A Message from Beth

**I am excited to announce that I am seeing clients in the Decatur location for Provenance Rehabilitation. Finding a good fit is critical in creating a healthy, healing environment for treating pelvic issues. Provenance is a well-established leader in the pelvic PT community and our new location within the Vista Yoga facility is a warm and welcoming environment.**

I offer this website not only to explain what I do, but also as an opening to those who need hope, support, answers, guidance and information. There is a lot of information on the web – some good, some not so good. I am providing links to reliable websites, articles, and information (be patient…this is a work in progress). I hope this helps in part to guide those who hurt, burn, leak, can’t go, go to much, can’t sit, can’t stand, ache, feel alone, frustrated or in pain.

“Pelvic rehab” may be defined generally as physical therapy to restore the pelvic region to a more functional and/or less painful state. Reasons for seeking pelvic rehab may include anything from pain to leakage to lack of coordination. Treatment of bladder, vaginal and bowel dysfunction with physical therapy is well-studied and proven effective (especially incontinence, prolapse, urgency and frequency). It is thrilling to know we can regain control over our bodies, in many cases without surgery and pharmacology. Physical therapy is one of the least invasive and most beneficial methods for treating functional bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunctions.

While the treatment for pain in the pelvic region is different than bowel or bladder treatment, many of the interventions may overlap. Research regarding pelvic pain (and chronic pain in general) has been undergoing a major and exciting transformation over the past 10-20 years (see Resources section for links to pain research websites). Along with that research, PT techniques for pain reduction have radically changed as well.

The pelvic region encompasses the areas from the abdomen/mid-back to the upper thighs (this includes all of the organs, muscles, joints/bones, connective tissue and lymphatics). Evaluation and treatment for pelvic conditions, however, usually includes more bodily regions than just the pelvis. Complete treatment must address any issues from head to toe since all areas of the body affect each other. Effective treatment should also include more disciplines than just physical therapy. A good PT will address all aspects of care required for a client’s full recovery, including working closely with other providers (physicians, counselors, chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists, etc).

One of the most frequently asked questions I hear is “how on Earth did you get into this?”. I find the abdominal and pelvic region fascinating – that’s the best reason I can give. I learn from my highly-motivated and educated patients daily, from dedicated researchers, clinicians and body-workers every chance I get, and from a variety of research sources, books, articles, blogs and websites as often as possible. In exchange, I offer the most caring, effective, educated and intuitive treatment of which I am able for relief of whatever brings you through my door.

Thank you for visiting! I welcome any comments or questions you may have!