Dr. Woerner’s care during pregnancy motivated this patient to get better
The joy of bringing a baby into the world is all-encompassing. But sometimes, so are the painful physical changes that a woman experiences as her body responds to a pregnancy.
Consider Cessilye Smith. Her first pregnancy led to a diastasis, a separation of abdominal muscles, which was never addressed. Two years later she is currently pregnant with her second, and she started having severe low back and pelvic pain that would hurt so bad she was leaving work early because of the pain. She was scared because her paychecks were diminishing and she was using valuable leave time she wanted to save for when the baby came. She turned to Marie Woerner, a UNT Health Physical Therapist for help, and is now able to work her regular shifts without being sent home in pain.
Woerner practices at both the UNT Health Patient Care Center on campus and the UNT Health at Alliance clinic. She specializes in women’s health, including care during pregnancy and postpartum; and fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, pelvic floor, and lymphedema. She also treats patients with general orthopedic conditions ranging from low-back pain to post-surgical issues. Woerner is one of the few Tarrant County physical therapists who treats pelvic pain problems in both men and women.
"Not knowing what’s wrong with you is so scary," Smith said. "Dr. Woerner immediately made me see the light at the end of the tunnel and gave me the motivation I needed to get better."
Smith’s treatment included a routine of stretching, valuable education and stabilization exercises. The treatment worked quickly: in just a few sessions, Smith’s diastasis improved as well as her lower extremity and transverse abdominis strength, she was able to reclaim her life.
"Since I started physical therapy, I’ve been able to do extra chores around the house and work full shifts at work, too," Smith said. "Dr. Woerner knows what she’s doing, and she’s been amazing for me."
To make an appointment with Marie Woerner, call 817-735-2100 or 817-735-5400. For more information, visit www.unthealth.org.
Social media