She.E.O. | Episode 1 - Dr. Rachael Elizabeth

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She.E.O Series

2024 is the year of the Dragon which is supposed to bring Opportunities, Changes & Challenges. In honor of all three of these themes I want to network with as many Motherhood local businesses to collaborate and thrive with! Each episode I am going to interview a local small business owner in the Metro-Detroit area, and photograph them. I am so excited to meet every business that has volunteered to be interviewed, so we can all learn more about why you (and I) should utilize their services to learn, heal & empower your journey into and through motherhood! I am a new mom as of last year and I feel like I am always learning something new about my own body, so I really just want to help get this information out into new eyes & ears :). Let’s get started!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our full Maternity Portfolio to book your next session!

About My Guest

Dr. Rachael Elizabeth is a Physical Therapist & Women’s Health Coach that brings her own personal experiences and educational expertise to healing and educating women specifically in relation to their bodies before and after birth. Her passion is empowering women to take control of their bodies and bring new perspectives to birth that a traditional hospital setting does not offer. The birth process begins long before mom gives birth and there is a lot of preparation you can do to realize your full potential to a natural and empowering birth. With Dr. Rachael’s expertise you can have the experience that you truly deserve!

Q&A

Q: Tell me a little bit about your background and what you provide. Why did you want to specialize in pelvic floor therapy?

With over two decades of experience as a physical therapist and the proud mother of five children, I attribute my journey into pelvic floor therapy to the unique blend of motherhood and my professional background. My path began over two decades ago with the birth of my first two children in a hospital setting, following conventional advice. However, with my third child, I opted for a home birth after encountering challenges with my healthcare provider, and the experience left a profound impact on me. It was a transformative and empowering experience, prompting me to delve deeper into pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Since then, I have dedicated myself to exploring and understanding the intricacies of these areas, driven by a passion to support and empower women throughout their journey into motherhood and beyond.

Q: What are your goals for 2024?

I am deeply passionate about expanding my practice in a way that allows me to bring on board other physical therapists who are mothers and seek flexible part-time opportunities, enabling them to maintain a work-life balance while staying connected to their families. It's essential for me to foster a supportive community of like-minded moms, where we can collaborate and uplift each other. I am committed to a cash-based system, ensuring that my clients receive a higher quality of care during their visits. Embracing the digital realm, I am excited to offer an online birth preparation class, providing expectant mothers with comprehensive guidance and support from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, I am dedicated to offering personalized one-on-one birth preparation sessions, tailoring each experience to meet the unique needs and preferences of every individual.

Q: Tell me about the importance of pelvic floor health during maternity and postpartum phases.

As a pelvic floor therapist, my primary focus is on ensuring that my clients experience freedom from pain and discomfort. I understand the critical role of the pelvic floor in stabilizing core functions and how its health impacts the body as a whole. I approach therapy with a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of various body systems. By addressing the pelvic floor in the context of the entire body, I strive to optimize function and promote overall well-being for my clients.

Q: Do you have any specialized training or certifications?

I hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and my journey has been enriched by extensive post-doctorate studies in pelvic health, women's health, and physical therapy, with a particular emphasis on pelvic floor rehabilitation. My dedication to continuous learning and specialization has led me to obtain certifications in birth healing, pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise, as well as becoming a certified women's health and nutrition coach. These qualifications enable me to provide comprehensive and personalized care to my clients, addressing their needs across the spectrum of pelvic and women's health with expertise and compassion.

Q: How long have you worked with mothers?

I have specialized in providing care for mothers during the pivotal pre and postpartum periods for over 10 years! Throughout my practice, I have observed that the majority of the women I work with are either expecting or have recently given birth. This unique expertise allows me to tailor my approach to address the specific needs and challenges that arise during pregnancy and in the postpartum phase. My goal is to offer comprehensive support and guidance to mothers as they navigate this transformative journey, promoting their health and well-being every step of the way.

Q: What are the common types of issues that you see?

I address a range of issues commonly experienced by pregnant and postpartum women, such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip discomfort, pain during intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary leakage, and abdominal separation. Moreover, I prioritize postpartum checkups to ensure comprehensive care and support for women as they transition into motherhood. I assist expecting mothers in preparing for childbirth through various techniques and approaches. This includes educating them on optimal birth positions to minimize potential damage during delivery.

Q: How do you assess pelvic floor dysfunction?

I adopt a detailed approach to assessing pelvic floor health, focusing on the range of motion and tone/tension of the pelvic floor muscles. This involves both external and internal assessments, tailored to the comfort level and preferences of each client. Through internal visceral therapy, I address any issues or dysfunctions within the pelvic region, striving to optimize muscle function and alleviate discomfort. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that clients feel empowered and comfortable throughout the process by conducting assessments externally or internally (dependent on the clients’ preference).

Q: What techniques or special equipment do you employ for your work?

I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and tools to address pelvic floor issues and promote overall wellness. This includes manual therapies such as visceral therapy, cranial sacral therapy, manual joint mobilizations, and specialized massage techniques aimed at releasing tension and improving muscle function. Additionally, I may exercise equipment, braces, wands, dilators, and cupping to support treatment goals and enhance outcomes. While dry needling is not commonly used, it can be beneficial for addressing specific concerns such as c-section scars. Furthermore, I offer virtual pelvic health coaching for clients outside of the state, ensuring accessibility to quality care regardless of location.

One success story involves a wrestler experiencing pelvic girdle pain who found relief after just one virtual visit. By implementing a tailored program and providing ongoing support, we were able to achieve significant improvements in her symptoms and overall well-being.

Q: What are a few common treatments that you use to treat clients?

I commonly utilize manual therapy techniques such as visceral therapy, which can be administered externally or internally to target specific areas of concern. Visceral therapy not only helps to realign the cervix but also addresses underlying dysfunctions within the pelvic region. Additionally, I incorporate various release techniques to alleviate tension and improve muscle function. A key aspect of my approach involves empowering clients with at-home care techniques and education, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to actively participate in their own healing journey. Through a combination of hands-on therapy and personalized guidance, I strive to support my clients in achieving optimal pelvic health and wellness.

Q: Are there any common treatments that someone reading this could use at home to improve their pelvic floor?

I prioritize individualized pelvic floor treatments tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. This approach allows me to address specific concerns and optimize outcomes effectively. As part of the treatment plan, I often incorporate stretches aimed at improving flexibility and relieving muscle tension in the pelvic area. Kegel exercises are frequently recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and enhance bladder control. By combining these strategies with personalized care and guidance, I aim to empower my clients to achieve lasting improvements in their pelvic health and overall well-being.

Q: How do you educate your clients on pelvic floor therapy and treatments?

During appointments, I prioritize open communication with my clients, engaging in discussions to address their questions and concerns effectively. I also provide informative handouts and utilize visual aids such as laminated anatomy sheets to illustrate normal versus abnormal pelvic floor function. I also have two pelvic models, one is named Eve and the other is Bertha! I offer interactive demonstrations to enhance understanding and facilitate learning. I also offer resources for birth preparation, including an e-book for comprehensive guidance. To support ongoing progress, I develop personalized home programs for every client, enabling them to access exercises and information conveniently through downloadable apps or PDFs. By equipping my clients with knowledge and tools, I aim to empower them to take an active role in their pelvic health journey.

Q: Tell me about a previous client success story.

Let me share a heartwarming success story that truly resonated with me. It involves a second-time mother who experienced urinary leakage after her first pregnancy, prompting her to seek help before her second baby arrived. She and her husband were active individuals, often engaging in exercises and outdoor activities, like hiking, together. Determined to avoid a repeat of her previous experience, she enrolled in my birth preparation classes, where we covered labor and delivery positions extensively. During labor, she opted for an epidural and utilized a unique position—a tall kneeling posture over a bed—that she had practiced beforehand. With help from the nurse, she seamlessly adjusted her hip positions, and her efforts paid off as she did not experience any urinary leakage post child number two! I was delighted when she returned for follow-up, sharing that her healthcare team was impressed with her preparedness and poise during childbirth. Witnessing her confidence and success was truly rewarding for me as her therapist.

Q: What advice would you give someone looking to go into pelvic floor therapy?

I had the privilege of training with Lynn Schulte at the Institute of Birth Healing, where I completed an advanced pregnancy and postpartum class. Lynn has been a physical therapist specializing in maternal care for over three decades in the Denver area. Her approach is truly remarkable; she has synthesized years of experience into a methodology focused on identifying common patterns and addressing them effectively. From her teachings, I've gleaned invaluable insights, particularly in understanding the intricate connections between the pelvis, viscera, and fascia. Lynn's emphasis on pelvic girdle health is evident, but she also delves into cranial sacral therapy, rib cage dynamics, and hip mechanics. What sets her apart is her ability to blend various therapeutic modalities seamlessly, creating holistic treatment plans that resonate with mothers and yield remarkable results. Lynn's expertise has profoundly influenced my practice, and I'm continually inspired by her dedication and proficiency in maternal health. In short, I really recommend learning more from Lynn as her resources are invaluable!

Get In Contact with Dr. Rachael’s Practice

If you're interested, you can visit Dr. Rachael’s website where you'll find more information about her practice. Her practice offers the option for a discovery call with one of their team members, during which we can discuss your needs and how they can best support you. Even if you're not local to Rochester Hills, Michigan, don't worry! They provide virtual pelvic health and women's health coaching as an alternative. If their services aren't the right fit for you, they will be honest about it and assist you in finding a suitable physical therapist in your area. Your well-being is their priority, and they are committed to helping you find the support and care you deserve!

Jasmine Robertson

Owner - Two Wild Souls Photography