Sandra Van Gilder, PT, DPT, FAFS
Co-Founder
Women’s Health | Pelvic Floor Dysfunction | Applied Functional Science
Location: Encinitas
I’m passionate about helping women reconnect with their bodies through every stage of life—from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. My focus is pelvic health, core recovery, and helping women move with confidence, without fear or limitation.
WHO I WORK WITH
🤰 Pregnancy & Postpartum Women
Supporting core recovery, pelvic health, and safe return to activity through all stages of motherhood.
🧍 Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Including incontinence, prolapse, core weakness, and related movement dysfunction.
🏃 Active Women of All Ages
Women who want to run, train, and stay active without symptoms, fear, or limitation.
🧍♀️ Movement-Related Pain
Addressing pain and dysfunction through a whole-body, biomechanics-based approach to restore efficient movement and reduce symptoms.
SPECIALTY
- Women’s Health Physical Therapy
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Rehabilitation
- Incontinence & Prolapse Management
- Diastasis Recti & Core Recovery
- Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
- Applied Functional Science Integration w Femalel Chain Reaction
- Movement-Based Biomechanics Approach
MY APPROACH (G3 VALUES)
Gather
Creating a safe, supportive environment where women feel heard, understood, and comfortable discussing sensitive health concerns.
Give
Providing clear education and evidence-based care so women understand their bodies and feel empowered in their recovery.
Grow
Helping women rebuild strength, restore function, and realize their full physical potential at every stage of life.
ABOUT ME
I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California and my Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) certification from the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation. Using the principles of Applied Functional Science, I developed G3’s Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction program.
My passion for this area of care is deeply personal. After experiencing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse following the birth of my two daughters—born just 18 months apart—and returning to high-impact running too soon, I went through traditional physical therapy without the results I needed. It wasn’t until I integrated Applied Functional Science principles into my recovery that I was able to restore core function and successfully manage my symptoms.
That experience reshaped how I approach care. I believe that while pelvic floor dysfunction is common, it should never be considered normal or something women simply have to accept.
Today, I’m passionate about helping women of all ages prepare for pregnancy, recover after childbirth, and return to activity with strength and confidence.
Outside the clinic, I’m married to Mike and the mother of two daughters, Walker and Annabelle. I enjoy working out with friends, playing Just Dance with my girls, and baking—especially collecting new kitchen gadgets.
Credentials
- Doctor of Physical Therapy – University of Southern California
- Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) – Gray Institute for Functional Transformation
- Female Chain Reaction, Level 1 Certified in Pelvic Floor Function
- Co-Founder, G3
Keep Women Healthy. Keep Them Moving. Help Them Grow.
Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy, managing pelvic floor symptoms, or simply wanting to move confidently again, the goal is the same: restore strength, function, and trust in your body.