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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Welcome to our Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Department!
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Vaginismus
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Vulvar pain
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Hip pain
- Pregnancy related pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Fecal incontinence
- Coccyx pain
- Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
- Primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual distress)
***Please note, Dr. Herron currently has a wait list for pelvic health physical therapy services. Due to this wait list, it typically takes 2-3 months to establish care. You can email her at drherron@mynwwellness.com or call our office to be added to her wait list. Dr. Herron highly recommends that you schedule 4-6 follow-up visits at the time you schedule your initial evaluation, to avoid a large gap in care between your initial evaluation and first follow-up visit.
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Dr. Rachel Herron (she/her)
Orthopedic & Pelvic Health Physical TherapistReiki I & II Certified
Dr. Rachel Herron is a graduate of Pacific University’s Physical Therapy program, where she graduated with distinction and served as Class President. During her time at Pacific University, Dr. Herron worked as a Pelvic Health research assistant and co-founded a student-led group called The Collective for Diversity and Social Justice, to address systemic health disparities. In 2020, Dr. Herron received the American Physical Therapy Association Minority Scholarship Award and her Physical Therapy Programs Outstanding Graduate Award for her professional character, academic excellence, social justice work and community involvement.
Prior to her time at Pacific University, Dr. Herron earned her Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College, where she majored in Biology, double minored in Spanish and Kinesiology, and served as Captain of her Division I soccer team. Dr. Herron loves how her student-athlete career provides her valuable insight into understanding the body, empathizing with patient adversities, and treating athletes of all ages.
In addition to being an Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Dr. Herron is also a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and Reiki practitioner. She is a trauma-informed care provider and very passionate about mental health, sexual wellness, and recovery from sports injuries. Dr. Herron has completed additional training in Visceral Manipulation (VM1) through the Barrall Institute.
Outside of work, Dr. Herron is proud to be an active community member. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the National Association of Black Physical Therapists. She has served as Chair of the American Physical Therapy Association Washington State Chapter Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging since 2020.
In 2022, Dr. Herron received the American Physical Therapy Association Washington State Chapter Physical Therapist of the Year Award, in honor of her community involvement and continued work to address health disparities. In her spare time, Dr. Herron enjoys watching Disney and Marvel movies with her family, road biking, hiking, spending time with her pups Shelby and Luca, and coaching soccer.
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Patient Feedback
"I go to Dr. Herron for pelvic PT and I must say that I didn’t even know it was possible to feel so comfortable and accepted by a medical professional. She is so easy to talk to, nothing is taboo, and you will never feel embarrassed or ignorant around her. She is truly one of a kind and goes the extra mile for her patients. I am so grateful I explored PT as an option for IC and for pelvic trauma it has made a huge difference for me physically and mentally."
-Google Review written by Abigail
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What have patients said about their experience with Dr. Herron?
"Can’t thank Dr. Herron enough! She really helped me get past my pelvic floor struggles postpartum. She is also extremely easy to talk to (even about the most uncomfortable things). I also learned so much I never knew about my body and thanks to her, will not be scared to take on another pregnancy when the time comes! Highly recommend her if you need help with anything pelvic floor related"
- Google Review written by Carly
"My experience with Dr. Herron has been amazing. She has a way of making me feel comfortable enough to share intimate details. We are working on pelvic floor and I've seen a lot of improvement. I highly recommend her for anyone suffering from incontinence issues and from any pelvic health issues..."
- Google Review written by Debbie
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dr. Herron support my health during my pregnancy?
Yes! Dr. Herron can help you understand the normal hormonal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal changes that occur in your body throughout your pregnancy.
Additionally, she can help you create a safe, effective, and fun prenatal exercise routine that will optimize the health of you and your future baby.
Dr. Herron enjoys helping patients prepare for labor and birth as well as supporting their post-partum health.
Can I bring my baby/child to my PT appointment?
Dr. Herron understands childcare is not always feasible. Yes, you may bring your baby/child to your pelvic health PT appointment!
How long will my first pelvic health PT appointment be?
Evaluations last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete intake paperwork.
How long are follow-up pelvic health PT appointments?
Approximately 40-55 minutes.
Are Pelvic Health PT appointments provided in a private treatment room?
Yes! Creating a safe and private environment for you to receive pelvic health services is important to Dr. Herron.
Will my Pelvic Health Provider examine other body regions besides my pelvic floor?
Yes! It is quite common for people who are experiencing pelvic health symptoms to also experience hip pain, low back pain, knee pain or pain in other areas. As such, Dr. Herron will complete a comprehensive exam that assesses the entirety of your health, not just your pelvic floor! Even if you are not experiencing hip pain, low back pain or knee pain, examination of these regions may be beneficial in treating your pelvic health symptoms. Dr. Herron will explain her recommended treatment plan during each appointment, and you will have an opportunity to provide informed consent for all treatment plans.
Why do pelvic health physical therapists perform internal pelvic floor muscle examinations?
Internal pelvic floor muscle examinations can provide a lot of helpful information regarding the most beneficial treatment plan for you. For example, they can help you and your provider determine if your pelvic floor muscles are weak, tight, underactive, or overactive. Treatment will vary slightly based on what you and your provider discover about your pelvic girdle and pelvic floor muscles during the pelvic floor muscle exam.
Internal pelvic floor muscle exams can also help you and your provider determine if there are signs of pelvic organ prolapse, skin dehydration, or skin irritation- which are all important to consider when creating the best-individualized treatment plan for you!
If I come in for pelvic health PT do I have to receive an internal pelvic floor muscle examination?
Absolutely not! There is so much we can accomplish together if you would prefer not to do an internal pelvic floor muscle exam. Dr. Herron encourages her patients to choose the type of pelvic floor muscle exam that feels most safe and comfortable for them. Dr. Herron and will explain your options for a comprehensive pelvic floor muscle exam and you will have the opportunity to choose which type of exam is best for you.
How will my Pelvic Health Provider honor my comfort and safety during my pelvic health PT appointments?
Your comfort and safety are Dr. Herron's top priority. Dr. Herron understands that unfortunately many people with vaginas have had negative health care experiences when it comes to internal vaginal exams. Additionally, Dr. Herron is a trauma-sensitive providers and she recognizes that many people are survivors of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Dr. Herron believes in always asking for consent, and she believes consent is not a “one time thing.” Rather, consent is an ongoing practice. All patients may bring a friend, family member, or partner to all pelvic health PT appointments, if this is something a patient feels will support them in feeling safe and comfortable throughout their appointment.
Will my Pelvic Health Provider use lubricant during internal pelvic floor muscle exams?
Yes! Dr. Herron uses a lubricant called “Good Clean Love”, a 95% organic, water-based lubricant with Aloe for improved patient comfort during internal pelvic floor muscle exams. Dr. Herron also has coconut oil and avocado oil for patients who have allergies to lubricants. You may also bring with you your preferred lubricant.
Can I still come in for my pelvic health PT appointment if I am menstruating (on my period?)
Yes! We can still complete an internal pelvic floor muscle exam and/or an external pelvic exam and/or general treatment while you are menstruating. Your Pelvic Health Provider will provide baby wipes, tampons, pads, and panty liners as needed for your convenience.
However, if you are experiencing increased pain while menstruating you can call our office to reschedule. Please give us 24 hours or more notice whenever possible.
Does Dr. Herron offer perineal massage?
Yes!
Does Dr. Herron consider herself a trauma sensitive providers?
Yes.
What should I wear to a pelvic health PT appointment?
Clothes you are comfortable in and clothes that allow you to move freely. Dr. Herron recognizes that “comfortable clothes” means something different to different people. You can show up in work clothes, workout clothes, yoga pants, jeans, dresses etc...we have shorts and gowns you can change into if necessary! If an internal pelvic floor muscle examination is performed, Dr. Herron will provide sheets and blankets for draping, privacy, and comfort.
What continuing education has Dr. Herron completed to become a pelvic health physical therapist?
Dr. Herron values continuing education. She has completed over 75 hours of continuing education since earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
She has completed the following courses through the Herman & Wallace Institute:
Pelvic Floor Level 1
Pelvic Floor Level 2A
Pregnancy Rehabilitation
Treatment Strategies for the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor
Functions and Dysfunctions of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor
Sexual Medicine in Pelvic Rehab
Dr. Herron has also completed Medbridge’s Current Guidelines for Prenatal Exercise course.
Does Dr. Herron treat patients assigned male at birth?
Not at this time. If you are looking for a provider who does, please check out www.pelvicrehab.com to find a provider who may be able to support you.
More
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More Patient Feedback
"I found my pelvic Floor PT Dr. Herron after interviewing about 6 providers. I was in my 1st trimester of pregnancy and new that I wanted to work on my pelvic floor and over all strength to help me through pregnancy and prepare me for birth and postpartum.
When I initially spoke with her it was instant connection, her passion for providing exceptional care, excellent bed side manner, and extensive knowledge helped me decide she was the one I wanted to work with for the duration of my pregnancy, to get me ready for birth and postpartum.
I really admire how she continues to grow her knowledge with all the new medical information and even taking new courses which shows me how she is open to grow and evolve in every way. She is very receptive to feedback and genuinely appreciates it as she says it helps her serve us better....you don't get this type of bed side manner just anywhere!I feel very lucky to have went through my pregnancy, birth and now postpartum with Dr. Herron and I would recommend her to anyone that I come across"-Google Review written by Hilina
When I initially spoke with her it was instant connection, her passion for providing exceptional care, excellent bed side manner, and extensive knowledge helped me decide she was the one I wanted to work with for the duration of my pregnancy, to get me ready for birth and postpartum.
I really admire how she continues to grow her knowledge with all the new medical information and even taking new courses which shows me how she is open to grow and evolve in every way. She is very receptive to feedback and genuinely appreciates it as she says it helps her serve us better....you don't get this type of bed side manner just anywhere!
I feel very lucky to have went through my pregnancy, birth and now postpartum with Dr. Herron and I would recommend her to anyone that I come across"
-Google Review written by Hilina
Looking for a different Pelvic Health Physical Therapist?
Check out the following resource!