Pelvic health therapy
Dr. Karah holds space for your self-healing body by supporting your movement with presence, curiosity, and compassion.
I am bringing a somatic approach to pelvic health physical therapy.
“The average medical student doesn’t even hear the word ‘trauma’ in their education.” - Dr. Gabor Maté, author of When the Body Says No: The Hidden Cost of Stress.
At Bodyful, I understand the machinery of stress and the inseparable unity of body and mind.
Bodyful Physical Therapy and Wellness is a somatic movement and trauma-informed pelvic health and chronic pain focused practice serving all body identities. I am sensitive to stories of persistent pain, and I respect that trauma—whether physical or emotional—often heals with a scar that needs tending to.
Your care is met with attuned presence. Most sessions are a minimum of 30-90 minutes, allowing time to listen deeply and understand what you would consider a sense of completeness and conclusion in your physical therapy care. I support your quest to understand your pain, strengthen your physical confidence, and feel more at home in your core.
Feel safe with Dr. Karah Charette, a pelvic health physical therapist in Oakland, CA.
Who Is Dr. Karah?
My work integrates:
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Somatic movement therapy
Movement analysis
Pilates Reformer personal sessions
Eccentric focuses to core and pressure management
Visceral fascial mobilization
Yoga-informed movement
Dr. Karah Charette, PT, DPT, RYT (she/her), Founder
Dr. Karah (pronounced like “care-ah”) is originally from Buffalo, NY and received a B.A. in Biology and Dance from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University. A dancer for more than 30 years, Karah has a deeply embodied sense of the wisdom of the body and non-verbal expression. Karah is also a registered yoga teacher after training in Ashtanga Vinyasa style in Thailand. She is certified in classic and contemporary mat and reformer Pilates techniques. Karah is currently studying Body-Mind Centering® and Authentic Movement with Mary Lou Seereiter. Karah also recently completed a doula training through Cornerstone. She focuses on evidence based care that pulls from comprehensive pain science and polyvagal theory. Karah uses skilled manual therapy as well as individualized and somatic-informed exercise during sessions to promote sustainable change from the level of the nervous system. Karah engages in her own consistent embodiment practices so she can show up grounded and present with clients, as co-regulation is key to healing. She enjoys creating a container in physical therapy where cerebral approaches and somatic approaches can support each other. You can expect a safe, collaborative, and curiosity-invoking environment when working with Dr. Karah. She aims to meet you where you are, attune to your beliefs, and be a witness to what unfolds.
Dr. Karah’s relevant training & experiences:
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Course A, B, and C with Dr. Clare Frank, PT
Labor & Birth Birthworker/Doula Certification with Cornerstone Birthwork Training
Organ, Fluid, Endocrine, Ligamentous/Fascial Systems, Basic Neurocellular Patterns, RRRs courses for Somatic Movement Educator Program licensed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and the School for Body-Mind Centering®
Authentic Movement Mentorship with Mary Lou Seereiter
Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1, 2A, 2B Trainings
Herman and Wallace Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia for the Reproductive System, Gastrointestinal System, Urinary System of Men and Women Trainings with Dr. Ramona Horton, PT, DPT
Teaching Assistant for GI and Level 1 (mentioned above)
Lymph Drainage & Vascular Release for the Pelvic Therapist
APTA Combined Sections Meeting
Yoga Teacher at Nourish Osteo
Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center
re:Action Pilates
Spear Physical Therapy (NYC)
Athletico Physical Therapy (Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago)
Certified 200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Training with All Yoga
Certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor
Research Assistance with Dr. Cynthia Chiarello, PT, PhD, MS on Pelvic Girdle Pain at Columbia University, NYC
ODC Healthy Dancers Clinic
Alvin Ailey Movement Screens with Dr. Shaw Bronner
Get in touch with Bodyful
Private Pay Physical Therapy
This is a private pay practice.
My services may be eligible for reimbursement through your out-of-network physical therapy benefits. I do not contract with insurance companies and I do not bill insurance directly. Payment is collected at the time of service, and I am happy to provide a superbill upon request for you to submit to your insurance carrier.
In some cases, out-of-network reimbursement can be more favorable than high-deductible in-network plans. Many clients feel supported and satisfied after even a single visit.
I accept HSA and FSA payments.
Important note: I am not in relationship with Medicare or Medi-Cal and are not permitted to provide skilled physical therapy services to Medicare or Medi-Cal beneficiaries. If you are a Medicare or Medi-Cal beneficiary and would still like to work with me, please ask about our wellness and non-skilled PT offerings.