Confused and overwhelmed by your injury and scattered advice from other providers?
We have helped countless patients avoid surgery and eliminate pain when others could not.
We will tell you everything you need to know and the exact steps forward.
You’ve come this far. Don’t let your injury win.
Philippe Schafer, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS
Philippe Schafer is a board certified Doctor of Physical Therapy practicing at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in the New York City area. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and received advanced specialized training in Men’s Pelvic Health physical therapy through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APTA Pelvic Health). Philippe is also a Certified Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapist (COMT) through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapy. His advanced continuing education spans musculoskeletal and manual therapy techniques for the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, pelvis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and feet. Additionally, he completed advanced triage training at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).
Philippe is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who’s professional experience includes serving as a sports performance coach for varsity athletes at Georgetown University, as well as training high school athletes, senior citizens, and recreational athletes. He has experience coaching and treating high level athletes who compete in soccer, football, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, track and field, cross country, field hockey, volleyball, and rowing. Philippe is also a former Division I varsity track and field athlete at the University of Maryland and competed as a runner for 15 years, bringing valuable firsthand knowledge and expertise to his practice. He successfully completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC in 2007.
In his spare time, Philippe likes to spend time with his wife and daughter, read, exercise, and learn languages.
Why do physical therapy with us?
Our sessions are one-on-one with the Doctor of Physical Therapy for one hour.
We are highly trained in manual therapy, physical therapy, men’s pelvic health, sports performance, and weightlifting and all treatment plans are custom tailored for you.
We will be 100 percent focused on what you need and how to fix your particular issue.
We will fix your pain and make you stronger. No pills. No shots. No surgery.
Male Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in NYC: Online or In-person (NYC) – Men treating Men
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help you?
Groin pain that won’t go away? Leaking urine that you’re embarrassed to talk about? You’re not alone, and you are not broken. There is a definite path forward.
At Schafer Physical Therapy PLLC, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy for men. Whether you’re dealing with groin pain, urinary urgency, incontinence, erectile issues, or pelvic tension, we treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
We understand how frustrating, isolating, and even humiliating these issues can feel. That’s why every session is private, unrushed, and built on trust. You will be listened to carefully, evaluated thoroughly, and guided step by step through a clear treatment plan.
No confusion. No rushed appointments. No cookie cutter exercises.
Every visit is a full 60 minutes, one on one, so we have the time to:
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Understand your full story
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Identify the true source of the problem
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Use hands-on treatment when appropriate
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Teach you exactly what to do (and what not to do)
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Build strength and confidence back into your body
Exceptional physical therapy requires more than simply following a protocol. We combine the best available research, extensive clinical experience, and your personal goals to create a treatment plan that is both evidence based and highly individualized. The result is care that is thoughtful, precise, and focused on achieving meaningful, lasting results.
Our goal is simple: Fix your pain, help you move better, feel stronger, and regain control.
Effective treatment requires expertise, but it also requires trust. We create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and fully understanding what’s happening in your body.
You don’t have to live with this. Let’s fix it.
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Talk to a specialist and start your recovery today.
If you’re frustrated by your injury and want to feel strong again, please click the button below and schedule a consultation or visit
Orthopedic, TMJ, & Sports Physical Therapy: Online or in-person (NYC only) – All Genders
At Schafer Physical Therapy, our care is built around a deep understanding of how the body moves. Our physical therapists are experts in human movement, biomechanics, manual therapy, and sports performance, allowing us to identify not just where pain exists, but why it started in the first place. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, pushing for higher athletic performance, or trying to stay active without limitations, we take a precise, individualized approach to your care.
Every session is one-on-one with the physical therapist, ensuring you receive focused attention, hands-on treatment, and a clear plan tailored to your goals. We combine the best available research, extensive clinical experience, and your personal goals to create a treatment plan that is both evidence based and highly individualized. Treatment involves targeted manual therapy with progressive, performance driven exercise to help you move better, get stronger, and return to the activities that matter most. This is not cookie cutter physical therapy, it’s a higher standard of care designed to deliver real, lasting results.
Because treatment is individualized and systems based, the clinic frequently works with patients dealing with more complex presentations, including overlapping orthopedic, neurological, TMJ, sports, and pelvic floor issues. Many patients have already tried other approaches before arriving here and often improve once the full picture is evaluated rather than focusing narrowly on a single body part or diagnosis. The goal is to help people finally make meaningful progress by combining thoughtful hands-on care, movement analysis, and progressive strength based rehabilitation tailored to the individual.
Just as importantly, we prioritize education and clarity throughout the process. You’ll understand what’s going on in your body, what needs to change, and exactly how to get there. By addressing movement patterns, strength deficits, and performance demands together, we help you not only recover, but come back stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the demands of your sport and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat both men and women?
Yes, we treat both, but it depends on the type of service.
Dr. Philippe Schafer provides pelvic floor physical therapy services exclusively for men. This reflects a deliberate commitment to developing deep expertise in the evaluation and treatment of male pelvic floor conditions, an area that is often underserved and frequently misunderstood. By concentrating on this population, patients can expect a highly detailed, individualized approach that addresses not only local symptoms, but also the broader movement and nervous system, including the spine, hips, legs, rib cage, and breathing mechanics.
At the same time, Dr. Schafer warmly welcomes both men and women for orthopedic and sports performance based physical therapy. Many of the principles that guide care, such as precise movement assessment, hands-on manual therapy, and progressive strength and conditioning, apply broadly across patient populations and conditions. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, dealing with persistent pain, or looking to return to higher levels of activity, treatment is designed to be comprehensive, one-on-one, and outcome driven.
If there are ever questions about whether a particular injury is appropriate for treatment at Schafer Physical Therapy, patients are always encouraged to reach out. Thoughtful consideration will be given to ensure that each individual is guided toward the most appropriate and effective care.
How long is each visit?
Each visit at Schafer Physical Therapy is a full 60 minutes, dedicated entirely to you. This extended, one-on-one time is intentional, it allows for a level of care, attention, and precision that simply isn’t possible in shorter, high volume settings.
During your session, you won’t be rushed from one exercise to the next or passed between providers. Instead, we take the time to truly understand what’s going on, address the root cause of your symptoms, and guide you step by step through a clear plan. This often includes a thoughtful combination of hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercise, and real time adjustments based on how your body responds.
Just as importantly, the full hour gives you the space to ask questions, understand your condition, and feel confident in what you’re doing, both in the clinic and on your own. The goal is not just short-term relief, but long-term results that actually hold up in your daily life, workouts, and performance.
Do you take insurance?
We’ve chosen to be out of network with insurance to deliver the highest quality care without third-party restrictions. Our focus is on providing the treatment you truly need, not what an insurer dictates. Many clinics, facing declining reimbursements, have had to increase patient volume to stay viable, often sacrificing personalized, one-on-one care for hour-long sessions. In typical clinics or gyms, patients attend 2-3 sessions per week for months, with copays ranging from $20 to $100 per visit. When you factor in the total cost of copays and time spent traveling, the expense adds up significantly. These visits often involve overlapping appointments, passive treatments like hot/cold packs, solo biking, group exercise classes, or stretching with minimal supervision from an assistant or technician.
Our approach is different—you are our priority. We don’t just treat your symptoms; we take the time to identify their root cause and contributing factors. Together, we’ll create a plan to not only manage your symptoms but also address why they’re occurring. This results in fewer visits, less travel time, lower overall costs, and superior care. For those committed to their health, our model is designed to be more effective, and we’re confident you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Many insurance companies offer out of network benefits. If you are curious about your insurance coverage, we are happy to help! Please click the link below to submit your insurance information and we will guide you through the process.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis that play a critical role in your overall health and function. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, sex organs, and (in men) the prostate, while also helping control urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
At Schafer Physical Therapy, we view the pelvic floor as part of a larger, interconnected system. It doesn’t work in isolation, it coordinates closely with your diaphragm, core muscles, hips, and even your breathing patterns. When this system is functioning well, it provides stability, control, and efficiency in everything from daily activities to athletic performance.
When something is out of balance, whether it’s too much tension, weakness, or poor coordination, it can lead to symptoms like pain, urinary issues, constipation, or decreased performance. These problems are often misunderstood or overlooked, but they are highly treatable with the right approach.
Our goal is to demystify the pelvic floor and help you understand how it fits into your body as a whole. Through a thorough evaluation and personalized plan, we address not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes, so you can move better, feel stronger, and regain confidence in your body.
Do you also treat orthopedic and sports performance injuries?
Yes, treating orthopedic and sports performance injuries is a core part of what we do at Schafer Physical Therapy. While we have a specialty in pelvic floor physical therapy for men, we work with both men and women across a wide range of orthopedic conditions, from everyday aches and pains to more complex or persistent injuries. Our therapists have significant experience with treating high level athletes as well as complex orthopedic injuries related to ever joint in the body.
Our approach is centered on understanding how your body moves as a whole. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, TMJ pain, shoulder issues, hip or knee injuries, or a limitation in your training, we look beyond the isolated area of pain to identify the underlying cause. This often includes a detailed assessment of your strength, mobility, movement patterns, and overall biomechanics.
Treatment is highly individualized and typically combines hands-on manual therapy with targeted exercise and progressive strength training. For athletes and active individuals, we go a step further, helping you not just recover, but perform at a higher level. That means building strength, improving efficiency, and progressing you back to the activities you care about with confidence.
The goal is simple: resolve your current issue and leave you moving better, stronger, and more resilient than before.
What are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises are a way to train the pelvic floor muscles, the same muscles that help control urination, bowel movements, and support overall core stability. At their simplest, a Kegel is a gentle contraction and relaxation of these muscles, often described as the action of stopping the flow of urine or preventing passing gas.
However, at Schafer Physical Therapy, we take a more precise and individualized approach. Kegels are not just about squeezing the pelvic floor muscles. In many cases, the pelvic floor may actually be too tight or poorly coordinated, and doing traditional Kegels without proper guidance can sometimes make symptoms worse. The key is learning how to contract, relax, and coordinate these muscles in the right way, and at the right time.
When appropriate, Kegel exercises can help improve bladder and bowel control, support sexual function, and enhance overall core stability. But they are just one piece of a larger plan that often includes breathing work, movement retraining, and strength exercises.
Our goal is to ensure you’re doing the right exercises for your specific needs, with proper technique and purpose, so you can see meaningful, lasting results rather than just going through the motions.
To learn more, please read our blog post that has an elaborated explanation: Should I Do Kegels? - Schafer Physical Therapy PLLC
What are the pelvic floor issues that you treat?
Pelvic Pain Issues: Pelvic Pain, Pudendal neuralgia, Prostatitis and Chronic Prostatitis, Epididymitis, Testicular or genital pain, Tailbone (coccyx) pain, Perineal pain, Penile Pain, Proctalgia Fugax, Orchialgia, Testalgia, Interstitial Cystitis
Blower and Bladder Issues: Urinary incontinence, Urinary urgency and frequency, Post micturition dribble, Urinary hesitancy, Painful urination, Fecal incontinence, Constipation, Painful bowel movements, Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
Sexual Dysfunction: Premature ejaculation, Erectile dysfunction, Retrograde ejaculation, Painful ejaculation or painful intercourse, Hard flaccid syndrome, Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
Post-Surgical Conditions: Post-prostatectomy pain and incontinence, Post-vasectomy pain, Post inguinal hernia pain, Post femoral hernia pain, Post circumcision pain
Other Pelvic Issues: Benign Prostate Hypertrophy or Enlargement, Peyronie’s disease
Related musculoskeletal issues: Hip injuries (see hip injuries for more info), Back injuries (see lumbar injuries for more info)
Why should I do Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to address pain, improve movement, and get back to doing the things you care about, without relying on temporary fixes. At its core, physical therapy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of your symptoms, rather than simply masking them.
At Schafer Physical Therapy, we take a thorough, whole body approach. Whether you’re dealing with an orthopedic injury, pelvic floor concerns, or performance limitations, we assess how your body moves as a system, looking at strength, mobility, coordination, and biomechanics. From there, we create a clear, step by step plan tailored specifically to you.
In many cases, physical therapy should be the first step before considering more invasive options like surgery. A well executed course of care can often significantly reduce symptoms, restore function, and in some cases eliminate the need for surgery altogether. Even if surgery ultimately becomes necessary, going through physical therapy beforehand can improve outcomes, speed up recovery, and help you return to activity more efficiently afterward.
Treatment often includes a combination of hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercise, and movement retraining. Just as importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your body, so you know exactly what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to move forward with confidence.
The goal isn’t just short-term relief. It’s to help you move better, feel stronger, and build resilience so the issue doesn’t keep coming back. Whether you want to get out of pain, return to sport, or simply function at a higher level, physical therapy provides a structured, proven path to get there.
Does pelvic floor physical therapy require an internal exam?
Pelvic floor physical therapy does not always require an internal exam. Though with many pelvic floor conditions, it is highly recommended. At Schafer Physical Therapy, your comfort, preferences, and goals are always the priority, and care is tailored accordingly.
An internal exam can be a valuable tool in certain cases because it allows for a more direct and precise assessment of the pelvic floor muscles, helping identify issues like tension, weakness, or poor coordination. However, it is never required to begin treatment, and it is only performed with your full understanding and explicit consent.
Many patients make excellent progress without any internal work at all. A thorough evaluation can include assessment of your posture, breathing, core coordination, hips, spine, and movement patterns, all of which play a significant role in pelvic floor function. Treatment may involve manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education to address the root cause of your symptoms.
If an internal exam is recommended, it will always be explained clearly, done respectfully, and only if you feel comfortable proceeding. The goal is to provide the most effective care possible while ensuring you feel informed, at ease, and in control throughout the entire process.
What is your treatment philosophy?
Our treatment philosophy is grounded in evidence based practice. Contrary to popular belief, evidence based practice does not mean blindly following research studies or applying the same treatment to every patient. Instead, the best care occurs when three important elements come together: the best available research, the clinician's expertise and experience, and the individual goals and values of the patient.
The first component is the best available evidence. We stay current with the scientific literature and regularly incorporate findings from high quality research, including systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and randomized controlled trials. Research helps us understand which interventions are most likely to be effective, which treatments have little value, and how to achieve the best outcomes for different conditions. We believe our patients deserve treatment that reflects the current state of the profession rather than outdated approaches or unsupported trends.
The second component is clinical expertise. Research is important, but it cannot account for every individual patient sitting in front of us. Every person has a unique injury history, movement patterns, athletic background, lifestyle demands, and response to treatment. Clinical expertise allows us to interpret the research and apply it appropriately to each situation. Our extensive experience spans orthopedic injuries, sports performance, men's pelvic floor dysfunction, TMJ disorders, strength and conditioning, and complex pain presentations. We regularly work with patients whose symptoms involve multiple systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and behavioral contributors. This broader perspective allows us to identify important factors that may otherwise be overlooked.
The third component is patient values. No two patients have the same goals. A recreational runner training for a marathon has different priorities than a parent who wants to play with their children without pain. An office worker struggling to sit comfortably all day requires a different approach than a competitive athlete trying to return to high level performance. Understanding your goals, preferences, concerns, and lifestyle is essential to creating an effective treatment plan. We believe treatment should be built around the patient rather than forcing the patient to fit into a predetermined protocol.
Research and our clinical experience consistently demonstrates that the best physical therapy outcomes are typically achieved through a combination of hands-on treatment and progressive exercise. For this reason, our treatment approach emphasizes both manual therapy and exercise prescription. Manual therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, decrease excessive muscular tension, and create opportunities for improved movement. Exercise helps build strength, improve coordination, restore confidence, increase tissue capacity, and create long term resilience. While either approach can be valuable individually, they are often most effective when used together as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Our background in biomechanics, orthopedic manual therapy, strength and conditioning, and sports performance allows us to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and higher level function. Whether your goal is to return to running, improve athletic performance, eliminate pelvic pain, resolve TMJ symptoms, recover from surgery, or simply move through daily life more comfortably, our objective remains the same: identify the underlying drivers of your symptoms, develop a clear plan, and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.
Ultimately, our philosophy is simple. We combine the best available research, years of clinical experience, and your individual goals to provide care that is thoughtful, personalized, and focused on achieving meaningful results.
If you’re tired of dealing with this pain and you are ready to fix the root cause, please click the button below and schedule a consultation or visit
Great overall experience and progress – more of a full body understanding of how everything ties in together than you would expect. There are others that are good, but Philippe is exceptional. Sessions are 1:1 in a private room with him, not a big factory style setting. Highly recommend.
I went to Philippe for help with jaw clicking due to TMJ and have seen a huge difference within a few weeks following the mix of hands on therapy and recommended exercises he provided. He has an excellent bedside manner, is highly knowledgeable and his sessions feel much more thorough and attentive than one you would receive in a larger practice – will return to him for any PT needs in the future. Location is also super convenient if on a subway line running through union square station!
If this problem has been dragging on longer than it should, let’s finally solve it. Please click the button below and schedule a consultation or visit