Tag Archive for physical therapy

Meet the Therapists – Kathy Hess, PT

Kathy is an accomplished equestrian

What is your name?

Kathy Hess

How long have you been a physical therapist?

31 years

How long have you been practicing the Wurn Technique?

I have been certified in the Wurn Technique for six months, but I have been doing most of the hands-on techniques for over 15 yrs.

Which Clear Passage clinic location do you work at?

I am the clinic director for the Northern Virginia location.

How did you first become interested in this work?

I felt like I was missing something with my treatments. I started taking Myofascial Release classes, then became interested in treating women’s health issues. I then started taking additional classes in this area.

Kathy with her family

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the Philadelphia area, specifically Norristown, PA.

What’s your favorite food?

Potato chips

Where did you receive your education?

Univerisity of Pittsburgh

What is your philosophy on continuing education?

I believe it is very important to expand your knowledge base.   I take about 2-3 continuing education classes every year.

What conditions do you have experience in treating?

I have treated patients with chronic pain, adhesions, women’s health issues, orthopedic issues, neurological issues, and amputees.

Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?

My favorite location is Sedona, Arizonia. Going camping anywhere is great to me. I love being outside in the fresh air.

What is your favorite part about treating patients?

Kathy treating a Clear Passage patient

I enjoy helping patients get there life back without pain or limitations

What do you hear patients say most often after receiving treatment?

“I can’t believe I am feeling better.”

What three words describes you best?

Intense, Motivated, and Caring

What drives you every day?

Knowing that I can help people

Have a question or comment for Kathy? Post a reply below.

Three Complementary Infertility Treatments Boost Pregnancy Rates, Research Shows

Gainesville, FL  - October 9, 2006/PRNewswrire/ – Infertility specialists are reporting higher pregnancy rates when they add physical therapy, acupuncture, or mind-body techniques to their recommended care, according to recently published studies.

Research gynecologist Dr. Richard King was initially intrigued when he heard patients had become pregnant despite blocked fallopian tubes after receiving a new pelvic physical therapy infertility treatment. He later co-authored studies in WebMD’s peer reviewed Medscape General Medicine which showed the pelvic therapy increased natural and IVF pregnancy rates. “It makes sense to add non-invasive techniques to traditional protocols as long as they are backed by scientific evidence,” says King.

Other published studies indicate acupuncture and mind-body techniques can assist infertile couples to become pregnant. Long respected in Eastern medicine, acupuncture gained popularity in the West after a German study showed that it increased IVF pregnancy rates. “Acupuncture treats a variety of fertility issues at almost every age and stage in a woman’s cycle,” says Dr. Randine Lewis, licensed acupuncturist and author of The Infertility Cure (Little, Brown 2004). “It assists the entire reproductive system to achieve optimal health.”

Mind-body awareness is also on the rise in fertility circles after a study in Fertility and SterilityInconceivableä Conceptions mind-body program. The program incorporates diet changes, movement, visualization, and other natural remedies. showed increased pregnancy rates for infertile women who participate in support groups. “The tools in our support circles give couples back a sense of control over their lives; they help them turn a crisis into a health enhancing opportunity,” says Julia Indichova, author of (Doubleday 2001) and creator of the Fertile Heart

“With an estimated six million infertile women in the US, complementary treatments are taking an increased role in helping many of these achieve their dreams of parenthood,” says Dr. King.

“I know that the pelvic physical therapy I received is what my body needed to be successful with my pregnancy,” said one patient to Dr. King. “After trying to conceive for so long and struggling with recurrent miscarriages, the therapy healed me and helped me to be able to have my daughter.”

Note to Editors: Physicians and authors are available for interview and panel discussions. Hi-res photos and press kits.

Media contact: Larry Wurn, 352-336-1433 or cptherapy(at)aol.com

Over 150 Babies Expected After Non-Surgical Infertility Treatment – Peer Reviewed Medical Studies Published

Gainesville, FL, June 19, 2006/PRNewswire/ – Physical therapists researching a non-surgical infertility treatment report 167 babies born or presently expected to infertile women who received the new therapy.

“Passing 150 births is a real milestone for us, but we feel this is only the beginning,” said co-developer and physical therapist Belinda Wurn. “It is gratifying to see success in a large variety of infertility diagnoses, and that positive results seem to last for years.”

“One of my fallopian tubes had been surgically removed and the other was completely blocked, leaving me with no chance for a natural pregnancy,” said one patient to Wurn. “It was an amazing feeling when I learned my tube was open after therapy, and even more amazing when I became pregnant naturally. I have since been blessed with three healthy babies.”

The hands-on physical therapy was first examined in two studies published in the peer reviewed medical journal Medscape General Medicine (6/04). The first study examined the ability of the therapy to help infertile women conceive naturally. After therapy, 71% of the participants had a natural pregnancy and most had full-term births.

The second study showed that women who received the therapy before IVF had a 67% clinical pregnancy rate in embryos transferred after therapy – significantly higher than the 41% control group (P<.001). Average duration of infertility before therapy in the studies was five years.

“Both of my IVF transfers before therapy were unsuccessful,” said another patient to therapist Mandy Roscow, MPT. “I had endometriosis and hoped this therapy would prepare my body to be more successful in my next transfer. Apparently it did — I became pregnant in my first IVF after therapy and now have beautiful twins!”

The new treatment is considered low risk, as it uses no drugs or surgery, according to co-developer Larry Wurn. The therapy, known as the Wurn Technique®, is used to treat infertility and pelvic and intercourse pain. It is available exclusively at several Clear Passage Therapies® clinics from New York to California. The 20-hour program can be completed in as little as five days.

Media contact: Larry Wurn, 352-336-1433 or cptherapy(at)aol.com