Hands On Hands Off: Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOMPT) · AAOMPT

Integrating Orthopedics & Pelvic Health in Physical Therapy with Dr. Kelli Wilson

·18 min·1 clip

Why are PTs missing abdominal wall assessment, and how does it connect to hernias and breathing patterns?

This episode features Dr. Kelly Wilson, a physical therapist and founder of Alcove Pelvic Health Education, discussing the integration of orthopedic manual therapy and pelvic health. Hosts from the "Hands On Hands Off" podcast interview Wilson about her pioneering work in this specialized field. The conversation focuses on bridging a perceived educational gap for physical therapists treating pelvic pain, particularly in male patients. The discussion identifies a lack of training in assessing abdominal wall motility as a significant omission in standard physical therapy education. Kelly Wilson argues that dysfunctional breathing patterns, like paradoxical breathing, are a key factor in conditions such as inguinal hernias. She cites that 25% of men will experience an inguinal hernia in their lifetime, linking it to these biomechanical issues. Wilson presents pre-surgical rehabilitation, or "prehab," for hernia patients as a major untapped market for physical therapists. Her company specifically trains therapists to address complex pelvic pain conditions in both men and women. The episode details her role in founding the Pelvic Health Special Interest Group within the manual therapy community to normalize these discussions. A central theme is applying orthopedic assessment and manual techniques to pelvic health problems. One compelling insight is that therapists often overlook the "front half of the body" in their standard musculoskeletal evaluations. Wilson suggests that basic concepts for assessing the abdominal region are not complex but are simply not taught. She positions physical therapists to play a crucial educational role for patients undergoing surgeries like hernia repair. The episode implies that many common pelvic and testicular pain cases in men may stem from recognizable orthopedic dysfunction. A surprising claim is that addressing a patient's breathing pattern could be a preventative strategy for hernias. The conversation positions pelvic health not as a niche specialty but as a fundamental component of orthopedic physical therapy. The tone is educational and conversational, with the hosts engaging an expert in a focused interview. The style is clinically oriented, delving into specific assessment gaps and practice expansion strategies. This episode would greatly interest orthopedic manual therapists seeking to broaden their clinical skills into pelvic health. Listeners curious about the biomechanical links between breathing, hernias, and pelvic pain will find it valuable. Physical therapy students or educators examining curricular gaps may appreciate its perspective. Those seeking purely narrative patient stories or non-clinical wellness advice might find the content too technical.

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