Meet Me
Arlene Cavan, PT, DPT
Photo by Catherine Porchia
Hi, I’m Arlene!
My name is Arlene Cavan (she/her), and I’m a physical therapist located in San Francisco, California, specializing in orthopedics (the body’s musculoskeletal system) and pelvic health.
With 20+ years of physical therapy experience, my work has evolved from a deep curiosity of what makes the human body tick and how we build and maintain resilience over the years.
My earliest experiences in physical therapy involved helping veterans with spinal cord injuries. They showed me, as a young clinician, not only their true grit and bravery but also a profound perspective on life.
I believe in the mind-body connection and that we are more complex than the sum of our parts. In this aim, I have completed training in holistic treatment approaches that focus on whole-person wellness — including craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation.
I have been intrigued with the conversation about the Sacred Feminine and how each of our ancestral lines are healing and growing more into trueness. I love Layla Saad’s saying, “Be a Good Ancestor.” I feel that I personally am trying to connect closer to nature and our roots, and I hope we humans can do so collectively if we want to prosper on a healthy planet.
My work continues to evolve, and in 2024, I completed additional training in pelvic health and sexuality counseling. This training allows me to offer more comprehensive care for women, men, and people of all genders who are experiencing pelvic pain or sexual health challenges.
Beyond my work, I am a San Francisco resident with a gentle explorer’s heart and a wanderlust for hidden gems and exotic locales. I am a daughter of a baker with a penchant for all things sweet and lovely. My own daughter and I make regular music for our living-room audience of one supportive husband and some very understanding neighbors.
I invite you to reach out to me so that we can chat about how holistic, integrative physical therapy can help you reduce your pain, improve your mobility and resilience, and get you back to living the life you want!
Credentials
Degrees + certifications
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Southern California
B.A., Sports Science, University of the Pacific
Mentorship + collaboration
For many years, I worked closely with Dr. Jerome Weiss, renowned San Francisco urologist (retired). Our collaboration drove home for me the importance of an integrative, multidisciplinary approach when it comes to successfully managing pelvic floor pain and dysfunction.
Training + expertise
Integrative orthopedic (whole-body) manual therapy: myofascial release, tissue mobilization, gua sha, cupping, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
Pelvic floor rehabilitation and treatment across the gender spectrum (Herman & Wallace Institute; APTA)
Pelvic health and sexuality counseling for women, men, and all genders
Craniosacral therapy (Upledger Institute)
Visceral manipulation (Barral Institute)
Therapeutic exercise instruction
Functional nutrition
Neuroscience + pain management education (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute/NOI Group)
I have worked with other PTs in the past, but I can say that Arlene is amazing. She listens carefully to her patients and understands what they are going through. Many PTs will just repeat the same techniques over and over, but Arlene is able to develop a plan that leads to real recovery. I would highly recommend her for your PT needs. She cares about what she is doing and treats her patients with understanding, compassion, and patience.
— S.K.
When I first reached out to Arlene, I had been dealing with pelvic pain symptoms for 6+ months. Multiple rounds of antibiotics didn't relieve my pain, and I had lost much hope of a recovery. Arlene brought a holistic approach to dealing with my symptoms with a combination of minor lifestyle changes and physical therapy. After about four months, I felt over 90% back to my prior self and experienced a significant improvement in my quality of life. I highly recommend Arlene!
— T.S.
Arlene is phenomenal, and sessions with her are like magic. I was experiencing periodic recurring lower back pain for a year or so when I first started working with Arlene. She diagnosed the issue and possible causes, worked with me to develop a stretching and strengthening plan, and applied direct bodywork to help correct the issue. Within a surprisingly short amount of time, after a set of sessions and following the exercise routines she recommended, the pain subsided, and I've been pain-free since. I would work with Arlene daily if I could!
— R.B.
Integrating multiple whole-body and mind modalities, Arlene is highly skilled in pelvic pain treatment, and, importantly, she is caring, responsive, and compassionately attuned to the patient experience.
I came into the clinic during an excruciating level of distress, barely able to walk, stand, or sit. After two sessions with Arlene, my pain had decreased significantly, my emotional state had improved, and I was able to return to daily activities. With continued treatment, my pain is minimal and has stabilized at a level that's allowed me to get back into life again, with greater self-management skills that I've developed with Arlene's guidance.
— W.B.
I first came to Arlene for foot PT following the last of four surgeries. I was apprehensive and highly anxious, but Arlene was both kind and patient as she guided me into feeling comfortable working with my foot, and that trust has been invaluable in my recovery. She helped me with range of motion and quality of movement, desensitizing traumatized areas, working through stiff tissue, and retraining things like walking correctly. Not only did she help me recover from that surgery, but my progress went well beyond what I had expected after many years of issues.
I therefore felt hopeful in contacting Arlene again a few years later to help me with flexibility, sensitivity, and muscle control to work back up to being able to do recreational ballet.
I believe that Arlene’s compassion, knowledge, and holistic approach to health and wellness really sets her apart, and I would recommend her services to anyone in need of great PT!