Hello, I'm Joanna.
Welcome! I'm a dedicated pelvic health physical therapist, driven by a passion for elevating the standard of inclusive care. I spent my early years in Texas and now live in West Philadelphia with my husband and three children.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University, earned my doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, and designated as a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association.
I chose to specialize in pelvic health as an intersection between interest in the complexity of pelvic function and a commitment to restoring harmony in both individuals and societies. My love for this work stems from the profound impact that small changes can have on a person's wellbeing.
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With a keen instinct for grasping the broader context and interconnectedness of the body, my approach integrates insights from mentors at leading clinics and respected institutions such as the Neuro-Orthopedic Institute, Postural Restoration Institute, Aspetar Sports Hosptial as well as methodologies from experts like Diane Lee, Linda-Joy Lee, Julie Wiebe, Susan Clinton, and the Herman-Wallace Institute. I stay current with advancements through continuous engagement with peer-reviewed journals and the American Physical Therapy Association.
I use a wide range of techniques tailored to each individual's unique presentation with clear explanations and practical solutions. Through collaborative efforts with my patients, we develop actionable plans informed by both knowledge and experience, aimed at alleviating symptoms and promoting healing. I prioritize patient education to create partnership in treatment which often brings relief, demystifying pelvic health issues and empowering patients with manageable solutions. A key aspect of my approach involves integrating graded therapeutic movements aimed at increasing resilence of physical tissues and variability of neuromuscular function. Therapeutic exercise allows the patient to manage their symptoms between sessions and after discharge. I also incorporate various manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release, dry needling, functional mobilization, visceral mobilizations, craniosacral therapy, muscle energy techniques, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping, strain-counterstrain, and active release techniques. These techniques help to modulate neural pathways and learning to improve the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Contact
If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, let's connect.
joanna@hazelphysicaltherapy.com
215-315-3063