PT@acac: Womens Health

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Womens Health

More than ever: Women Need to Return to Self-Care

In the wake of home-based isolation and quarantining during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, PT@acac’s Women’s Health specialists remind women to make sure they are taking care of themselves, too.

"It is easy to put off diagnostic checks on health issues we may deem as non-urgent even in the best of times," says Physical Therapy at acac's Michelle Little, DPT, OCS (Instagram: WomenInMotion_Wellness).

"However, with restrictions being lifted and medical offices safely resuming operation, it's time to turn to preventive care for those who have been working overtime to care for everyone else."

"Women’s health issues are notoriously under-diagnosed. If you think something is not quite right -- you are probably right. Your pain is real, and we can treat it," notes Michelle.

If you are experiencing . . .

Painful intercourse or painful tampon use
Pelvic pressure, heaviness or feeling like something is falling out
Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise
Urinary urgency
Fecal incontinence
Abdominal Surgery, Caesarean surgery
Abdominal Separation/ Diastasis Recti
Low Back, SI, pubic symphysis or hip pain
Difficulty returning to prior level of exercise or recreational activities

. . . a physical therapist with certification in Women's Health specialties can help. Our specialists can individualize an appropriate restorative body & return to activity program for most women, and work with them towards achieving their individual fitness and wellness goals.

Michelle is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with post- doctorate certifications in obstetric and pelvic health. Michelle is only one of two physical therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia with her combined specialties.

Michelle received her Doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2015 and in 2018 became Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Michelle joins us from UVA Encompass Health Sports Medicine clinic where she participated in foot and ankle research to improve post operative outcomes. Her clinical specialties include: lower quarter running injuries, running assessments, sports injuries for hip, knee foot and ankle.

Michelle saw a need in our community and has dedicated her career to building an in-network pelvic health program with Physical Therapy@acac. Her combined specializations allow her to bridge the gaps between Women’s Health and Orthopedics. Michelle’s ultimate dream is to reduce barriers and improve access to pelvic health, creating a standard of care in our community for all women through all phases of life.