Our Dedicated & Passionate Therapists
Melissa Gillis, OTR/L, MPAOccupational Therapist, Owner |
Melissa Gillis brings Occupational Therapy to Core Plus Pelvic Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, she will review the influence of pelvic pain on your daily life as an individual, family member, spouse, parent, and worker.
Melissa’s interest in Pelvic Dysfunction began in 2002 after completing a Women’s Health Course. There, she was both trained in and experienced myofascial release personally following years of bowel pain due post-surgical scarring beginning as an infant. She has experienced pain free bowel movements for the past 19 years. Melissa has over 35 year’s experience as an Occupational Therapist with specialty interest in Acute and Chronic Pelvic Pain, Prostatitis, Pudendal Neuralgia the Pregnancy Continuum, urinary and fecal incontinence, and prolapse. Melissa is a 1984 graduate of Mount Mary College in Milwaukee Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and Health Related Biology and is a 1993 graduate of Penn State University with a Master of Public Administration. |
Read what former patients are saying about Melissa
"Melissa was fantastic at making an experience that could have been awkward, comfortable!
Very much enjoying the results of my therapy."
"Melissa was so helpful! I graduated in four weeks, so I didn't need all the appointments."
Very much enjoying the results of my therapy."
"Melissa was so helpful! I graduated in four weeks, so I didn't need all the appointments."
Terry Pruett-Fisher, M.S., PTPhysical Therapist |
Terry Pruett-Fisher received her B.S. degree in Physical Therapy and her Master's Degree in Exercises Physiology from the University of Delaware. Terry's initial years were spent in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Orthopedics, while teaching at the University of Delaware. Terry has advanced training in Pelvic Floor PT and at her prior employer she developed the Pelvic Floor Program incorporating her experience in chronic pain and orthopedics. Terry's advanced manual training and skills allow her to effectively treat patients with complex and chronic pain while integrating treatment of the tailbone, hip, abdomen, and spine.
When not working, Terry enjoys spending time with her three grown children and her husband Chris, who is also a PT. She shared that she "appreciates very much working at Core Plus with experienced clinicians with advanced skills, and caring hearts and hands." And, we very much appreciate Terry's presence and her contributions to our collective cause! |
Read what former patients are saying about Terry
"My therapist, Terry helped me overcome what I thought was a lifelong disability to have sexual relations.
She taught me how to work through this and be able to help myself. I am forever grateful for what I've learned to do and for
Terry's treatment to get me to the place where I could help myself."
She taught me how to work through this and be able to help myself. I am forever grateful for what I've learned to do and for
Terry's treatment to get me to the place where I could help myself."
Shelley Bitner, PTPhysical Therapist |
Shelley Bitner received her BS in Physical Therapy from Temple University. She developed an early interest in manual therapy, including Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Strain CounterStrain. She gradually added to her manual therapy skills including visceral mobilization, neural tissue tension techniques and a variety of joint mobilization and muscle energy techniques.
Shelley has enjoyed using these skills on a variety of chronic pain conditions, an area of health that Shelley feels is underserved and often mishandled regarding rehabilitation efforts. Shelley later developed an interest in pelvic health, another area that at the time was underserved. She has attended several pelvic health courses and has found that combining the knowledge of pelvic anatomy and function along with a variety of manual therapy techniques has been an effective and rewarding way to help patients improve their quality of life and function. When not working, Shelley enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave, and their two grown children. Dave and Shelley enjoy hiking and kayaking. |
Read what former patients are saying about Shelley
"Shelley Bitner was my therapist and was professional, easy to talk with, and provided excellent instruction. With her instruction, biofeedback, and hands-on therapy and exercise I made great progress and am very pleased with the results of my treatment plan.
I highly recommend Shelley! Thanks to Shelley and Core Plus staff!"
I highly recommend Shelley! Thanks to Shelley and Core Plus staff!"
and meet our newest therapist...
Katy Klebon, PT, DPT
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Katy Klebon received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2016 from Saint Francis University. Katy has experience working with ages ranging from birth to geriatrics in a variety of settings. She recently found her passion in Pelvic Floor PT after having her first baby in October 2023.
Katy is our first Doctor of Physical Therapy and has acclimated very quickly as our newest clinician. Before starting with us Katy took the necessary coursework needed to get started in pelvic health. Coupled with self-study and training from our professional staff, Katy has proven to be a very competent clinician . We are very pleased she is a part of Core Plus. When not working, Katy enjoys time with her husband, Joe, who is also a PT, daughter, Quinn, and dog, Louie. They enjoy many outdoor activities, love traveling, and Katy enjoys creating art (mostly water colors) in her limited spare time. |
What is Diastasis Recti, and how is it treated?
Diastasis recti is defined as a separation, or spreading apart of the right and left halves of the rectus abdominus muscle. This can occur in pregnant women due to stretching of the uterus and pregnancy hormones which soften the connective tissue. Risk factors include: being over the age of 35, high birth weight, a multiple birth pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies.
Following pregnancy and delivery a diastasis can resolve or improve on its own, but in some women it may persist. If left untreated it can lead to poor posture, altered pelvic alignment, and chronic low back pain. This can be due to excessive abdominal fat, repetitive straining, and/or incorrect form when performing traditional abdominal strengthening exercises.
Abdominal crunches do not work to correct diastasis recti! In fact, many traditional abdominal strengthening exercises such as crunches and some basic Pilate’s maneuvers (if done incorrectly) can actually worsen a diastasis. Even the simple act of how a person gets out of bed every morning can potentially worsen an already existing diastasis. Diastasis recti has been shown to improve or reduce with physical therapy, specifically with exercises that emphasize transverse abdominus muscle strengthening. The transverse abdominus is a deep core muscle that acts as a muscular brace to support internal organs, stabilize the trunk, and connect the pelvis to the rib cage. Learning to identify and use the transverse abdominus while maintaining proper postural alignment during functional activities is the key to reducing and improving the diastasis.
Our Pelvic Health Therapists are fully trained to evaluate and treat this problem. We teach and supervise proven, appropriate, and safe core strengthening exercises that encourage healing, reduction of the separation while addressing any associated back pain, as well as flattening of the belly.
It will be our pleasure to guide you in reducing your diastasis recti.
Following pregnancy and delivery a diastasis can resolve or improve on its own, but in some women it may persist. If left untreated it can lead to poor posture, altered pelvic alignment, and chronic low back pain. This can be due to excessive abdominal fat, repetitive straining, and/or incorrect form when performing traditional abdominal strengthening exercises.
Abdominal crunches do not work to correct diastasis recti! In fact, many traditional abdominal strengthening exercises such as crunches and some basic Pilate’s maneuvers (if done incorrectly) can actually worsen a diastasis. Even the simple act of how a person gets out of bed every morning can potentially worsen an already existing diastasis. Diastasis recti has been shown to improve or reduce with physical therapy, specifically with exercises that emphasize transverse abdominus muscle strengthening. The transverse abdominus is a deep core muscle that acts as a muscular brace to support internal organs, stabilize the trunk, and connect the pelvis to the rib cage. Learning to identify and use the transverse abdominus while maintaining proper postural alignment during functional activities is the key to reducing and improving the diastasis.
Our Pelvic Health Therapists are fully trained to evaluate and treat this problem. We teach and supervise proven, appropriate, and safe core strengthening exercises that encourage healing, reduction of the separation while addressing any associated back pain, as well as flattening of the belly.
It will be our pleasure to guide you in reducing your diastasis recti.
How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treat Outlet Dysfunction Constipation and Fecal Incontinence?
Irregularity is not normal!
One commonly accepted medical definition of constipation is having a difficult bowel movement fewer than three times a week. Constipation can be a source of bladder control problems, frequent urinary tract infections and can lead to other serious problems. Likewise fecal incontinence (inability to prevent the loss of stool or gas) can be an emotionally and functionally disabling problem.
Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bowel and bladder function. Problems can result from pelvic floor muscle weakness and/or abnormal muscular coordination. For example, sometimes with chronic or severe constipation the pelvic floor muscles can ‘misbehave’. Instead of opening and relaxing to allow effective defecation, the muscles may tense, tighten and spasm. Further straining may only increase this abnormal response further impeding the passage of stool. This ineffective straining may cause a prolapse of the bladder, bowel, uterus, rectum and/or intestine pushing push down into the vagina.
Lastly, pelvic floor muscle weakness may result in a poor ability to contain stool and result in leakage of stool.
Common treatment interventions include:
• Education: pelvic floor anatomy and function, how to “find” your pelvic floor muscles.
• Pelvic floor muscle re-training: learning how to relax, strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles.
• Biofeedback: an extremely helpful modality used to improve patient understanding thereby improving and normalizing motor control of pelvic floor musculature. It is painless and non-invasive!
• Behavioral strategies: toileting schedules, fluid/fiber intake, stool consistency monitoring, urge awareness and management.
• Therapeutic exercises: Instruction in exercises that will enhance pelvic floor muscle relaxation as well as control.
• Manual therapy techniques: hands-on treatment to help relieve muscle tension of supportive hip musculature, abdominal muscles, and/or pelvic; manual therapy techniques aimed at improving motility.
Our female Pelvic Health Therapists strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible to reach your goals.
One commonly accepted medical definition of constipation is having a difficult bowel movement fewer than three times a week. Constipation can be a source of bladder control problems, frequent urinary tract infections and can lead to other serious problems. Likewise fecal incontinence (inability to prevent the loss of stool or gas) can be an emotionally and functionally disabling problem.
Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bowel and bladder function. Problems can result from pelvic floor muscle weakness and/or abnormal muscular coordination. For example, sometimes with chronic or severe constipation the pelvic floor muscles can ‘misbehave’. Instead of opening and relaxing to allow effective defecation, the muscles may tense, tighten and spasm. Further straining may only increase this abnormal response further impeding the passage of stool. This ineffective straining may cause a prolapse of the bladder, bowel, uterus, rectum and/or intestine pushing push down into the vagina.
Lastly, pelvic floor muscle weakness may result in a poor ability to contain stool and result in leakage of stool.
Common treatment interventions include:
• Education: pelvic floor anatomy and function, how to “find” your pelvic floor muscles.
• Pelvic floor muscle re-training: learning how to relax, strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles.
• Biofeedback: an extremely helpful modality used to improve patient understanding thereby improving and normalizing motor control of pelvic floor musculature. It is painless and non-invasive!
• Behavioral strategies: toileting schedules, fluid/fiber intake, stool consistency monitoring, urge awareness and management.
• Therapeutic exercises: Instruction in exercises that will enhance pelvic floor muscle relaxation as well as control.
• Manual therapy techniques: hands-on treatment to help relieve muscle tension of supportive hip musculature, abdominal muscles, and/or pelvic; manual therapy techniques aimed at improving motility.
Our female Pelvic Health Therapists strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible to reach your goals.
What is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs before, during, or after intercourse.
It is estimated that this problem affects 16% of women between the ages of 18 and 64. A woman with this condition typically has pain during sex and is often unable to achieve penetration. She may have pain during her yearly gynecologic exam and often cannot tolerate insertion of the speculum, or use tampons.
We are physical and occupational therapists specifically trained in treating all types of pelvic floor problems, including dyspareunia.
As pelvic health therapists we will evaluate the musculature and soft tissue. With the help of biofeedback we can train and normalize muscle relaxation and correct abnormal muscle behavior such as guarding and tension. Treatment typically includes gentle myofascial release techniques to release trigger and tender points and appropriate stretching, exercises, and relaxation techniques. Normalizing muscle function is the goal and precursor to achieving the ultimate goal of pain-free, enjoyable intercourse.
All five female therapists at Core Plus Physical Therapy are comfortable and skilled in treating this condition and spend
55-minutes with each patient. Privacy is of utmost importance and all of our treatment rooms are private and sound-proof. We understand the sensitivity surrounding dyspareunia so we make sure every patient is seen by the same therapist from beginning to end.
The vast majority of patients we have treated for this isolating, yet not uncommon problem, have achieved excellent results and go on to experience a normal, fulfilling sex life.
It is estimated that this problem affects 16% of women between the ages of 18 and 64. A woman with this condition typically has pain during sex and is often unable to achieve penetration. She may have pain during her yearly gynecologic exam and often cannot tolerate insertion of the speculum, or use tampons.
We are physical and occupational therapists specifically trained in treating all types of pelvic floor problems, including dyspareunia.
As pelvic health therapists we will evaluate the musculature and soft tissue. With the help of biofeedback we can train and normalize muscle relaxation and correct abnormal muscle behavior such as guarding and tension. Treatment typically includes gentle myofascial release techniques to release trigger and tender points and appropriate stretching, exercises, and relaxation techniques. Normalizing muscle function is the goal and precursor to achieving the ultimate goal of pain-free, enjoyable intercourse.
All five female therapists at Core Plus Physical Therapy are comfortable and skilled in treating this condition and spend
55-minutes with each patient. Privacy is of utmost importance and all of our treatment rooms are private and sound-proof. We understand the sensitivity surrounding dyspareunia so we make sure every patient is seen by the same therapist from beginning to end.
The vast majority of patients we have treated for this isolating, yet not uncommon problem, have achieved excellent results and go on to experience a normal, fulfilling sex life.
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