In our weekly feature section, Pelvic Rehab Report is proud to present this interview with newly certified practitioner Amanda Alling DPT, PRPC
Describe your clinical practice:
I am the Clinical Director at Tidewater Physical Therapy’s Westchester Commons location in Richmond, VA. The clinic is Tidewater’s newest facility in Richmond opening in February of 2014. We see a variety of orthopedic conditions, gait and balance disorders, along with pelvic floor conditions.
What patient population do you find most rewarding in treating and why?
I find patients with pelvic pain conditions to be the most rewarding to work with. Many of these patients have been suffering with these conditions for years and believe the symptoms are normal or they do not know which health care provider to discuss their symptoms with. These patients are so grateful for the time you spend with them and the effort you put into their care. I also enjoy working with patients who are dealing with incontinence. I enjoy working with these patients as you get to do a lot of patient education and treatment is usually very successful. I find in both of these patient populations physical therapy is a great way to improve their quality of life.
How did you get involved in the pelvic rehabilitation field?
I got involved in the field of pelvic rehabilitation when I was a third year student in PT school. I was so fortunate that my program offered a clinical rotation in women’s health. I choose a rotation at a clinic that primarily treated pelvic floor dysfunction in both men and women. It was such an eye opening and rewarding experience. Once that rotation was complete I knew it was an area I wanted to continue pursuing. When I graduated I was lucky enough to work for a company that supported me in earning my pelvic rehabilitation certification.
What lesson have you learned from a Herman & Wallace instructor that has stayed with you?
I believe the greatest lesson I have learned from all the instructors at Herman and Wallace is to slow down and really listen to what your patients are telling you. I always felt like I took enough time to discuss the symptoms the patient is experiencing, but since completing five courses with H&W I feel like I now perform a more thorough subjective portion of my exams. Also, looking at the patient as a whole and not just their hip, knee or pelvic floor. With pelvic floor conditions it is critical to evaluate many different things such as their posture in various positions, breathing patterns, and gait just to name a few. I have found that by doing this patients have better outcomes.
What has been your favorite Herman & Wallace Course and why?
My favorite Herman and Wallace course thus far has been the Pregnancy and Postpartum course. I enjoyed that class as it gave me more treatment options for that patient population and a better understanding of the changes the body is going through during those 9 months and thereafter. I also feel I gained a lot of knowledge for different interventions to carry out for that patient population and for other patients. Many of the exercises I learned in that class I use for a wide variety of my orthopedic patients as well. The best classes are the ones that you can return to clinic on Monday and begin using what you learned.
Learn more about Amanda Alling DPT, PRPC at her Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner bio page. You can also learn more about the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification at www.hermanwallace.com/certification.
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