Identical twin sisters Dr. Alyssa Almeida and Dr. Brianna Almeida are changing the face of women’s health in Western Massachusetts through their new physical therapy practice, Renew Health LLC in East Longmeadow. While they treat all gendered patients, the majority of their patients are women, and they address some of the most pressing issues involving dysfunctions in female anatomy due to infertility, childbirth, menopause, and aging.
Alyssa and Brianna opened Renew Health in January 2021. They hold their doctorate degrees in physical therapy from American International College in Springfield and post-graduate training in pelvic health. Since opening, the reception for their new practice has been “overwhelmingly positive,” says Alyssa. “Our patients have commented on how promptly appointments can be scheduled and how getting to know us before even stepping into the office feels comforting. They can rely on our practice for quality healthcare focusing on pelvic health.”
“Our close bond and similar interests made starting our business a natural fit for us to work together and pursue our entrepreneurial goals,” Brianna explains. She notes that women often feel embarrassed talking about pelvic health issues, leading them to seek inadequate solutions or avoid treatment altogether. “By creating a supportive environment for pelvic health education and treatment, we have the potential to truly transform the healthcare experience for those seeking the types of services we offer,” she says.
Nearly one-quarter of American women are affected by one or more pelvic floor disorders, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the frequency of these disorders increases with age. Despite the prevalence of these disorders, many women are unaware of their impact or are too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctors. Thus, women may suffer in silence with pain and symptoms that limit their activities in daily life. Alyssa and Brianna are dedicated to improving women’s health through physical therapy targeted to relieve pain and symptoms and strengthen female physiology for long-term improvement.
Renew Health’s staff treats urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and bowel dysfunctions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, ulcerative colitis, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, as well as diastasis recti, the separation of the middle of the "six-pack" muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy and following childbirth. Mechanical infertility is treated at Renew Health through manual therapy techniques that have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, two common physiological infertility issues.
Alyssa has over six years of experience as a doctor of physical therapy and a strong commitment to treating complex pelvic floor conditions with sensitivity and trauma-informed care. “My priority is creating a space where patients feel comfortable sharing their stories and goals,” Alyssa says. “Whether they are looking to return to running, or playing with their kids, I take pride in being a part of that process.” She explains that pelvic floor physical therapy is an integral part of this process that can improve the strength, mobility, and coordination of not only the pelvic floor but the whole body. “This holistic approach focuses on the whole person, rather than just symptoms, making it a comprehensive system for healthcare,” she explains.
Brianna Almeida also has over six years of experience as a women’s healthcare provider, particularly in urogynecology. “As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I am dedicated to empowering people to stay active throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey,” she says. “By providing specialized care and support, I strive to help people maintain their physical health and well-being during this transformative time, so they can feel confident, strong, and capable of handling the demands of parenthood.” She notes that access to pelvic floor therapy is crucial for the postpartum population, yet many women face limitations in accessing this specialized care. “By raising awareness of the importance of pelvic health and advocating for improved access to care, we can help more individuals live their lives to the fullest,” she says.
Renew Health LLC is located at 124 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow. Learn more at renewhealthllc.com or call 413.203.9321.
