Nice to meet you! I’m Michiko Caringal. My pronouns are: she/her/hers.
Ten years ago, I was anxious, depressed, stressed and overworked. I experienced severe pelvic pain and was diagnosed with vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition for which there is no identifiable cause. After committing to rehabilitation, I saw significant improvements and now I am symptom-free 10 years and counting!
I am a Registered Physiotherapist with over fifteen years of experience in clinical, research, education and leadership in the fitness and health care industry. I work at CAYA Health Centre (inside City Square Mall) but also work part-time at the University of British Columbia Hospital in the Bladder Care Centre. I am also an Educator and Mentor at Trans Care BC, a provincial clinical program that helps to ensure trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people get the care they need, when and where they need it.
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.
Since my personal experience, I strive to provide the type of patient-centered care that I want - getting to know you and listening to your concerns, formulating a plan that is meaningful to you, and combining your expertise of your own body with my physiotherapy skills and knowledge!
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
Vulvar Health: Changes and Conditions Throughout the Lifespan
Pessaries: Clinical Integration and Management of POP/SUI
“Pelvic floor physiotherapy requires a certain intimacy between the client and the therapist. A major part of this is that the therapist must be empathetic, supportive and confident. Michiko has all of these qualities. I immediately felt a sense of comfort working with Michiko and have begun to show measured improvement in overcoming my issues.”
“I cannot say enough about Michiko and her pelvic health practice, Happy Down There Physiotherapy. I came to Michiko in a very vulnerable and frightened state. Immediately, she went far beyond any level of care I have ever received in a clinical setting. Her medical expertise and heart are just boundless. What a rarity! I recommend Michiko with the highest regard and praise.”