Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Meister.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a pelvic floor physical therapist, which means I practice with a very specific population. I work with men and women who suffer from bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction and I treat anything related to pregnancy and postpartum. When I started my career, I had no intention of working with such private and personal matters. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Ohio State University and intended to work with athletes for high-level performance activities. I went on to study at Duke University, where I received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. During my time at Duke, I was exposed to the specialization of pelvic floor physical therapy in one of my clinical rotations. I had no intention to pursue this niche, but as the rotation continued, my perspective changed. I learned so much about my own body and saw how each patient felt their life was changed as they attended their treatment sessions. I went on to pursue the highest level of certification in this field, earning the CAPP-Pelvic Specialization through the American Physical Therapy Association and Board Certification in Women’s Health Physical therapy. I feel so fortunate to have found a career I love and to help men and women change their lives over symptoms that are often embarrassing to talk about. As my career has progressed, I realized the need to make pelvic floor physical therapy more accessible. Symptoms I treat are often thought of as “taboo”, and not openly talked about! This leads to silent suffering and lack of treatment. The more we talk about bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction, the more we can de-stigmatize it. I am passionate about what I do, which lead me to opening a private clinic focused around treating pelvic health dysfunction, in an environment that allows me to provide optimal care without the restrictions of insurance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel so fortunate, no major road bumps! Challenges have been small and have all lead to a greater growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started Columbus Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy to create the best environment for treating pelvic floor dysfunctions. I am so passionate about what I do! I believe that every individual has a unique set of circumstances that contributes to their overall symptoms and health. I make it my mission to evaluate and treat each patient individually, creating a treatment plan specific to each person’s needs. When patients come to me, they can expect a thorough evaluation where we discuss their symptoms and medical history. My goal is to understand all the factors contributing to the root cause of their physical issues. I spend time providing education on the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor and provide context on how the systems interact. We discuss the psycho-somatic (mind-body) contributing factors. My intent is that by the end of our first meeting, both myself and the patient leaves with a full understanding of their symptoms while recognizing that each visit I will continue to learn more and tailor a plan to meet their goals
One thing that I believe sets me apart is my passion for understanding each individual’s case and my knowledge of the connecting systems. I want to educate and empower my patients so that they feel they have the tools for continued success, long after they finish their visits with me.
My background in both yoga and athletic training allows me a wide range of skills; from central nervous system regulation through meditation and movement, to high-level performance training. I have the highest level of specialization in my field, as I have my board certification in Women’s Health Physical Therapy through the ABPTS.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) is a specialized type of physical therapy where focus is on the bowel, bladder, and reproductive systems. Physical Therapists can choose to specialize in PFPT through either the Herman and Wallace Foundation or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Each organization has a basic 4-level course with an option to sit for an exam to become fully certified. When looking for a PFPT provider, searching the APTA or Herman and Wallace directories for fully-certified providers is a great start!
Some conditions that are treated by PFPT include: Urinary issues (leaking, retention, increased urgency/ frequency, nighttime urinating, pain with urinating), Bowel issues (constipation, fecal incontinence, painful bowel movements), sexual issues (sexual pain, erectile dysfunction), pregnancy-related conditions (diastasis rectus abdominus, pain during pregnancy). Other conditions treated include pelvic organ prolapse, tailbone pain, and pain related to interstitial cystitis. Even common conditions such as hip or back pain may have pelvic floor dysfunction as a contributing factor! Essentially, if your pain or issue is located somewhere between your chest and your knees, it would likely be beneficial to have your pelvic floor checked out!
Often, PFPT exams include an internal assessment, which is done by an exam of the pelvic muscles completed either vaginally or rectally, but this is never mandatory! Your provider should always give you an option for your treatment.
In other countries, PFPT is integrated into women’s health care during pregnancy and post-partum, to help treat and prevent issues from arising. Treating the pelvic floor holistically through PFPT can help prevent unnecessary surgeries and medications and greatly improved quality of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: 614pelvicfloor.com
- Instagram: yoni.doc.lexi
