An Interview with Netherine Lann V. Agsalda, PT, DPT, PRPC

Can you tell me a little bit about who you are and your journey to pelvic rehab?
I graduated from Physical Therapy school year 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and finished my transitional doctorate here in the United States. Never did I imagine that I would find my path one day to treating pelvic floor disorders. My experiences were combinations of orthopedic rehabilitation, and pain management with in-patient and out-patient settings. I started practicing in the Philippines, went to the Middle East, and finally found my way to Illinois in 2011.

I am fascinated with how postural alignment and the coordination of the full body can affect one region of the body from distally to proximal, to centrally and peripherally. How a single whip of one body part - how the coordination of breathing and moving, stabilization of core/spine/pelvic floor/scapula can affect even your distal body region.

I love finding the cause of the problem in my patient and not only treating the main complaint. I want to understand what caused the issue. I feel accomplished when I can make my patients understand why they have the problems and symptoms they have and teach them to manage it. That’s when I feel the most accomplished with what my role in their life is.

I had been practicing as a pelvic floor therapist for more than 5 years before I finally decided to get my PRPC certification. Herman & Wallace has been my mentor from the moment I started my journey in this specialty. I learned a lot from Herman & Wallace and the continued learning fueled my passion for learning even more. Every time I learn a technique from assessment to holding and releasing tissues, and understanding facial connections, etc. I get more excited and involved. Every time I have a patient in front of me who tells me their story and issues, I just feel so blessed to be able to understand their problem and so thankful that I can touch their lives and help them get better. Thank you to all the dedicated Herman & Wallace instructors and facilitators!

What does a "day in the life" look like for you?
10 years ago, I was not as productive as I am now. Yes, I worked a lot, but my patient load was not near what it is now that I am a pelvic floor therapist. I worked as a full-time therapist at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. I’m one of only 2 pelvic floor therapists and the only one treating male pelvic floor issues. On top of that, I also work part-time in my own clinic that I opened to serve patients in my area and others nearby who don’t have access to pelvic floor therapists. I have patients driving from 2 hours away because they cannot find a pelvic floor therapist. The waiting time for a new patient evaluation in the hospital where I work is 2-4 months. This is the main reason why I decided to open my own clinic, Netherine’s Physical Therapy, Pelvic Floor and Wellness. There is such a big need for pelvic floor therapists in our area. This is what God intended for me to do, and I’m loving the work.

What does your usual day look like?
My usual day is nonstop! A minimum of 24 units to 32 units in a day. One patient directly to another. Rushing through my one-hour lunch to have 30 minutes to call my own and then prepare again for my 1 pm patient. My caseload is 80% pelvic floor and 20% patients referred to me by colleagues (that are not improving after long-term treatment). As a pelvic floor therapist, I understand the relationship of the body from head to foot and from superficial to internal so I can easily create a POC that is more effective than when I was a basic orthopedic therapist.

I just love being a pelvic floor therapist. The music to my ears and heart is when my patient says- I’m not leaking anymore. I’m saving money because I don’t have to use pads or Depends. I have a bowel movement every day. I do not strain. I have a normal sex life. I don’t have anything falling “down there.” I feel more rested and more energized because I’m sleeping better at night. Thank you for not giving up on me.