Phoenix Physical Therapy – Dr. Tara Sullivan
I started in the healthcare field as a massage therapist, practicing over ten years including three years of teaching massage and anatomy and physiology. During that time I attended college at Oregon State University earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science. I continued on to earn my Masters of Science in Human Movement and Doctorate in Physical therapy from A.T. Still University. I am certified as a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner (PRPC), nationally recognized among healthcare professionals for treatment in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD), a Board-Certified Specialist, and fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.
During physical therapy school I was suffering from pelvic pain, urinary frequency (4x an hour) and feeling of a constant infection and urge (although diagnositic tests were negative). I was misdiagnosed with recurrent UTIs, Interstitial Cystitis, and even told I was allergic to sperm and would need to take antibiotics for the rest of my life! Fortunately, I learned about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) while in physical therapy school and was able to get the help I needed through physical therapy. I knew from the first day of my first class in “Gender Health” that I had found my calling in the physical therapy field and would become a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. It is now my mission to educate and treat those suffering from PFD and direct them to get the help they need.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialty focused on the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles affected by a variety of diagnoses including bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunctions, and pelvic pain known as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. A trained Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist will assess the level of strength, tone and function of the pelvic floor muscles, determine what causes the dysfunction, and treat appropriately. Physical therapy interventions are not ‘one size fits all’ so it is important to have your pelvic floor muscles assessed by a specialist.
