It’s official: I’m a Pelvic Health certified Physical Therapist!

Dr. Marie C. Fernandez, PT, DPT | Pelvic Floor and Orthopedic PT

On January 20th, 2023 I took the Herman & Wallace Level 1 Certification course in Las Vegas, NV!

As a physical therapist, I've always been passionate about helping others and creating a true individualized treatment plan to empower them to be the best version of themselves. Refreshingly, furthering my education and exploring the realm of pelvic health therapy has been a transformative journey both personally and professionally.

Prior to the live Herman and Wallace course, I completed their online program that covered a wide variety of topics from anatomy, physiology and an all inclusive approach to treatment. One of the assignments included doing a Bladder Diary which tracked our own habits to build an understanding of how our own diet and patterns translate into our own Pelvic Health.

However, beyond the academic knowledge, the course provided me with something even more valuable – clarity. It helped me realize my deep-rooted desire to empower women and break the stigma surrounding pelvic health issues. As a woman myself, I understand the importance of creating a safe and open environment for discussing these matters, free from shame or embarrassment.

Pelvic health should not be taboo. It's a vital aspect of overall health and deserves the same level of attention and care as any other part of the body. Through my journey into pelvic health therapy, I've become an advocate for raising awareness and providing support to women who may be suffering in silence or who have had lingering questions about thier body that have been left unanswered.

Moreover, the course equipped me with practical skills and tools to make a real difference in the lives of my patients! I am astonished how well orthopedic skills and clinical reasoning overlap in the more specific realm of pelvic health! Whether it's helping someone overcome pelvic pain, addressing urinary incontinence, or supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I now have the knowledge and expertise to provide compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.

I’m overjoyed to start this new chapter as a physical therapist with exploring pelvic health and I’ve started a journey where I am eager to learn more!

I think the most rewarding part of this journey has been the opportunity to connect with my patients on a deeper level. By creating a safe space for open dialogue and fostering a sense of empowerment, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact that pelvic health therapy can have on their lives. My own experiences have given this different level of vulnerablity. It’s truly unfortunately how access to healthcare for pelvic health is so complicated in a traditional model but I am overjoyed to be that resource for my patients to empower them to overcome pelvic pain, incontinence, or answer any lingering questions many have felt too taboo to ask.

In conclusion, taking the Herman and Wallace Level 1 course has been one of the best decisions as my time as a physical therapist! Not only has it expanded my knowledge and skills, but it has also ignited a passion within me to advocate for women's health and well-being. Together, let's break the silence, shatter the stigma, and empower women to take control of their pelvic health.

For those active on social media, here’s a recap video on my experience with the Herman and Wallace Level 1 course I’d love to share!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C31BUkwPtRY/

Team Women’s Health!

Thank you for reading! For more, follow @MariesMovement.

Warmly,
Marie

#PelvicHealth #PhysicalTherapy #WomenHealth #WomenEmpowerment #PelvicFloorPhysicalTherapy