascia and joints. Treatment involves the core, hips, posture, and even movement habits throughout your entire body.

That’s why our approach is different. We provide one-on-one, 55-minute sessions focused entirely on you—combining evidence-based care with a holistic, full-body perspective to help you get lasting results.

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain, flare-ups, or feel like nothing has worked, this article is for you.

📖 Read our full article: What is the best treatment for low back pain? https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/what-is-the-best-treatment-for-lower-back-pain/

📞 Interested in working with our back pain specialist PTs? Have questions? Call us at (616) 516-4334 to speak with our team and get started

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍If your birth included a C-section, this is your reminder:You are strong. That was ...
04/20/2026

April is C-Section Awareness Month 🤍

If your birth included a C-section, this is your reminder:
You are strong. That was a Major surgery. And your healing deserves support.

A C-section surgery, affects seven layers of tissue. This is on top of all the changes in your abdominal wall, pelvic floor, low back and posture that the pregnancy generated. While you may think you are healed in a few months, deeper healing can take 12–18 months—and how you recover matters.

We wrote an article detailing the things you can expect during your C-section recovery, from our PT perspective. https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/03/c-section-recovery-through-physical-therapy/

Your C-section recovery can be influenced by:
✨ Prior back pain
✨ Previous abdominal or C-section surgeries
✨ Diabetes or other health conditions
✨ Your strength, fitness, and overall health going into pregnancy

And here’s what many women aren’t told…

✨ DID YOU KNOW?
• Persistent C-section scar pain is treatable with pelvic health physical therapy
• A “C-section shelf” is often caused by scar tissue adhesions—not just something cosmetic
• Up to 70% of women experience back pain after a C-section—and it improves with core retraining + better movement patterns
• A C-section does not prevent pelvic floor dysfunction (leaking, pressure, pain)
• Scar restrictions can impact bladder, bowel, and sexual health

Common symptoms after a C-section can include:
🤍 Incision pain or sensitivity
🤍 Core weakness or abdominal separation (DRA)
🤍 Pelvic pain or pressure
🤍 Scar tightness or numbness
🤍 Back or hip pain
🤍 Bladder leaks or urgency
🤍 Difficulty returning to exercise

Here’s how you can support your healing:
✨ Gentle scar massage (once healed) to improve mobility and reduce adhesions
✨ Diaphragmatic breathing to reconnect your core + pelvic floor
✨ Progressive, guided core strengthening (especially for DRA + back pain)
✨ Avoid pushing through pain—your body needs intentional rehab
✨ Work with a specialist who understands the full-body impact of pregnancy and C-section recovery

We help women:
✔ Reduce C-section shelf and recovery from C-section.
✔ Heal diastasis recti (DRA)
✔ Improve pelvic floor dysfunction
✔ Decrease back and pelvic pain
✔ Return to exercise, running, and the life they love

You deserve to feel strong, supported, and at home in your body again 💜
You don’t have to figure this out alone—expert care can make all the difference.

Purple Mountain PT is a specialty pregnancy & postpartum pelvic health PT clinic in Grand Rapids, MI. We love what we do! Call 616-516-4334 to learn about our holistic approach to C-section recovery

“I’ve been doing Kegels… so why am I still leaking?”If that question has crossed your mind, you are not alone—especially...
04/16/2026

“I’ve been doing Kegels… so why am I still leaking?”

If that question has crossed your mind, you are not alone—especially in your 30s, 40s, or during perimenopause and menopause.

Many women are told that Kegels are the answer for bladder leakage. But for a lot of women we meet, they’ve been doing them for months (or years)… and still feel frustrated, discouraged, and unsure what else to try.

We've written an article with the downlow about why Kegels are insufficient. You can read it here.
https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/06/is-there-something-better-than-kegels/

Why are Kegels ineffective?

Kegels focus on a simple tightening the pelvic floor—but your body needs more than that because bladder control and pelvic floor function occurs within a coordinated system using your whole body.

Your pelvic floor has to:
• Respond quickly when you cough, sneeze, or laugh
• Work in sync with your breathing and core
• Support you during everyday movements like walking, lifting, or exercising

If it’s not trained to do those things, it can’t fully support you—no matter how many Kegels you do.

The good news is there is a more effective, whole-body approach that focuses on improving:
✔️ Strength
✔️ Coordination
✔️ Timing and reflexes
✔️ Bladder control

And most importantly—helping you feel more confident and in control again.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or wondering if this is “just part of getting older,” we want you to know: it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, we want to scream from the rooftops: women, take care of yourselves NOW. Your leakage will only worsen as you age. We are on a mission to support healthy aging for women, through the lifespan.

👉 We’ve written a full article explaining why Kegels aren’t always enough—and what actually works instead.

📞 And if you know that your pelvic floor muscles are just not something you can figure out, then you need our help. Our specialist PTs are devoted to providing whole body, pelvic health, spine and TMJ care that is personalized and trauma informed. We are the Community Votes Award Winning Pelvic Health PT Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You've found your solution. Give us a call at 616-516-4334. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find a path forward. 💜

We're continuing to recognize C-section Awareness Month! Mom's who have had a C-section are so strong, brave and capab...
04/13/2026

We're continuing to recognize C-section Awareness Month! Mom's who have had a C-section are so strong, brave and capable. You deserve and need support for your recovery.

For C-Section Awareness Month 🤍we take the time to honor the strength behind cesarean births—and to talk about what many women weren’t told about recovery.

If you’ve had a C-section (even years ago), or love someone who has, our latest article, https://purplemountainpt.com/2026/04/03/c-section-recovery-through-physical-therapy/, is something you need to read, as it spells out known issues that can develop after cesarean birth and how PT can help.

C-section recovery is about more than just healing the incision…

Our latest article dives into the symptoms so many women quietly live with, including:

• That “shelf” above your scar that won’t go away
• Scar tightness, numbness, or pulling
• Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
• A core that feels weak, disconnected, or unstable
• Ongoing back, pelvic, or abdominal pain

And what most women don’t realize:

• C-sections can increase the risk of chronic pelvic pain
• They can impact how your core and pelvic floor function long-term
• These symptoms are common—but not something you have to live with

Inside the article, we break down the research and include our PT insights about what our patients tell us. More importantly, we are sharing the education you never got. With knowledge, comes power. And with that you will understand what’s possible when your body gets the right kind of support.

✨ Real information that goes beyond "after 6 weeks you should be healed."
✨ Compassionate guidance that offers hope and a path to healing
✨ A clear path forward

Whether you’re newly postpartum or your C-section was years ago—it is not too late to feel better in your body.

👉 Click the linkinbio to read the full article and start understanding what your body has been trying to tell you.

Share this post with a friend who had a c-section or is planning one, so she can read the article, be affirmed and educated. She deserves to know she’s not alone… and that healing is possible.

High fives to all of our C-section moms! You inspire us. We thank you for trusting us with your care. Purple Mountain PT is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are a specialty pelvic health, spine and TMJ clinic, providing trauma-informed whole body care for our postpartum moms and all adults and kids who come to us for help. We can be reached at (616) 516-4334 to talk with one of our knowledgable team members.

Address

847 Parchment Drive SE Ste 101
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+16165164334

Website

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