Have you ever heard of a Pelvic Floor physical therapist? If you are anything like me the answer may be no and that’s okay because that’s about to change.
Meet Dr. Kamaria Washington who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Mass. Finding her groove, she went on to gain extensive pelvic floor education and training. Today she is a Pelvic Floor therapist, birth prep instructor and wellness coach. Most importantly she is an advocate for pelvic concerns, which is an issue and worry that is often swept under the rug.
So, what exactly is pelvic therapy? I’m happy you asked. Pelvic Floor therapy is a personalized treatment plan that includes targeted techniques to manipulate and restore the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles. This specialized approach aims to address specific concerns and promote optimal pelvic floor health.
The levator ani muscles, commonly known as the pelvic floor muscles, extend from the pubic bone to the tailbone, forming the supportive “floor” of the pelvis. Within this muscle group, small openings allow the passage of the urethra, vagina and rectum. The levator ani muscles play a vital role in maintaining pressure within the urethra, effectively preventing urinary incontinence.
In 2022, Washington founded Pelvic Noire LLC, a platform that embodies her mission of birth justice from a pelvic floor and holistic perspective. Through Pelvic Noire, she aims to promote mindfulness, community responsibility, and diversity, equity and inclusion principles in her care. Washington’s dedication to these values is evident in her work as she strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for all her patients.
What makes Washington even more remarkable is that she is one of only two Pelvic Floor doctors in Michigan and the sole doctor of color in this specialized field.
One of the driving factors behind her career choice is her unwavering dedication to addressing the disparities in maternal care faced by Black women. After learning about the shocking rates of Black Maternal Mortality and racial disparities in maternal care in the United States, she recognized the crucial role pelvic floor physical therapy could play in addressing this crisis. Driven by her desire to make a difference, she blends her expertise with her passion for improving the peri-partum experience for Black mothers.
Pelvic floor physical therapy effectively addresses pain, weakness and dysfunction occurring in the pelvic floor muscles. By promoting optimal function in these muscles, it facilitates enhanced blood flow to connective and muscle tissue, thereby contributing to improved mobility. For decades, physicians have recognized physical therapy as a highly effective and non-invasive treatment approach for alleviating symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
So why is this important? Not a lot of people know about conditions that can be treated with Pelvic Floor therapy. Others are too embarrassed to get the help they need and deserve. Pelvic therapy for women can begin in the teenage years and continue through pregnancy and menopause. Conditions leading to this condition are common and effect around 30 percent of women according to a study conducted with 25,000 women.
Washington uses her social media platform to communicate with her audience promoting pelvic floor health and advocating for those who may be too ashamed to understand what they can do for relief. By promoting exercises, explanations, and all-around support, she has gained an organic following that trusts her guidance and expertise.
Washington is available for speaking engagements and requests for workshops and conferences. Additionally, she offers a range of pelvic floor education sessions available for purchase and download. Among these sessions is the enlightening “Vaginal Release 101: Understanding Pelvic Pain & Tension.” This valuable resource provides a comprehensive understanding of pelvic pain and tension, equipping individuals with invaluable insights and effective strategies to address these concerns.
To learn more visit www.pelvicnoire.com.