Nidhi Patel
Dr. Nidhi Patel, University Health Center
Nidhi Patel, PT, DPT
Nidhi’s nominators wrote the following about her:
“Dr. Nidhi Patel offers a very specialized service here at UHC. She is one of only three Physical Therapists in the Athens area who specialize in and offer pelvic health PT. She works with populations who have vaginismus (pain with sex/tampon insertion), pain/dysfunction with toileting, bowel/bladder incontinence, history of sexual assault, gender transitioning, erectile dysfunction, coccyx injuries and low back pain, and other pelvic floor dysfunctions. This is a specialized service that is not available to many areas and can be difficult to find providers. Nidhi is a life-long Bulldog graduating from UGA after Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, GA. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MCPHS (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) in 2017. She began her career practicing as an orthopedic generalist PT before pursuing her love of pelvic health Physical Therapy. One of Nidhi’s mission’s is to help those who think no help exists guiding patients toward normal functioning. She is knowledgeable and a great resource, often doing outreach and speaking engagements, co-hosting a pelvic pain support group with our counseling department, is a member of the Sustainability Committee as well as the Patient Education Committee, and she enjoys and is passionate about educating people on the topic of pelvic health on social media."
As one of the few Physical Therapists in the Athens area who specialize in pelvic health, what is something you wish people knew about the work that you do?
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- Pelvic PT is for everyone! Most people assume it is only for postpartum moms or women, but everyone has a pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction things like low back pain, hip pain, constipation, or pain with penetration.
A lot of people consider pelvic health to be a taboo topic, what do you say to patients or anyone to make them feel more comfortable talking about it?
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- The biggest thing is just meeting people where they are in their journey and where they feel comfortable. There have been times that a person does not feel fully ready to discuss their pelvic pain or do certain treatment techniques and we can always find other ways to help and work on their health. Educating in a non-judgmental, objective but empathetic way has always been really successful for me.
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What does a “day in the life” look like for you at work?
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- I see 7 patients a day – I usually treat upstairs in the second floor PT clinic. I am treating mostly patients who have pelvic floor dysfunction, but on occasion will get some orthopedic cases.
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What are three things do you love most about your job?
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- My patients and how much time I get to spend with them one on one every visit.
- The collaborative nature of working at the UHC
- Having access to so many great resources for students to learn from and help their general wellness and health
What might be something that you would like other staff to know about your job?
- Its really rewarding! Working with students has been so much fun and is always really rewarding, I learn so much from them. They are so great and appreciative of the services provided by the UHC.
What might be some ways that staff could collaborate or partner with you?
- I love doing outreach and educating people about pelvic floor health and PT! I’m happy to do any talks or lectures or answer any questions anyone (students, staff) may have about the process or even any personal questions or cases they may want input on.
Who do you look up to/ admire?
- My husband! He’s so kind, patient and incredibly smart.
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do for fun?
- I enjoy working out, spending time with my family, and traveling
What is the coolest thing you have ever done?
- Hiked a glacier in Iceland
Thank you to Nidhi and her nominators for taking their time to participate in this month’s Staff Spotlight!
Nominate someone to be recognized for their hard work!
Staff Spotlights: Sharing the stories of staff in UGA Student Affairs
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