At Femina Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating these conditions that are all too often misunderstood or dismissed as “normal” by the medical community, including pain during sex, endometriosis, incontinence, bladder pain and other pelvic floor issues.
What sets us apart from other physical therapy offices is the model of care we’ve developed that allows our patients with chronic conditions to reach their goals. Our services are one-on-one with licensed physical therapists for 55-120 minutes. No unlicensed staff are used for treatments as we feel strongly that patients deserve physical therapy done by physical therapists, and that is the only way they’ll achieve their optimal outcomes.
We treat vaginismus, overactive pelvic floor, painful intercourse, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, vestibulodynia, dyspareunia, interstitial cystitis, and more
Far too often women have been told by doctors and even some sex therapists that the concerns and physical problems they have are normal. In fact, they are common. Peeing on yourself, having painful intercourse, having to go to the bathroom 10+ times per day and many other symptoms that women experience throughout their lives are far from normal. I want women to know that their problems are real and happen to many other women, but should not be normalized. Common ≠ Normal.
Since graduating from Duke University, I have always had a passion for treating my female patients throughout the lifespan. I want to reach as many women as possible and empower them with the tools and knowledge so that they can be their 100% best during pregnancy, postpartum, when trying to conceive, gaining and maintaining a healthy sex life and take care of the many symptoms they have that are TREATABLE!
Our fully licensed staff is experienced, compassionate, and highly trained in pelvic floor therapy. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, issues with various pelvic organs, and primary vaginismus can all interfere with normally pleasurable sexual intercourse, and specialized pelvic sex therapy by a pelvic floor physical therapist can do wonders for not only your sexual wellbeing, but your overall health and enjoyment of life.
Thank you for stopping by, Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
AsFeatured In:
Get The Book
Haga clic aquí para la versión españolaSex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide To The Sex Life You Deserve was written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, a physical therapist with countless successes in treating pain of this type. Women with vaginismus, overactive pelvic floor, painful intercourse, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, vestibulodynia, dyspareunia, interstitial cystitis have all benefited from her unique program. Heather uses her orthopedic background to approach treatment of these muscles like they are....muscles! She utilizes a self-treatment tool called a dilator to provide massage and other muscle relaxation and stretching techniques in a gentle fashion to return a women's muscles back to a resting, rather than guarded, state.
• To order "Sex Without Pain" in paperback from Amazon for $24.99, click here.
• To order an electronic read-only non-printable PDF copy of the book for instant download at $19.99, use the button below:
• To schedule an appointment at one of the Femina PT offices, click here.
• For a list of other trusted health care providers, click here.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Prev
Next
Testimonial by Ann V.
I wish i could give this place 10 stars!! I have been suffering from vaginismus for 5 years and never found the cure to it. I had seen an ob/gyn and he diagnosed me with vaginismus and told me i needed a surgery to cure my condition, which i refused to do. He also referred me to a PT that he works with, i had given them multiple calls and they never responded back to me, so i started searching yelp for another PT. I am SO HAPPY I found Heather's office! I was working with Laureen, and with her guidance and techniques i was able to be cured from vaginismus in only 2 1/2 short months!!! I couldn't believe how quickly their program worked for me! I am forever grateful and thankful from Heather, and Laureen! They are the absolute best at what they do!
As someone who suffered the debilitating physical and emotional effects of vaginismus (as well as a complicated history of back injuries) for more than 15 years, I thought a "normal" life was just a fantasy. Then I found Heather.
While pregnant with my twins, Heather took care with keeping me on my feet and pain free. She saved my back, my sanity and the holidays! I would recommend her to every “mom” looking to stay on her feet during pregnancy and post-partum.
-- T.C.
Testimonial by Fritzette H.
I went to Heather after the birth of my third child. It was lucky, really, that I was referred to her, because my doctor had referred me to a surgeon for a possible hysterectomy or pelvic wall rebuild. Thankfully, I went to Heather before undergoing either surgery, she was able to fix the problem. She has studied extensively in women's health--even written a book about it--and was able to diagnose my problem, suggest a course of treatment (6 weeks), and then follow through with said treatment. By the end, as she said, I was as good as gold. Boy, was it worth it! Though uncomfortable to talk about, much less write about, it is worth getting the word out there. If you have painful intercourse, especially after birth or other trauma, the treatment may be as simple as Physical Therapy (with Heather, of course). I highly recommend her.
-- Fritzette H., 3/24/16 via Yelp!
Testimonial by A.B.
Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.
I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.
-- A.B.
Testimonial by J.H.
My last appointment with Heather was over 6 years ago but I still think of her every day. I don’t take for granted that I can easily get out of bed, care for my two active and busy young boys, run, play tennis, clean my house, or sit at a desk for several hours at a time. None of these tasks were easy for me before meeting Heather. Eight years ago my car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was estimated to have been speeding. I spent 3 years working with different PTs and Drs trying to heal and move on with my life. When I became pregnant and the hormone relaxin that “relaxes” all the joints of the body and the additional weight gain erased all my progress and I was suddenly in a lot of pain again. My OB sent me to Heather for one last try.
Our site uses cookies to implement some of its features. We encourage you to visit our Terms of Use page for more information.
Like what you are seeing so far? Register for our mailing list and receive periodic updates via email, a 15% discount code for the "Sex Without Pain" ebook, and instant access to our Downloads area!
Our site uses cookies to implement some of its features. We encourage you to visit our Terms of Use page for more information.
Like what you are seeing so far? Register for our mailing list and receive periodic updates via email, a 15% discount code for the "Sex Without Pain" ebook, and instant access to our Downloads area!
In an ideal world, we would all have perfectly balanced strength and crush workouts left and right. But here in the real world, however, many people struggle with muscular imbalances that make certain movements extra challenging.
Shoulder imbalances are particularly prevalent, says Kasia Gondek, physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Fusion Wellness and Physical Therapy. It's common — but not normal — for one shoulder to have less strength, activation or coordination than the other, Dr. Gondek says:
A healthy lifestyle includes getting back to exercise postpartum
Exercise has shown to be beneficial in all stages of life, and the postpartum period is no exception.
Some of the benefits of postpartum exercise are:
Strengthen and tone abdominal muscles
Boosts energy
May help prevent postpartum depression
Promotes better sleep
Relieves stress
Can help you lose the extra weight that you may have gained during pregnancy (ACOG, July 2019).
Even with all these benefits, research shows that most mothers stop participating in exercise programs which leads to increased weight gain and obesity (Minig et al., and O’Toole et al., 2003). There are many adjustments that have to be made when becoming a new mother and the information on the internet regarding postpartum exercise can be misguided and overwhelming. Let's break down what the literature says about guidelines for returning to exercise postpartum.
How do Histamines Affect Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)?
Newly published research by Grundy et al. (2019) shows a more direct connection.
In this study published in the February 2021 issue of The American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology, Grundy et al. show correlation that histamines in the body lead to changes in the sensory nerves of the bladder, particularly hypersensitivity during bladder distension, or when the bladder is filling or full.
The study determined that certain sensory nerves in the bladder can become more sensitive when histamines are present. This activation occurs in the bladder membrane, the detrusor muscles, as well as the afferent nerves of the bladder.
At Femina Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating these conditions that are all too often misunderstood or dismissed as “normal” by the medical community, including pain during sex, endometriosis, incontinence, bladder pain and other pelvic floor issues.
What sets us apart from other physical therapy offices is the model of care we’ve developed that allows our patients with chronic conditions to reach their goals. Our services are one-on-one with licensed physical therapists for 55-120 minutes. No unlicensed staff are used for treatments as we feel strongly that patients deserve physical therapy done by physical therapists, and that is the only way they’ll achieve their optimal outcomes.
We treat vaginismus, overactive pelvic floor, painful intercourse, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, vestibulodynia, dyspareunia, interstitial cystitis, and more
Far too often women have been told by doctors and even some sex therapists that the concerns and physical problems they have are normal. In fact, they are common. Peeing on yourself, having painful intercourse, having to go to the bathroom 10+ times per day and many other symptoms that women experience throughout their lives are far from normal. I want women to know that their problems are real and happen to many other women, but should not be normalized. Common ≠ Normal.
Since graduating from Duke University, I have always had a passion for treating my female patients throughout the lifespan. I want to reach as many women as possible and empower them with the tools and knowledge so that they can be their 100% best during pregnancy, postpartum, when trying to conceive, gaining and maintaining a healthy sex life and take care of the many symptoms they have that are TREATABLE!
Our fully licensed staff is experienced, compassionate, and highly trained in pelvic floor therapy. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, issues with various pelvic organs, and primary vaginismus can all interfere with normally pleasurable sexual intercourse, and specialized pelvic sex therapy by a pelvic floor physical therapist can do wonders for not only your sexual wellbeing, but your overall health and enjoyment of life.
Thank you for stopping by, Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
AsFeatured In:
Get The Book
Haga clic aquí para la versión españolaSex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide To The Sex Life You Deserve was written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, a physical therapist with countless successes in treating pain of this type. Women with vaginismus, overactive pelvic floor, painful intercourse, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, vestibulodynia, dyspareunia, interstitial cystitis have all benefited from her unique program. Heather uses her orthopedic background to approach treatment of these muscles like they are....muscles! She utilizes a self-treatment tool called a dilator to provide massage and other muscle relaxation and stretching techniques in a gentle fashion to return a women's muscles back to a resting, rather than guarded, state.
• To order "Sex Without Pain" in paperback from Amazon for $24.99, click here.
• To order an electronic read-only non-printable PDF copy of the book for instant download at $19.99, use the button below:
• To schedule an appointment at one of the Femina PT offices, click here.
• For a list of other trusted health care providers, click here.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Prev
Next
Testimonial by Ann V.
I wish i could give this place 10 stars!! I have been suffering from vaginismus for 5 years and never found the cure to it. I had seen an ob/gyn and he diagnosed me with vaginismus and told me i needed a surgery to cure my condition, which i refused to do. He also referred me to a PT that he works with, i had given them multiple calls and they never responded back to me, so i started searching yelp for another PT. I am SO HAPPY I found Heather's office! I was working with Laureen, and with her guidance and techniques i was able to be cured from vaginismus in only 2 1/2 short months!!! I couldn't believe how quickly their program worked for me! I am forever grateful and thankful from Heather, and Laureen! They are the absolute best at what they do!
As someone who suffered the debilitating physical and emotional effects of vaginismus (as well as a complicated history of back injuries) for more than 15 years, I thought a "normal" life was just a fantasy. Then I found Heather.
While pregnant with my twins, Heather took care with keeping me on my feet and pain free. She saved my back, my sanity and the holidays! I would recommend her to every “mom” looking to stay on her feet during pregnancy and post-partum.
-- T.C.
Testimonial by Fritzette H.
I went to Heather after the birth of my third child. It was lucky, really, that I was referred to her, because my doctor had referred me to a surgeon for a possible hysterectomy or pelvic wall rebuild. Thankfully, I went to Heather before undergoing either surgery, she was able to fix the problem. She has studied extensively in women's health--even written a book about it--and was able to diagnose my problem, suggest a course of treatment (6 weeks), and then follow through with said treatment. By the end, as she said, I was as good as gold. Boy, was it worth it! Though uncomfortable to talk about, much less write about, it is worth getting the word out there. If you have painful intercourse, especially after birth or other trauma, the treatment may be as simple as Physical Therapy (with Heather, of course). I highly recommend her.
-- Fritzette H., 3/24/16 via Yelp!
Testimonial by A.B.
Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.
I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.
-- A.B.
Testimonial by J.H.
My last appointment with Heather was over 6 years ago but I still think of her every day. I don’t take for granted that I can easily get out of bed, care for my two active and busy young boys, run, play tennis, clean my house, or sit at a desk for several hours at a time. None of these tasks were easy for me before meeting Heather. Eight years ago my car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was estimated to have been speeding. I spent 3 years working with different PTs and Drs trying to heal and move on with my life. When I became pregnant and the hormone relaxin that “relaxes” all the joints of the body and the additional weight gain erased all my progress and I was suddenly in a lot of pain again. My OB sent me to Heather for one last try.
Our site uses cookies to implement some of its features. We encourage you to visit our Terms of Use page for more information.
Like what you are seeing so far? Register for our mailing list and receive periodic updates via email, a 15% discount code for the "Sex Without Pain" ebook, and instant access to our Downloads area!
Our site uses cookies to implement some of its features. We encourage you to visit our Terms of Use page for more information.
Like what you are seeing so far? Register for our mailing list and receive periodic updates via email, a 15% discount code for the "Sex Without Pain" ebook, and instant access to our Downloads area!
Heather is without exaggerating AMAZING! After years of trouble with a certain part of my body, in no time, she made everything change back to equilibrium and to what would be considered normal. She explains everything in detail and therefore gives you a better understanding of why things are the way they are, and how you can work towards turning things around. I would highly recommend Heather for any type of Physical Therapy. She has created her own "Method/Therapy" through years of studying (with some of the greatest practitioners), practice and breaking down the issues of her past patients, enabling her to fine tune her own system. I'm so thankful to have found her, and I'm especially grateful for the quick recovery I've achieved, after years of distress. If you cannot afford her, I recommend you purchase her book. Although it may not be Heather in person, it can still help you to get on the right path to recovery!
-- Alexandra B., 5/20/2015 via Yelp!
Testimonial by Lauren B.
Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has been such an answer to prayer, i'm so glad I found them! I've been struggling with vaginismus my whole life, but didn't have a name for it until about 6 or 7 months ago. Even once I did have a name for it though, I didn't know where to begin in getting help. My OB/GYN had me get a set of dilators, but I couldn't even insert the smallest one by myself. Most times I tried I just ended up frustrated and in tears. I felt really alone, like I was broken and didn't have the energy to keep trying. When I got engaged a few months ago though, I realized I needed to get answers so i wasn't dreading my honeymoon.
"I had a severe tear during childbirth that was not stitched together correctly and therefore healed poorly. Even after having a surgery a year later to remove the scar tissue, I was still having pain, and no one could explain why -- there was no overt 'reason' to explain the pain. I had tried other 'specialists' and even saw another physical therapist who had me do hip / leg stretches -- what a joke! I was about to give up and just 'live with it' until thankfully I kept searching online and found Heather.
"I had a severe tear during childbirth that was not stitched together correctly and therefore healed poorly. Even after having a surgery a year later to remove the scar tissue, I was still having pain, and no one could explain why -- there was no overt 'reason' to explain the pain. I had tried other 'specialists' and even saw another physical therapist who had me do hip / leg stretches -- what a joke! I was about to give up and just 'live with it' until thankfully I kept searching online and found Heather.
Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.
I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.
-- A.B.
Testimonial by Amanda W.
Heather's unique physical therapy program literally changed my life! After years of struggling with vaginismus, a condition that made it impossible for me to have intercourse and very difficult to use tampons without pain, a gynecologist referred me to Heather. I was nervous for my first appointment, but Heather's professional and friendly demeanor put me at ease. She did a great job explaining each technique she was using to help my muscles relax. Heather uses a combination of internal and external stretches and exercises to relax the pelvic floor and build muscle strength. Her specially developed home program helped me quickly recover from an issue that seemed insurmountable before meeting Heather. She was optimistic about my progress and incredibly encouraging. Less than 6 months after my first session, I was able to have pain-free sex for the first time in my life! If you are suffering from vaginismus or any other pelvic floor issues, I highly recommend making an appointment with Heather and reading her book!
Our site uses cookies to implement some of its features. We encourage you to visit our Terms of Use page for more information.
Like what you are seeing so far? Register for our mailing list and receive periodic updates via email, a 15% discount code for the "Sex Without Pain" ebook, and instant access to our Downloads area!