IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment....

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.

Read More
Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness - Preparing for Pregnancy & TTC
6323 North Avondale Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60631
SERVICES IN NUTSHELL
Specialists in pelvic health PT, including expertise in supporting fertility as well as pregnancy and the postpartum period.
MORE ABOUT US
Holistic care to support your fertility journey

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people globally will experience infertility at some point in their lives. Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IUI or IVF, or seeking answers after months of uncertainty, the process can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating.

At Envision Pelvic Health & Wellness, we offer pelvic floor physical therapy to support fertility—addressing the often-overlooked mechanical and physical factors that may impact your ability to conceive. Our hands-on, individualized care is designed to help improve function, reduce restriction, and support your body’s natural alignment and mobility.

You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to support you.

How Pelvic Physical Therapy Supports Fertility

Fertility challenges can affect the entire body, not just the reproductive organs. While hormones play an important role, fertility also depends on the physical environment of the pelvis. Adhesions, scar tissue, muscle tension, and limited organ mobility can affect blood flow, alignment, and communication between systems. Pelvic physical therapy focuses on optimizing this environment to support conception and help the body navigate fertility treatments more efficiently.

We work with individuals and couples who are:

  • Trying to conceive naturally
  • Preparing for or undergoing assisted reproductive technology (IUI, IVF)
  • Diagnosed with unexplained infertility
  • Healing after gynecologic or abdominal surgery

Conditions We Commonly Address:

  • Unexplained infertility
  • Scar tissue or adhesions from abdominal or pelvic surgeries (e.g., C-section, laparoscopic surgery, fibroid removal)
  • Endometriosis and the mechanical tension it creates
  • Pelvic floor overactivity or muscle guarding
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Digestive symptoms like constipation or bloating that may impact pelvic mobility
  • Postural or movement patterns affecting pelvic alignment
ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER
People
Dr. Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC (She/Her),

Dr. Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC (She/Her),

Founder, Physical Therapist

Dr. Alison Saum, PT, DPT, OCS (She/Her)

Dr. Alison Saum, PT, DPT, OCS (She/Her)

Physical Therapist

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
Dr. Erika Darbro, PT, DPT, PRPC (She/Her), Founder

Hi, I’m Dr. Erika, and my journey into pelvic health therapy began during my time as a student at Midwestern University, when I noticed that more people needed help with pelvic health, especially in terms of gender-specific needs. This inspired me to want to help by providing compassionate and inclusive support to anyone with pelvic health concerns.

I received Bachelor’s in Health Science Administration from Ashford University and my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in 2017. In 2020, I earned my Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) through Herman and Wallace Institute, which solidified my commitment to excellence in pelvic health care.

I opened my pelvic physical therapy practice because I believe in creating a safe space for people of all gender identities to address pelvic floor concerns. My goal is to provide a place where patients feel comfortable and supported on their journey to pelvic wellness. That’s why I’m passionate about educating patients and, as an adjunct faculty at Midwestern University, I work diligently to help the next generation of physical therapists learn and develop in their professional careers.

I consider myself a lifelong learner and am passionate about continuing education in pelvic health and adjunctive treatments that enhance my work. I have received training in dry needling through Myopain Seminars, visceral manipulation through the Barral Institute, and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization through the Graston Technique.

My passion for fertility care is both professional and personal. After an emergency cesarean with my first child, I experienced secondary infertility myself and worked closely with my reproductive endocrinologist and care team. That experience showed me how powerful a collaborative, integrative approach to fertility can be. Through my own journey—and through years of clinical practice—I’ve seen how factors like scar tissue, visceral mobility restrictions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and nervous system regulation can play a meaningful role in fertility outcomes.

On a personal note, I am a mom to two wonderful children and the wife of a Chicago Firefighter. Outside the clinic, you’ll find me chasing my passion for travel, aiming to visit all National Parks, and staying active with sports like softball and volleyball.

Dr. Alison Saum, PT, DPT, OCS (S he/her)

Alison earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northwestern University. She further specialized through an orthopedic residency program to become a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and completed the full Pelvic Function Series with the Herman and Wallace Institute to treat patients of all genders.

Her journey into physical therapy began in the dance world, where she developed a deep appreciation for movement and the strength of the human body. While at Northwestern, Alison discovered her passion for pelvic health during an elective course and her clinical rotations. She fell in love with the holistic approach to treating pelvic health patients and witnessed the profound impact of providing a safe space for patients to address their symptoms. She values collaboration with her team, a vast network of pelvic health professionals, and, most importantly, her patients. Alison’s patient-centered approach ensures care is tailored to individual goals, blending evidence-based methods with personalized strategies to empower patients in managing their symptoms and reclaiming their lives.

Outside the clinic, Alison leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. You’ll often find her biking through the city, running along the 606, rock climbing, or lifting weights. A passionate traveler, she’s always planning her next trip to hike mountains or reconnect with friends around the country. She also enjoys reading, completing puzzles, and thrifting around the city.

At Envision Pelvic Health and Wellness, Alison is proud to serve the Chicago community with compassionate and evidence-based care. She looks forward to partnering with you to achieve the goals you ENVISION for a full and vibrant life.

 

See services & options