Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Pavlak.
Hi Joanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Joanna Pavlak, the founder of Fertility PT, a specialty physical therapy clinic focused on pelvic health, fertility, and integrative dry needling. I began my career several years ago as a pelvic floor physical therapist and quickly found my passion working with patients throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.
The pivotal moment came when I was 32 weeks pregnant, attending a pelvic health conference in Atlanta. I heard Dr. Yeni Abraham speak about the powerful role physical therapy can play in supporting individuals facing infertility. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized how much of a difference we could make in that space, but the idea immediately resonated. I followed up with her, enrolled in Triggered PT’s 12-week Pelvic Rehab Fertility Specialist program, and traveled to Nashville for the lab component. That’s where it all clicked: I wanted to bring this level of care back home and create something truly unique.
From there, Fertility PT was born — a place specifically designed to support individuals navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor challenges. We provide hands-on, personalized therapy for those pursuing IVF, natural conception, pregnancy support, or recovering after birth. I also treat general pelvic floor dysfunction — from bladder, bowel, and sexual health concerns to chronic pelvic pain — and offer dry needling for athletes and active individuals dealing with muscle tension, joint pain, or overuse injuries.
I’m proud to call Altitude Social House our clinic’s home, and I’ll begin seeing patients starting this June. My mission is simple: to offer expert, compassionate care for anyone who comes through my doors, and to create a healing space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered in their bodies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely had its bumps. I wouldn’t call it completely smooth, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest challenges has been time. I’m navigating motherhood for the first time, raising a toddler, caring for pets, tending to my home and garden, staying active, and working several part-time job, all while trying to build a business from the ground up. It’s been a true balancing act.
There were also logistical challenges. I initially explored another space that wasn’t quite the right fit before finding Altitude Social House, which has turned out to be the perfect home for Fertility PT. Still, construction delays and timelines outside my control tested my patience at times. I’ve had to learn to trust the process.
A lot of my continuing education including specialization courses, certifications, and conferences happened in the margins of my day. I’ve rocked my daughter to sleep while studying coursework and worked late nights after seeing patients. It’s been a season of multitasking, grit, and creative problem-solving.
Another unexpected challenge was navigating relationships in the local wellness and medical community. I’ve been mindful about connecting with other PTs, OBs, doulas, and practitioners in a way that’s collaborative, not competitive. I want Fertility PT to feel like a trusted partner, not just a new player.
Through all of it, what’s kept me going is knowing how needed this care is. I’m excited to finally open the doors and see all that effort turn into a space that can support others on their journeys.
As you know, we’re big fans of Fertility PT. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Fertility PT is a specialty physical therapy practice that I founded to provide compassionate, personalized care for individuals navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and pelvic health challenges. I’m a solo practitioner, which means every patient gets my full attention — no rushed appointments, no double-booking, and no treatment plans dictated by insurance limitations.
I specialize in fertility-focused physical therapy, helping patients prepare for IVF, support natural cycle journeys, and manage physical symptoms that can interfere with reproductive health. I also treat pregnancy-related issues like low back and hip pain, incontinence, and pelvic pressure, and provide hands-on support for labor and delivery preparation. Postpartum, I help patients heal and restore function, whether they’re dealing with core weakness, pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction. I also provide treatment for ongoing issues such as painful sex, urinary urgency or leakage, period pain, constipation, and bowel incontinence.
In addition to pelvic health, I offer dry needling as a powerful tool to support the athletic and active population or anyone dealing with chronic muscle tension, joint pain, or inflammation. My training through the Integrative Dry Needling Institute allows me to address pain from head to toe, including headaches, neck and jaw tension, hip bursitis, low back pain, tennis or golfer’s elbow, and foot and ankle conditions. It’s a minimally invasive technique that targets the nervous system and connective tissue for fast, effective relief and improved movement.
What sets Fertility PT apart is the level of care and collaboration I bring to each patient relationship. I take the time to really listen, educate, and treat the whole person. I regularly consult with OBs, doulas, nutritionists, and other specialists when my scope ends, because real healing takes a team not just a treatment.
I’m known for being a compassionate provider, a lifelong learner, and someone who practices based on the latest research. I take a lot of pride in staying evidence-based, continuing my education, and making sure my patients feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
What I’m most proud of is building this clinic from scratch, creating something that reflects my values, my training, and my desire to make a real difference. I’ve had support from people I love, but every decision, detail, and treatment approach comes from my own hands and heart.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Fertility PT is more than a clinic. It’s a place where your story matters, where your goals shape the plan, and where your care is always centered on you.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness in a lot of simple, grounding things: spending time with my husband and daughter, playing with our pets, being surrounded by my extended family, getting outdoors, traveling to new places, and baking. I love yoga, hiking, and staying active, learning new things, and the feeling of growing both personally and professionally.
Helping people is a huge source of joy for me, not just in my job, but in life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing you’ve made someone feel better, stronger, or more hopeful than they did before. That’s a big part of why I do what I do. My work gives me purpose, and that sense of connection is what really makes me happiest.
Pricing:
- I offer flexible options for both fertility-focused and general pelvic floor physical therapy appointments.
- Dry needling is available as a drop-in service or as part of a membership model for ongoing care
- I provide complimentary 20–30 minute “discovery visits” so potential patients can ask questions, learn more about my approach, and ensure we’re the right fit before beginning treatment.
- Fertility PT is a cash-based practice, but I do provide superbills for physical therapy services that patients can submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fertilitypt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertility.pt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Fertility-PT/61575129938720/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-pavlak-dpt-prfs-398606126
