Jennafer Vande Vegte - Featured Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner

In our weekly feature section, Pelvic Rehab Report is proud to present this interview with newly certified practitioner and Herman & Wallace faculty member Jennafer Vande Vegte, MSPT, BCIA-PMB, PRPC

What role do you see pelvic health playing in general well-being?

Our understanding of the importance of pelvic health has increased dramatically in the past decade but I feel what we know is just the tip of the iceberg. I would love to see our society being even more proactive in utilizing our skills as pelvic floor therapists (for example evaluating every post partum mom, or having physical therapy before and after prostate or prolapse surgery part of standard protocols). Studies show that many pelvic floor dysfunctions don't become symptomatic until decades after trauma to the pelvic structures occurred (SUI/prolapse/FI for example). It would be wonderful to play a more proactive role in these disorders.

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

This probably changes month to month but right now I am having a lot of fun with smart phone apps. My favorites are pranayama free and calm.com. I instruct my pain patients to start with 5-10 minutes of breathing and relaxation most days. It has been instrumental in counteracting the effects of stress on the body.

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

I have to say I love to work with pelvic pain. I get excited by the challenge of putting the pieces of the puzzle together with a thorough evaluation and then determining the best treatment route. I feel it is a privilege to partner with patients to meet their specific goals. I especially enjoy working with patients with vaginismus. I have a special victory dance that is reserved for when they come in and excitedly announce that they had intercourse for the first time and it didn't hurt!

Describe your clinical practice:

I treat women, men and children with a wide range of pelvic floor/pelvic girdle dysfunctions including pelvic pain, elimination dysfunctions, problems during pregnancy and post partum, hip and lower back pain, pudendal neuralgia, IC/PBS, vulvodynia/provoked vestibulodynia and vaginismus.
I work for a large hospital system that is very supportive of pelvic health. Our PTs and physicians collaborate for the best possible outcomes for patients. I truly love what I do and who I get to do it with.

How did you get involved in the pelvic rehabilitation field?

Truthfully, it was never on my radar. My supervisor years ago suggested I go to a course and I thought she was nuts. A marathoner/tri-athlete at the time, I wanted to work with athletes. But when she persisted with the idea the following year, I took her up on her suggestion. Sitting in my first class (PF1) and listening to Holly Herman, I was HOOKED. I felt like a duck that has finally discovered water and I never looked back.

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

I suppose my supervisor at the time saw something in me that I did not see in myself, for which I am so grateful. But truly, I will never forget my experience with Holly at my first PF1 course. I can still picture myself (in the front row because I am "that" girl) laughing hysterically at her stories and soaking in her incredible wisdom, compassion, and wit. I also realized at the time that I would love to teach. Years later it has been a dream come true to be on faculty with Herman and Wallace.

What motivated you to earn PRPC?

It is the only certification that really tests the skill set that I have been developing over the past 13 years. I also saw how much work Herman and Wallace put into developing it. It was an honor to be a part of the first testing group. I am just thrilled that pelvic floor therapists can have specialty certification. It's been needed for a long time.

How have you developed as a therapist after earning your PRPC certification?

I have to say that the process of studying for the PRPC really helped me take my learning to a new level. I joined a study group with an AMAZING group of women who were so inspiring. We all worked together and pushed each other and we all passed. The experience helped get excited about pelvic floor physical therapy in a whole new way.

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

The wealth of information coming from amazing researchers like Ruth Sapsford, Diane Lee and Paul Hodges really shows how the pelvic floor is just one group of muscles in a whole motor system of musculature that needs to be assessed and addressed in the majority of our patients, not just those with elimination or pelvic pain disorders. Moreover I would also like to say to pelvic floor therapists: Jump in with both feet! It can be intimidating to treat men or bowel patients but often you are the only person who has at least one tool that can help these patients. Most often we learn the most when we are outside of our comfort zone.

What ways do you work to inspire your patients? Other therapists?

I love learning and that passion rubs off on my patients. I read a ton and get excited by new research and science tidbits. I always said that if I were not a PT I would have followed in my parents' footsteps and become a teacher. I enjoy mentoring other therapists and helping them grow. We have a large group of West Michigan PTs who get together periodically and also email each other. I am always blowing up their inboxes with things I find interesting. I really try to practice what I preach as well.

What is in store for you in the future?

My PRPC study group would like to get back together at some point and study for the WHS. I am thinking about Ginger Garner's Yoga Therapy Certification. But right now I am very content to enjoy my sweet daughters and husband and maintain a healthy balance between home and work life.

Learn more about Jennafer Vande Vegte, MSPT, BCIA-PMB, 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.