About Michiko

Nice to meet you! I’m Michiko Caringal, a Registered Physiotherapist with over ten years of experience in clinical, research, education and leadership in the fitness and health care industry. My pronouns are: she/her/hers.

As a pelvic health physiotherapist, my goal is to work in partnership with each of my clients to craft a personalized care plan that will meet your specific needs. Your care plan integrates education, manual techniques, and exercise rehabilitation to relieve your symptoms related to the pelvis.

Qualifications & Specializations

· Master of Science in Physical Therapy (2006) at the University of Toronto

· Master of Health Science in Bioethics (2012) at the University of Toronto

· Specialization in pelvic health for all genders, pre- and post-pregnancy wellness, and persistent pain

· Level 1 - The Physical Therapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence

· Level 2 and 3 - Female and Male Pelvic Pain

· Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain and the Pelvic Floor

· Innovative Exercises for the Sensitive Nervous System

· Physical Therapy Care of Patients who are Trans/Gender Diverse

· CAMH Project ECHO: Trans and Gender Diverse Healthcare

· Understanding Endometriosis

My Story

I started my pelvic health journey through personal experience. In 2013, my frequency of urination increased and I began to experience pelvic pain, and eventually the pain, burning, and irritation in my pelvic area became unbearable. This unexpected change in my quality of life also brought on depression, anxiety, stress and exhaustion.

I sought help from my doctor who diagnosed me with vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition for which there is no identifiable cause. She suggested that I see a pelvic health physiotherapist, a professional specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and persistent pelvic pain. With my pelvic health physiotherapist as my guide, I followed a progressive treatment plan and soon saw improvements to my symptoms. It was a rewarding journey to find someone who was able to help me move past my diagnosis and symptoms to being symptom-free for five years and counting!

Since then I have been motivated to help other people understand and appreciate the power of pelvic health rehab to treat and prevent pelvic floor dysfunction and persistent pain.