be honest...
You've been told to "just do Kegels" but they make things worse
You still feel pelvic pressure or heaviness when standing or exercising
Sex has been painful (for months… or years), and no one has helped
You pee when you laugh. Or sneeze. Or cough. Or run.
Your doctor said everything “looks fine,” but it definitely doesn’t feel that way
You had a C-section (or multiple) and still feel disconnected from your core
You’re bloated, constipated, or tense and are LITERALLY holding everything in
A Few Things You Should Know About This Practice
You Deserve Answers And a Plan That Works
But long before I had the credentials, I was just another woman quietly struggling with symptoms I didn’t know how to explain. I know what it’s like to be told things are “normal” when they’re not. That’s what led me to building a practice that listens. You don’t have to go through this alone, and you don’t have to wait until it gets worse. If something doesn’t feel right, I’m here to help you understand and heal it.
I’ve worked with Cat through multiple stages- healing Diastasis Recti after my first child, then again through my second C-section and abdominal surgery. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, deeply invested in her patients, and always made space for both the physical and emotional parts of recovery. Thanks to her guidance, I’m pain-free and back to the activities I love, stronger than ever.
I worked with Cat in preparation for seeing a specialist in Maryland for lifelong Vulvodynia. A local doctor had referred me to her to find relief for ongoing pain at my vulvar entry. Cat is a delight to work with and is incredibly knowledgeable regarding my particular issue and pelvic area issues in general. She is very calm (and calming) and sensitive when listening and discussing what can be difficult problems about which to speak. Although Cat did not "fix" my issue, I often felt better, more relaxed and more in control of my body after our sessions. I am currently following non-physical therapy related protocols with my specialist, but I will not hesitate to resume working with Cat if/when PT is recommended again.
Over the course of several sessions, Dr. Ruark evaluated and created personalized programs that evolved throughout late pregnancy and after the birth of my first child. The prescribed programs aided in my complete physical recovery and emotional well-being so that I can be the best mother and whole version of myself.
Catherine showed me a new way forward, giving me back my autonomy over my body, a feeling of empowerment and increased strength and control. She helped me to get back in touch with my body, its sensations and needs. With increased awareness and flexibility, I have better control and less discomfort. More importantly, Catherine treated me with respect. She listened and took the time to both explain and help me to understand what was really happening with my body. She is kind, warm, funny and gracious - as well as professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I will be forever grateful for her help and for the progress I made in a few short months and I highly recommend her services.
I've worked with her since I was newly postpartum and she's helped me with a wide range of challenges, including pelvic floor tightness, diastitis recti, and low back pain. She's helped me fix these issues and shared her knowledge with me in order to empower me as an active new mama jumping back into yoga, running, surfing, and weightlifting. She's so patient, sweet, encouraging, and generous with her time and resources. I feel very blessed to have found her and would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a fantastic PT - she truly does it all!
I loved how attentive she was during each session; spending time understanding what I was experiencing, asking questions to better understand the depth of my pain/limitations, along with physical examinations. I value a doctor who takes into consideration my lifestyle and creates a plan that works best for me, and she did just that. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a pelvic floor physical therapist!
It's not always easy to discuss intimate health concerns, but Cat's friendly demeanor and genuine care made me feel comfortable discussing my issues. She didn't use a one-size-fits-all method but instead created a personalized treatment plan that addressed my unique concerns. She provided clear explanations for each step of the process, which helped me understand not only what we were doing but why it was essential for my healing. The exercises were targeted and effective, and I could feel the difference they were making in my healing process. She has not only helped me on my journey to healing but also made the process enjoyable. If you're in need of a pelvic floor therapist who is both effective and a pleasure to work with, Cat' the perfect choice.
She was always ready to discuss new therapies and exercises to manage my pelvic pain. After working together for over 8 months, I was not only in a much better state physically, but also mentally. I finally had an advocate for my health to guide me through my recovery. I continue to make progress each week by following the exercise routines she developed for me and feel that my body and mind are finally recovering. I can’t say enough about Cat’s compassion, knowledge and willingness to keep working with me until I was in a healthy place. I am forever grateful for having such a gifted physical therapist that always encouraged me and got me to where I am today.