Christina McManigal - Featured Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner

In our weekly feature section, Pelvic Rehab Report is proud to present this interview with newly certified practitioner Christina McManigal, PT, DPT, PRPC

How did you get involved in the pelvic rehabilitation field?

Initially, I had an interest in women’s health because I grew up around a family full of laughter and women who crossed their legs a lot. I thought, ‘This isn’t right, there must be something that can be done about this’. I also experienced pelvic pain myself due to excessive running, and became more and more intrigued about how to address these problems without surgery or medications. The answers doctors or Dr. Google (the internet) always had were frightening – cancer, cysts, surgery must be needed... None of that resonated with me, so I pursued a clinical rotation in women’s health and was very fortunate to connect with Heather Jeffcoat PT, DPT. She inspired me to further pursue women’s health and specifically pregnancy/postpartum and pelvic pain education. Heather was pregnant at the time of being my CI which was great learning experience. She also taught me what a positive impact physical therapy can have on a women’s health and well being, their intimate relationships and comfort during and after pregnancy.

What/who inspired you to become involved in pelvic rehabilitation?

I equally love working with post partum moms as well as any woman with pelvic pain. The pelvis is such a taboo subject to most women, and many women don’t even understand that there are muscles in the pelvis, much like the rest of the body. When I am able to educate them in simple, understandable terms, to help them realize that their pain is not a mythical, mysterious or threatening issue it’s as if her entire body can sigh with relief. When a woman realizes that her pain is just muscles, it’s not cancer, it’s not something wrong with her reproductive system, it’s not going to last forever – then real progress can be made and many times a woman’s life can take a dramatic turn for the better. The oppressive worry and self criticism, and often times depression that can be associated with pelvic pain slowly begins to melt away when a woman is empowered by knowledge and self awareness.

What patient population do you find most rewarding in treating and why?

One of the most rewarding experiences I have had is helping a patient experience intercourse with her husband after 17 years of abstinence. I can’t say how grateful I am that this woman trusted me and let me guide her healing process. With diligent effort on her part, inclusion and support from her husband, and education from me, we were able to reconnect them in that intimate and innate way that is so significant to many relationships. I truly enjoy treating women with pelvic pain, especially post partum. It’s so rewarding to be the person in their lives cheering them on, and focusing on the mom. I believe helping moms heal and be well helps the whole family. Addressing pelvic pain and helping women re-connect with their new bodies is a joy.

What motivated you to earn PRPC?

I chose to pursue the PRPC in an effort to promote the practice of women’s health physical therapy. All too often I have women, or even physicians, tell me they did not know what a physical therapist could do for incontinence, pelvic pain or pregnancy related issues. Our work is so important, so vital to the wellbeing of women in our communities, and I felt that having a certification in this area would be another tool for getting that word out here in the Columbia Gorge. I am also thrilled to be part of this national team of women who are on a mission to reach out and connect with others to advocate for our profession and women as a whole. As I said before, so many issues women face with their health, and physical changes we go through as moms and aging women are simply not talked about enough. There’s a lot of fear associated with any change in our bodies. Education is power, and when women start to learn more about their bodies we will become a healthier nation.

Learn more about Christina McManigal, PT, 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.