SPH Patient Stories

Kelsey’s Story

I was referred here by my physiatrist to help manage my pelvic pain leading up to my hysterectomy for adenomyosis. Not only did Kate keep me comfortable leading up to the surgery and help my day to day pain levels, she gave me tools to rehab my body after such a big procedure. Pelvic physical therapy was such an important part of my healing process and I am so grateful to the incredible staff at Southern Pelvic Health!

Gary’s Story
Like many men my age, I contracted Prostate cancer. While a prostatectomy solved the cancer, the side effect of incontinence was disheartening. I was sent to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and cure the incontinence. While many men get over incontinence in a few weeks, I didn’t. After 5 months of weekly therapy, I was only marginally better and was told they could do no more for me.

Not giving up, I found Southern Pelvic Health, where Jessica assured me they could help me. My previous therapist only taught me to do stretches and hope for the best, taking little active part in the therapy. My new SPH therapist, Kellie, determined that the previous therapy was completely wrong for my condition and was not surprised that I was not better than I was.

Kellie began a new approach of active “hands on” physical therapy to relax, not strengthen the pelvic floor. Kellie discussed my progress at each visit and in email during the week and adjusted treatments accordingly. She was genuinely interested in my treatment and really cared about my success. Kellie also found some new treatment procedures that really helped my progress. In short, she was actively engaged in my treatment – not just doing exercises in an office visit.

After 5 months with Southern Pelvic Health, the incontinence is nearly cured, using less than ½ pad per day, which is a whole change in lifestyle from where I was. My urologist was impressed with the treatments Kellie devised and told me I had progressed enough that a minor in-office surgical procedure would completely heal me.

I hope other men who have experienced incontinence from a prostatectomy will talk to Southern Pelvic Health about therapy. You don’t have to live with it because there really is hope for recovery and SPH therapists will help you heal because they care, and won’t give up.

The Story of Jamie’s Daughter | Age 8

My 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with encopresis (extreme constipation with fecal overflow) and had been referred to Southern Pelvic Health after years of medical management with a pediatric GI doctor and still having toileting accidents. Before we started at SPH, my daughter received diagnoses of ADHD and high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), so I was terrified of what the experience would be like for her, and it took me an extra year before we finally made the decision to do pelvic floor therapy.

Dr. Jessica and Dr. Stephanie have both been amazing. When we came to our first appointment, Dr. Jessica made sure my daughter was comfortable, explained everything in a way we both could understand, and never touched her, even outside of her clothes, without her consent. All medical professionals should behave this way. After that first appointment I felt so much relief knowing that my daughter would be treated compassionately by doctors and staff who were sensitive to her needs.

My daughter actually looked forward to her pelvic floor appointments because she got to "play" on the computer using her muscles, and she always got a snack or stickers when we were finished.

Dr. Jessica helped me troubleshoot problems that came up and helped to make sure I knew how to implement the plan into our life before we moved on. For instance, we learned that my daughter would refuse to use the school bathroom because it was either dirty or out of toilet paper, so we made a plan with the school that she should use the nurse's bathroom. Each step of the way, the doctor was there to help.

My only regret is that it took me so long to agree to do pelvic floor therapy. It has increased our whole family's quality of life, and we were even able to move out of night time pull-ups (this was not something I even thought was possible at the time!). Her confidence has increased and she has language to describe what is happening in her body and tools to help her body function optimally.

Fran’s Story | Age 65

After a prophylactic hysterectomy to reduce cancer risk in 2021, followed 7 weeks later with emergency surgery for a vaginal cuff tear, I developed symptomatic and life altering prolapses. I went from an active life to one consumed with great discomfort. My surgeon referred me to a pelvic PT associated with the hospital who only recommended kegels, and after 7 weeks of therapy, I felt worse.

During this time, I began reading, researching, and following several support groups, which led me to see a urogynecologist who recommended SPH. A key concept that resonated with me during my research is the idea that the body is interconnected and should be treated as a whole system, not just the pelvic area. SPH follows that principal, and in the months I have been seen here, I have been given home exercises and in session treatments geared for my individual situation, which are not always pelvic specific.

I see much improvement and have hopes for even more. At SPH, I truly feel Dr. Claire really cares about me and she is always looking for the newest and best techniques to further my improvement. On a scale of 5 stars, I give them 10!