Dr. Monika Jurgowska

PT, DPT

I grew up as a first-generation child. My parents had migrated from Poland to provide a better life for our family. I grew up in Clifton, NJ. I went off to study in Rutgers, New Brunswick for my undergraduate degree which I completed in 2016. That summer, I began my journey of physical therapy at Rutgers School of Health Professions in Newark and graduated in 2019.

My credentials are PT, DPT. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2019. I began my career in outpatient orthopedics in Kessler Rehabilitation Center – there I also began my journey as a pelvic floor PT. I then worked in homecare with Fox Rehabilitation, providing outpatient services to patients in the comfort of their homes. I gained experience treating individuals who are living with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, and Stroke. I also treated individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary and orthopedic conditions during my time in homecare. I am now working at Optimal Movement in addition to Forward Motion Physical Therapy (Pequannock), continuing to broaden my skills in orthopedics and pelvic health.

Core Values:

The core values that I live by, I turn to them each and every day. Those that are most important to me are family, faith, health, vulnerability/communication, and growth. Some may say that vulnerability may be seen as a weakness, but to me, it allows me to connect with my patients and the individuals in my life in a way that I can best help them. My family and faith help to keep me grounded. Health and growth help me to provide the best care that I can for my patients and the community.

Quote

“You can’t eat beauty; it doesn’t sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul.” – Lupita Nyong’o

I want to help my patients advocate for themselves and their healthcare. I also want to spread awareness on the benefits of pelvic health and the options that are available to all individuals. I want each of our patients that come through our door to feel heard and provide them with the excellent care that they deserve.

As a physical therapist, I provide most of my care to patients seeking pelvic health intervention. I also treat patients with orthopedic conditions that require post-op care and treatment of chronic injuries.

I enjoy treating conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, vaginismus, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain. I also enjoy treating mommies-to-be with birth prep in addition to postpartum care. Along with pelvic floor conditions, I also enjoy treating orthopedic conditions involving back pain, hip pain, and knee pain.

I love working at Optimal Movement because of the incredible team of therapists I work with. They inspire me to continue to grow, learn and give it my absolute all each time I come into work.

Favorite Movies, Shows, Podcasts and Books:

Wicked (10/10 would see it again… more than once)
Call the Midwife on Netflix (seems like pelvic floor PT was always in the cards for me)
Untamed by Glennon Doyle (marvelous book)

When I’m not working

I love spending time with my family, niece, and nephews. I also love spending time outdoors and hiking in the tri-state area. Lastly, I enjoy dancing to Soca music or singing Broadway playlists as a form of therapy 🙂

“I have been seeing Monika for the past several months and she has been a joy to work with! I have suffered from chronic fissures for the past 2+ years and since starting pelvic PT my flare ups are lessening. This has helped me avoid surgery or other more invasive treatments. Monika is personable and dedicated to individualizing care. She will go out of her way to learn and research when needed. I would definitely recommend her and her team!” –Kasey F.

“After feeling a heaviness in my pelvic region and some bladder issues following having both of my babies, I went to my gyno. He determined that I would benefit from pelvic floor therapy and recommended Optimal Movement. Dr. Monika has been working with me from the start and has made a very personal subject/issue feel so comfortable to discuss and address. Truly, this has been part of the reason why I keep coming back (it doesn’t hurt that I’ve experienced a big difference in my pelvic strength). She is incredibly passionate about what she does and offers so many different exercises that are easy enough to do with no equipment at home so I can continue with what we did during the session prior. I began in February and I no longer have the feeling of heaviness in my pelvic floor and have very rarely (only if I’m sick) had the bladder issue. I know there is still work to do, but I’ve already experienced so much progress. Thanks, Dr. Monika!” –Stephanie L.

“Dr Monika is absolutely amazing! She put me out of pain definitely recommend her!” –Susan A.