Brook Browning - Featured Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner

In our weekly feature section, Pelvic Rehab Report is proud to present this interview with newly certified practitioner Brook Browning, MPT, PRPC

How did you get involved in the pelvic rehabilitation field?

As a second year PT student, I read a PT Magazine featuring Fatima Hakeem and thought “What?? PT’s do that... and here I have been learning about shoulders!” I was intrigued and got lucky enough to complete a clinical rotation with Susan Giglio, PT at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. I loved the idea of helping someone with an issue that cannot only be physically debilitating but can also impact the patient’s social and personal life on such an intimate level. Fourteen years later, I still have the magazine in my office as a reminder of my drive and passion for pelvic health.

If you could get a message out to physical therapists about pelvic rehabilitation what would it be?

I think that most PTs think we just treat urinary incontinence and have no idea the breadth of diagnoses we treat. I also think that there are many things that ALL PTs could do to improve bowel, bladder and sexual function that are “clothes on” so to speak. Sometimes just a handout on sexual positioning with back pain or a simple bowel massage can make a huge difference in a patient’s quality of life.

What lesson have you learned from a Herman & Wallace instructor that has stayed with you?

“The victim screams the loudest, the culprit hides in the shadows” – Ramona Horton describing how the pain generator may not be anywhere near where the patient thinks it is located or where hurts the most.

What do you find is the most useful resource for your practice?

The most useful resource I have is a group of pelvic health PTs in my region – The Triangle Pelvic Health study group. We get together every other month to talk about research, listen to guest speakers and share ideas. When I have a troubling case or just a quick question, it is easy to email or call these wonderful ladies and get immediate feedback!

Learn more about Brook Browning, MPT, 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.< p>