We often don’t think about our pelvic floor health until we have a problem. And often times it’s not something that we like to talk about.

So what exactly is my pelvic floor? Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located in the lower part of the pelvis, supporting essential organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles become weak, tight, or dysfunctional, it can lead to a range of health issues, particularly in women.

So seeing a pelvic floor specialist can be beneficial for anyone experiencing pelvic floor issues, whether they are related to pain, urinary or bowel function, sexual health, or pregnancy-related concerns. A proactive approach to pelvic health can help improve or prevent various health conditions, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your pelvic health, give us a call at (865) 801-9380 to schedule your appointment with one of our Pelvic Floor Specialists.

Meet our Pelvic Floor Specialists:

Patti Green – PT, OCS, CMPT, Pelvic Floor Specialist

Patti was previously a senior therapist and lead pelvic floor therapist with Marino Therapy Centers. She has presented at local, state and national meetings and at UT’s College of Nursing for their Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program.

Patti’s advanced certifications include:

• Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
• Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP) from the APTA – Patti is the only practicing pelvic floor PT in East Tennessee with this designation
• Certified Manual Therapist with NAIOMT

Jennifer Hinkle – PT, PRPC, Pelvic Floor Specialist

Jen is a licensed physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist. She earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1997, and finished her PRPC (Pelvic Rehab Practitioner Certification) from Herman & Wallace in 2016. Previously, she worked in a hospital based rehabilitation department for more than 11 years where she initiated and developed a pelvic floor service line, served on a hospital-wide women and children’s service line team, and lectured to nursing homes, pregnancy centers, childbirth classes and physicians. Her pelvic floor education is through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She previously worked with Dawn, Dina, and Patti at Marino Therapy Centers as a pelvic floor and orthopedic therapist.

Here are some reasons why a pelvic floor specialist is important for your health:

1. Expertise in Pelvic Floor Conditions: Pelvic floor specialists are highly trained and have specialized knowledge in assessing and treating conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Each person’s pelvic floor condition is unique, and a specialist can create personalized treatment plans based on the individual’s specific needs and symptoms.
3. Non-Invasive Treatment Options: Pelvic floor specialists often use non-invasive techniques such as pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy to help manage pelvic floor conditions, avoiding the need for surgery in many cases.
4. Pre- and Postnatal Support: During pregnancy and after childbirth, the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes, and a specialist can provide guidance and exercises to promote pelvic health during these crucial periods.
5. Improved Quality of Life: Pelvic floor conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. Working with a specialist can help address these issues, leading to improved overall well-being.
   Prevention and Education: A pelvic floor specialist can offer guidance on preventive measures and lifestyle modifications to promote pelvic health and reduce the risk of developing pelvic floor disorders.
6. Holistic Approach: A pelvic floor specialist takes a comprehensive approach, considering the interconnectedness of the pelvic floor with other parts of the body, such as the core and hips. They can address musculoskeletal imbalances and provide exercises to improve overall stability and function.
7. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: For individuals who have undergone pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomy or prostate surgery, a pelvic floor specialist can assist with rehabilitation and recovery.