Two pregnancies. Two cesareans. Since the birth of my oldest in 2015, I’ve developed a personal familiarity with pelvic pain as well as the gaps in the healthcare system for individuals with pelvic and obstetrical conditions. Determined to better understand the cause of my pain and to help others going through similar challenges, I set out to learn everything I could about pelvic and obstetric physical therapy.
My passion for physical therapy was sparked even earlier – after a series of gymnastics and running related injuries. My physical therapist and I spent a lot of time together! He helped me realize I could come back stronger than before and inspired me to want to help others who’d dealt with injuries.
Being dual board certified in Orthopedics and Women’s Health, with a background in sports medicine as an athletic trainer (Go Bucks!), I am uniquely qualified to blend the worlds of orthopedics, pelvic health, and sports medicine. I strive to connect the functional relationships from head to toe, using education, exercise, dry needling, and manual therapy, in a collaborative and holistic approach to get to my patient’s root issues, yielding lasting results.
I love working with female athletes, especially gymnasts, runners, crossfitters, weight and power lifters through the lifespan, back, pelvic and hip pain conditions, with pregnant and postpartum women, and with the aging women. In addition, I have a special interest in women’s sexual medicine, treating genitopelvic pain conditions and pain with penetration disorders.
I also love being a mom to my two boys, and being active and outdoors with my family in my free time. I enjoy exercising, having a nice glass of wine, listening to music, and dancing to anything that is not the paw patrol theme song!
- Bachelor of Science in Allied Medical Professions (Athletic Training), The Ohio State University, 2006
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Columbia University, 2010
- Certified Clinical Instructor, 2013
- Running Mechanics Assessment and Treatment, 2013
- Advanced Running, 2014
- Orthopaedic Residency, The Jackson Clinics, 2015
- Board Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS), 2015
- Advanced Mentorship, 2016
- APTA Pelvic Health Level 1, 2016
- APTA Pelvic Health Level 2, 2018
- Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy, 2018
- Menopause Matters, 2019
- Advanced Topics of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy, 2019
- Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric Physical Therapy, 2019
- APTA Pelvic Health Level 3, 2019
- Board Certified in Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS), 2020
- Certificate of Achievement (CAPP) in Pelvic Health, 2020
- Certificate of Achievement (CAPP) in Obstetrics, 2021
- Pelvic floor Implications for the Running Athlete, 2021
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, 2022
- Integrative Dry Needling, 2022
- Female Athlete, 2022
- Pelvis Pros, 2023
Phone: 614 - 407 - 3942
Email: dramanda@affiliatept.com
While pregnant and then newly postpartum with twins – I developed a passion for bridging the gap between pelvic health and the world of orthopedics for women in their child bearing years. I grew frustrated with the lack of information on how to heal my diastasis recti and pelvic pain. I wanted to return to CrossFit, but safely. It was at that time, I committed to learning all I could about how to rehabilitate my own core safely to return to the level of fitness I desired.
I have a passion for the CrossFit community, but believe any form of chosen exercise is chosen for a reason. I strive to help you recover or prevent any injury that may come with training at your level of fitness (yes I treat men too!). I have learned that the body is vastly intertwined and I strive to find the root cause and make lasting changes. I believe that chronic pain is not just physical – but a WHOLE person problem, including emotional and mental health.
I specialize in birth healing techniques for pregnant and postpartum women with an emphasis on the female athlete. I am dedicated to educating women about the changes that occur during pregnancy and common postpartum patterns that have a lasting effect on a woman’s body. While also setting them up for an optimal birth experience, stay fit and active, and avoid chronic pain throughout their lifespan.
I utilize a unique combination of manual techniques, dry needling and individualized movements and exercises to rebuild the brain-body connection and strength for overall function. My hope is that every woman will have the resources they need early on to avoid chronic pain and return the the activities and fitness they love throughout their postpartum years.
Bachelors of Exercise Science, Ohio University, 2009
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Dayton, 2012
Integrative Dry Needling Certification, 2016
Julie Wiebe Piston Science I & II, 2017
Institute of Birth Healing Holistic Treatment of the Pregnant and Postpartum Body, 2018,2020
Herman and Wallace Vestibulodynia Course, 2019
Herman and Wallace Level 1 Pelvic Floor, 2020
Physio Detective Diastasis Recti Reframed Course, 2020
Phone: 614 - 441 - 8723
Email: drmissy@affiliatept.com
