Health pro: Physical therapy effective for pelvic floor
Dr. Christine L. Klein is a physical therapist specializing in women’s health based at Health First’s Viera Pro Health and Fitness Center.
Q: Why did you go into this career?
A: I personally experienced pelvic girdle pain with my second pregnancy and was able to seek treatment through my co-workers. Realizing how many different conditions affect the pelvic floor and how effective physical therapy is revitalized my passion for this profession.
Q: What services do you provide?
A: The first step in treatment is discussion and education regarding the conditions my patients are experiencing. A few habit changes can make a world of difference when it comes to pelvic floor conditions. From there, a whole-body approach is utilized: a postural assessment; muscle and soft tissue assessment; (a review of) lifestyle habits, diet and nutrition; exercises that are easy to perform at home; manual techniques as needed; and positive and motivating encouragement. Learning how to use your muscles effectively is key.
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Q: What makes this area of medicine fulfilling for you?
A: Physical therapy is not the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about receiving treatment for a pelvic floor condition. I love being able to educate people about the benefits and positive results that can be obtained through physical therapy. Helping improve patients’ quality of life — being able to lift their baby and exercise without pain or urinary leakage, preventing pelvic organ prolapse, avoiding the need to urinate every hour, no longer being afraid to leave the house due to embarrassment — these things keep me fulfilled, knowing that I’m able to help improve someone’s life. Regardless of whether or not a patient may require surgery, it is still helpful to receive physical therapy prior to or after surgery, again to learn how to properly use their muscles.
Q: When did you realize this was the right medical career path for you?
A: I realized this was the right path for me during the first course I took for pelvic floor disorder specialty. The instructors were passionate and encouraging, and I was excited to put my new education to use. I enjoy taking classes to continue my lifelong learning, specializing in this field.
Q: What’s the latest advancement in your field that will benefit patients?
A: Aside from the latest advancements, I feel that just realizing physical therapy is available for treatment of pelvic floor conditions is a big first step. Regardless of the condition, learning how to properly use your muscles with breathing techniques and coordination is extremely beneficial.
Q:What is your best advice for current and potential patients?
A: Do not wait to seek treatment, and do not be embarrassed to discuss your condition with your healthcare provider. Urinary leakage may be common, but it is not normal. I would like to encourage all postpartum moms to seek referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist, especially when cleared by their OB-GYN to return to exercise.
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Know Your Health Pro: Christine L. Klein, Physical Therapist (PT), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Where you’re based: Health First Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation, Health First’s Viera Pro Health & Fitness
Education: I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2006 with my Master’s in Physical Therapy and earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2009.
Professional background: I have been a physical therapist working in an outpatient orthopedic setting since 2006, and I have been specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy since 2015. Pelvic floor physical therapy involves treating women and men with conditions such as: bladder and bowel dysfunction; urinary and fecal incontinence; painful intercourse; pregnancy related issues; pelvic pain; osteoporosis; post-prostatectomy; constipation; and pelvic organ prolapse.
Address: 8705 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940
Contact: (321) 434-9122; fax: (321) 434-9125; Christine.Klein@health-first.org
On the Web: health-first.org