Herman & Wallace is proud to feature Elisa Marchand PTA who has completed all four of the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor Series courses.
Describe your clinical practice.
I work in a small, privately-owned office that is a women's only clinic. I signed on as the owner's first employee, and the process of working with her in the last year has been incredibly rewarding. She is a WCS through the ABPTS, and is incredibly supportive in my desire to sit for the PRPC exam. Her vision- as well as mine- for our community is to see women free from pain and the limitations that pelvic floor dysfunction can cause. We have so many untapped passions and dreams for the women in our area! Personally, I also have a passion for pregnant and newly postpartum women.
How did you get involved in the pelvic rehabilitation field? What/who inspired you to become involved in pelvic rehabilitation?
A good friend of mine was dealing with pelvic pain while I was a student and first practicing. I was aware of pelvic floor PT, since I had some exposure while a student, and recommended she see someone. Through her experience, my interest was piqued and my passion to help women was a natural fit for this field. As a physical therapist assistant, I have experienced an overwhelming amount of support for my passions, though I've also been met with some hesitation and surprise. I have been blessed to have more than a handful of PT's and supervisors fully support my drive to work as a pelvic floor therapist.
I also experienced personal trauma with the birth of my first child, and though we both are healthy and thriving, it was a long road to recovery and healing. This first-hand experience has helped shape my approach to life and others.
What patient population do you find most rewarding in treating and why?
As a detail-oriented person, I love getting into the nitty-gritties of life. Because of this aspect of my personality, I most enjoy the complex and chronic pelvic pain patients that come through our doors. I enjoy helping them through all aspects of their care, and seeing people find freedom from not just the physical pain, but also emotional healing and relationships restored. Although the success and gratification can be delayed (or frequently halted, or never fully seen...), I take great satisfaction in helping women with CPP.
What has been your favorite Herman & Wallace Course and why?
I have difficulty answering this question with one distinct answer, as I have been inspired and educated on crucial topics from many H&W courses. I use the knowledge I've gleaned from each course on a daily basis. The original Pregnancy and Postpartum Course taught by Holly Herman was especially empowering, and prompted my head-first jump into pelvic floor rehab. I also enjoyed Pelvic Floor 3 IMMENSELY. In that course, I felt I was able to be a more active participant and that everything "came together". I really felt that my skills and knowledge-base were on par with each aspect of education and practical application in PF3; this further reinforced my confidence and motivation. It also helped reinforce my decision to take the PRPC exam next year.
What is in store for you in the future?
First and foremost, I am planning on sitting for the PRPC exam in 2015. I have begun exploring the possibility of becoming a doula as a complement to my focus in women's health and passion for the prenatal/postpartum population. I also love the healing environment of the water, and am looking forward to branching out my treatment capabilities to aquatic therapy in the near future.
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