Why I Chose a Career in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: My Journey

Written by Erica Magruder PT, DPT, a pelvic floor therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Overland Park, Kansas & Lees Summit, Missouri).

In celebration of National Physical Therapy Month this October, I wanted to share the story of how I found my way into the rewarding specialty of pelvic floor physical therapy.

Let’s start from the beginning.

During my senior year of high school, my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was the size of a softball, and its removal left him paralyzed on the entire right side of his body. He needed extensive physical therapy to regain his mobility. For about a month and a half, he stayed in the hospital and an acute rehab facility. My sister and I could only visit him on weekends because the hospital was an hour away from our home.

Two things brought my dad joy during this tough time: seeing us and his therapy sessions. He would excitedly share stories about his therapists and the progress he was making. I’ll never forget the pride in his voice when he told us, “I snuck into an extra PT session today.” Witnessing the incredible impact his therapists had on his recovery made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy.

The Motivation Behind My Career

I decided to become a physical therapist because I wanted to help people. That’s the core reason why most of us choose this profession—to help others heal and regain their independence.

Over the years, I’ve worked in various settings with different types of patients. My most recent role was in acute care physical therapy, where I worked with hospital patients. While I was able to help many people, I felt like something was missing. It felt more like a job than a calling.

For years, I told my husband that I hadn’t found my true passion yet. I was searching for a way to make a meaningful impact in the world, something I could pour my heart into.

Discovering My Passion Through Personal Experience

In the midst of this search, my husband and I decided to start a family. I had my first baby, and while he was wonderful, I wasn’t. I didn’t know much about pelvic floor physical therapy at the time, so I fell into the common trap of thinking that doing Kegels was the solution. Unfortunately, this didn’t help me heal after my vaginal delivery—in fact, it may have made things worse.

At first, everything seemed normal postpartum, but as time went on, I started to suspect that something wasn’t right. My husband and I would go on walks with our new baby, and while I loved being outside and moving my body, I began experiencing urinary urgency. I felt an overwhelming need to pee, often going to the bathroom “just in case” before our walks, yet still feeling the urgency while walking.

My breaking point came one day when I had to squat and pee outside, right in the middle of our neighborhood. I knew then that I couldn’t continue living like this. I asked my doctor for a referral to pelvic floor physical therapy and became a patient at Empower Your Pelvis.

Finding My Calling

During my first visit with Heather at Empower Your Pelvis, I broke down in tears. I was overwhelmed and devastated by my symptoms. I was only 30 years old, had given birth to just one baby, and yet I couldn’t enjoy the activities I loved without fearing I’d pee my pants. Heather listened with compassion and reassured me that I didn’t have to live with these symptoms. She prescribed the exercises I needed to properly rehab my body postpartum.

As I worked with Heather, I realized how incredible pelvic floor physical therapy truly is. I discovered that this was my passion—what I was meant to do to give back to the world. I started pursuing the continuing education required to transition into this specialty and told my husband how much of a dream it would be to work at Empower Your Pelvis.

Where I’m Meant to Be

Today, after two babies and my own pelvic floor rehab experience, I’ve finally found where I’m supposed to be. I’m now working at Empower Your Pelvis, and I couldn’t be happier.

Helping others navigate their pelvic health challenges has become my passion, and I’m grateful every day to be able to make a difference in the lives of my patients.

Get Professional Help

If you're experiencing the above symptoms and looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor therapist in Kansas City (Overland Park, KS and Lees Summit, MO)