Jennifer Collard, PT, PRPC, RYT200
Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience
Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification
Lead Teacher Assistant at Herman and Wallace Rehabilitation Institute
Registered Yoga Teacher- 200hr
Prenatal Yoga Certification
Yoga for Trauma and Addiction Certification
Anatomy Teacher
Meet your Therapist
Jen is a Physical Therapist that has over 20 years of specialized experience working in Pelvic and Abdominal Health for all genders. Her practice focus is to educate and help people heal from whatever issues are interfering in their lives, movement and wellbeing. She is a compassionate listener, speaks with clarity and works at the clients comfort level.
Jen graduated from the Physical Therapy program at Northeastern University in 1996 and has been practicing PT ever since. She completed Pelvic Health education training with Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, APTA Pelvic Health, Pelvic Guru as well as multiple other organizations. She has her PRPC (Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification). Jen also has a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification and Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certification. She continued her yoga training and earned a certificate for Advanced Yoga Teacher Training for Trauma and Addiction.
Jen is an “education enthusiast” and loves to share her knowledge in any way possible, including teaching, yoga and public speaking. She continues her passion of learning by attending as many professional courses as possible. She is a facilitator for healing, strengthening and empowering people of all ages. Jen wholeheartedly believes that Movement is Life and that just because pelvic health issues are common – they are not Normal – You don’t have to suffer. Jen is here to help.
Get to Know Jen – Q&A
Do you treat Men and Women?
Yes, I am currently treating ALL GENDERS.
Why did you choose to become a Physical Therapists(PT) ?
I have to say that this is one of the most common questions I get! Here is my reply… I have always loved being a Physical Therapist. I frequently say that going to Northeastern University to become a PT is 1 of the best decisions of my life. PT combines a lot of my natural interests; anatomy & physiology, movement analysis, working with people, being active during the day, exercise, helping people. I find it fascinating to understand how and why the body does what it does, how it is constantly adapting to physical as well as emotional input and how I can facilitate it into a more balanced way of living. I’ve always been fascinated in how I move and how other people move – whether it be a high level athlete, dancer, musician or person with pain or disabilities. The range of effort, mobility and variation is amazing. Personally – I am always wanting to learn more.
Why did you decide to get into Pelvic Health Physical Therapy? There aren’t many Physical Therapists(PTs) that do this.
When I first thought about my own pregnancy, I naturally wanted to learn as much as I could about how my body was going to change, birth, and “get back” to what I love doing. That’s when my journey with pelvic health truly began. I became fascinated with learning about how my body was going to change during pregnancy, delivery, postpartum. I fell in love with this part of life. I even thought of becoming a Doula, Midwife or Lactation Consultant. I soon realized that I didn’t have to start all over with a brand new career – there was already a specialty field of Pelvic Health – in my very own beloved profession of PT!
AND THEN….In being pregnant and recovering 3x’s – I too suffered some pelvic issues. And I do mean suffer. I realized that despite having my education and a fairly fit body – my body took a hit. I was left with some issues. Luckily I too sought out a Pelvic Health PT for treatment. Thankfully, it was a short recovery for me. But that honestly opened my eyes to how much so many people truly suffer with these issues. And I for one, can not stand by and just “talk the talk” when I know how bad it can be – and how much a little knowledge, education, AWARENESS and the “right kind” of therapeutic treatments can make a horrible issue be able to see the light of day again. Phew… I am so glad that I got better and that is why I started to shift my PT practice to specialize in Pelvic Health. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER. These issues are COMMON but NOT NORMAL.
Isn’t it weird being a Pelvic Health PT?
Well – honestly – At first – Even I was a bit nervous to embark on this specialty of Physical Therapy. However, the amazing & quick outcomes (for most people) outweigh the initial unease of my feelings.
In my perspective now – I view Pelvic Health treatments in the same way I view conditions regarding the knee. Now, it makes total sense that if a person has pain in the vulva, vagina or rectum – of course I would ask them questions about the functions of these area (urination, defecation, sexual function, sport, lifestyle, occupation childbirth, prostate). These areas all have muscles, skin, bone, organs, blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatics. The capacity of the Pelvic Floor and Pelvic region to heal is similar to how the knee or hip can heal. My hope for you is that no matter how long you have suffered – you too will soon come to a good Awareness, Health and Friendship with your pelvic region.