Sima Shalchi, PT, DPT, RYT
Sima Shalchi, PT, DPT, RYT
Sima Shalchi—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Sima Shalchi, PT, DPT, RYT, is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist based in Austin, Texas, at Origin Physical Therapy. With a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and French Studies from Rice University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, Sima brings a well-rounded approach to pelvic health. Her interest in pelvic health began during a clinical rotation and deepened through her work with pediatric and postpartum patients. Sima Shalchi is passionate about helping patients manage pelvic pain and endometriosis symptoms, empowering them to improve their quality of life. She focuses on clear communication and personalized care, guiding each patient toward their fullest potential with warmth and professionalism. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery or pelvic floor challenges, Sima’s expertise offers compassionate, effective support tailored to your unique needs.
Visit types: Office
Spoken languages: English, Spanish
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me: Sima graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Kinesiology and French Studies from Rice University in 2015. She received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, TX, in 2018.
Sima gained interest in pelvic health during one of her clinical rotations. She practiced at a pediatric clinic for one year before working at Sullivan Physical Therapy. Working in pediatrics also made her aware of the challenges faced by postpartum women and led her to find her passion in pelvic health therapy. Sima is eager to help her patients improve their quality of life and reach their fullest potential while easily communicating with her patients.
Erin Frank, PT, DPT
Erin Frank, PT, DPT
Erin Frank—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Erin Frank is a compassionate endometriosis physical therapist at Origin Physical Therapy in Austin, Texas. Erin Frank’s journey into physical therapy was inspired by her recovery from a serious pelvic injury, which fueled her passion for pelvic health. She believes that patients of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from personalized care focused on education, empowerment, and healing. Erin Frank combines her expertise in physical therapy with her ongoing yoga practice and teaching to offer a holistic approach that supports mind-body wellness. Committed to helping patients regain strength and improve quality of life, Erin creates individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. Outside the clinic, she enjoys teaching yoga, studying anatomy, and spending time helping with her sister’s pet-sitting business. Patients seeking empathetic and expert care will find Erin Frank dedicated to their healing journey.
Visit types: Office
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me: Erin found both physical therapy and yoga to be everything she needed in recovery from an accident that resulted in a broken pelvis and femur, and neck fractures. During her DPT training, her interest in pelvic health grew after seeing that people of all ages, genders, and varied life experiences can benefit from the attention, education, and empowerment that pelvic physical therapy can provide. Outside of the clinic, Erin continues to teach yoga and anatomy and enjoys helping out with her sister’s pet-sitting business.
Megan Kalinich, PT, DPT
Megan Kalinich, PT, DPT
Megan Kalinich—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Megan Kalinich is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist based in Austin, Texas, specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic therapy. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Society from Arizona State University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University, Megan Kalinich combines strong academic training with hands-on experience. Her passion for pelvic health grew early in her education, leading her to focus on helping patients overcome symptoms related to pelvic pain and dysfunction. Megan Kalinich is committed to empowering her patients through education and personalized care, guiding them toward improved wellness and quality of life. She works closely with each individual to create tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs with warmth and professionalism. Whether managing endometriosis or other pelvic health challenges, Megan Kalinich offers compassionate support to help patients regain strength and confidence.
Visit types: Office
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me:
Megan Kalinich received a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Society from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. She received her doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Megan has had an interest in pelvic health physical therapy from the beginning of her physical therapy education, as she pursued additional academic training during her physical therapy schooling at Creighton University. She has worked at multiple practices in the Austin area, where she was able to develop her skills in both pelvic and orthopedic physical therapy. Throughout this time, her passion has continued to grow for the pelvic health population. She enjoys assisting her patients in overcoming their symptoms and helping them to become empowered through knowledge.
Makenzie Cochran, PT, DPT
Makenzie Cochran, PT, DPT
Makenzie Cochran—Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Makenzie Cochran is a dedicated endometriosis physical therapist based in Austin, Texas, who specializes in pelvic floor health and women’s wellness. With a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Makenzie Cochran combines her strong communication skills and clinical expertise to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Her passion for pelvic health began during graduate school while observing at Sullivan Physical Therapy, inspiring her to advocate for greater awareness and access to pelvic floor therapy. Makenzie is committed to empowering patients by educating them throughout their healing journey, helping them regain control and confidence in their health. As a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and its Women’s Health Section, Makenzie stays up-to-date with the latest treatments, including myofascial release techniques. Patients seeking knowledgeable and supportive care can trust Makenzie Cochran to guide them with warmth and professionalism.
Visit types: Office
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me: Makenzie graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a minor in Business in 2015. After graduating, she spent time serving the Austin community through nonprofit work before deciding to pursue a career in physical therapy, and in 2021 she received a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Makenzie became interested in pelvic health while observing at Sullivan Physical Therapy during graduate school and has since sought to increase public awareness and knowledge of pelvic floor therapy in hopes of improving patient access and care. She is committed to being an advocate for her patients and strives to empower them to be autonomous in their health journey through continued education.
Makenzie is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as their Section on Women’s Health. She has completed continuing education on pelvic floor diagnoses and treatments, as well as specific courses in myofascial release.
Kimberlee Sullivan, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMD
Kimberlee Sullivan, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMD
Kimberlee Sullivan – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Kimberlee Sullivan is a highly experienced endometriosis physical therapist based in Austin, Texas. At Origin Physical Therapy, Kimberlee Sullivan specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and women’s health, providing compassionate care for patients managing endometriosis, pelvic pain, and related conditions.
With over 20 years of experience and a doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University, Kimberlee Sullivan has dedicated her career to helping patients regain function and comfort. She is board-certified in women’s health physical therapy and holds certifications in pelvic biofeedback and pelvic, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Kimberlee’s approach is patient-centered and evidence-based, ensuring personalized treatment plans that empower women to improve their quality of life. As a member of multiple professional associations, Kimberlee stays current with advances in pelvic health to offer the best care possible. Whether managing chronic pain or pelvic floor issues, Kimberlee Sullivan is a trusted partner on your healing journey.
Visit types: Office
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
What you should know about me: Kimberlee Sullivan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University. She received a doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University. Since her clinical affiliation, Kimberlee has focused her profession on pelvic floor dysfunction.
She has worked with orthopedic and pelvic health patients for twenty years in states such as Oregon, Minnesota, and Texas. In October of 2005, she opened Sullivan Physical Therapy, where she could focus on patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, such as incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis, organ prolapse, sciatica, and pelvic pain.
Kimberlee is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic and Women’s Health Sections. She is also a member of the National Association for Continence, Endometriosis Association, Interstitial Cystitis Association, National Vulvodynia Association, International Pelvic Pain Society, Texas Physical Therapy Association, and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.
Kimberlee is board-certified in Women’s Health Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. She is a recipient of the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Physical Therapy by the Section of Women’s Health. She has received certification from the Biofeedback International Conference for Pelvic Biofeedback.
Taylor Reyes PT, DPT
Taylor Reyes, PT, DPT
Taylor Reyes – Endometriosis Physical Therapist
Summary: Taylor Reyes, PT, DPT, is a compassionate endometriosis physical therapist based in Farmers Branch, TX, who provides expert, patient-centered care. Taylor Reyes focuses on educating patients about self-management techniques, empowering them to take control of their symptoms through tailored home exercise programs, yin-based yoga, and nutritional guidance. Using a comprehensive manual therapy approach that includes visceral, neurovascular, fascial, and joint techniques, Taylor Reyes treats beyond the pelvis to address the whole body. Treatment often involves advanced modalities such as trigger point dry needling, neurostim microcurrent, and cupping, combined with neuromuscular reeducation and motor control training. Taylor Reyes emphasizes downregulating the nervous system and supports patients with anti-inflammatory nutrition education. When cases require specialized care, Taylor Reyes coordinates referrals to expert providers in autoimmune and endometriosis care. This warm, holistic approach aims to improve quality of life and foster long-term healing and empowerment.
Visit types: Office/Hospital.
Spoken languages: English and Spanish
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: My philosophy in caring for my patients with endometriosis involves education in self-management, manual therapy techniques, managing the autonomic nervous system, and anti-inflammatory nutritional counseling within the scope of PT.
Self-management is a huge key to empowerment, as navigating endometriosis symptoms is sometimes a lifelong journey. I want my patients to feel empowered and not helpless if they are not able to see a provider during a flare-up. Self-management may include home exercise programs, yin-based yoga, castor oil packing, and more.
I incorporate visceral, neurovascular, fascial, joint, and more in my manual therapy approach. Often, a patient’s issue goes beyond the pelvis, so it’s important to consider a total body approach. Neuromuscular reeducation and motor control training is a must with any manual therapy. Some of the modalities I use to assist in manual therapy are trigger point dry needling, neurostim microcurrent for scar tissue, and cupping. Orofacial myofunctional therapy and cranial therapy are incorporated as needed, especially if a patient needs to improve their overall airway function, which aids in improving the autonomic nervous system.
My patients are educated in the basics of anti-inflammatory nutrition support and downregulation of the nervous system. If their needs go beyond my scope, they are referred to specific providers that also specialize in autoimmune and endometriosis conditions.
Dr. Rachael Haverland
Rachael Haverland, M.D.
Dr Rachael Haverland – Endometriosis Specialist, Gynecologist, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon
Summary: Dr Rachael Haverland is a gynecologist and endometriosis specialist in Dallas, TX, known for her thoughtful, holistic approach to care. As a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, Dr Haverland focuses on complete excision surgery—the gold standard for endometriosis treatment—and supports recovery through a multidisciplinary care plan. Many Dr Rachael Haverland reviews highlight her dedication to addressing the full picture of pelvic pain, including related conditions like IBS and interstitial cystitis.
With a strong belief that every patient’s journey is unique, Dr. Haverland avoids one-size-fits-all treatments and limits the use of medications with harsh side effects. Instead, she often combines non-opioid pain management, pelvic floor physical therapy, and collaborative care with other specialists. Patients value how Dr. Rachael Haverland takes the time to uncover the root causes of pain and stay involved throughout the healing process—an approach that consistently earns praise in Dr. Rachael Haverland reviews.
City: Dallas, TX, USA
Philosophy: The etiology of endometriosis is complex. I do not agree with retrograde menstruation as I have seen premenstrual as well as postmenopausal patients with endometriosis. This also leads to the idea if you stop menstruation, you stop the pain which is not always the case. While more research on endometriosis needs to be done, I do believe the endometriotic implants are likely genetically present consistent with the Mullerianosis theory. They may additionally spread by lymphatic or blood systems ( how we get cardiac and pulmonary endometriosis). Endometriosis for gold standard treatment must be excised completely. Once appropriate excision surgery has been completed, a dynamic team approach with pelvic floor PT, injections by physiatrists and frequent postoperative visits to ensure no other additional diagnosis was missed is important. Frequently IBS, IC, or other chronic conditions are found in patients with endometriosis.
Medication: Endometriosis treatment is multifaceted and must start with a holistic approach to not only management of the endometriosis but also the other disease processes. I reserve/restrict the use medications such as Lupron, Orlissa, or other GnRH agonists or antagonists due to significant physical and mental side effects. Medications can be used to help symptoms if a patient does not desire excision surgery and options such as progesterone IUD or birth control pills are offered if desiring contraception. I also discuss after surgery, the first 2-3 cycles may be irregular and or more painful due to acute inflammation. Frequently, I use other non-opioid mediations such as NSAIDs, duloxetine, gabapentin, other SNRIs and compounded medications in adjunct depending on the patient’s pain generators.
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: Multidisciplinary approach is the key to success! After patients have been in prolonged pain, the central sensitization of pain cycle can be important to address. Using compounded vaginal suppositories, pelvic floor PT, pelvic floor Botox and also targeted nerve injection series with physiatrist can be beneficial to address pain after surgery. If persistent pain continues, my approach is individualized. First, I closely evaluate each organ system to ensure we are addressing each area in a holistic approach at the initial visit to identify potential coexisting pain generators. At the initial consultation visit I also identify other compounding potential etiologies of pain. Sometimes a second look is necessary or discussion of other forms of hormonal suppression. I always follow my patients until their symptoms are improved.
Lisa Whisenant, OTR
Lisa Whisenant, OTR
Lisa Whisenant – Endometriosis Occupational Therapist
Summary: Lisa Whisenant is a compassionate endometriosis occupational therapist of Genesis PT & Wellness in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to helping patients move, breathe, and live with less pain. Lisa Whisenant combines thorough listening with evidence-based care, tailoring every session to each person’s daily goals and lifestyle.
Her holistic approach addresses the entire body: diaphragmatic-breathing coaching, core and pelvic-floor coordination, and gentle abdominal lengthening restore balanced movement. She integrates visceral mobilization, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling to ease tension, while functional positioning and mobility training support pain-free work, exercise, and rest. Education on bowel, bladder, and sexual routines—plus adaptive tools like squatty potties, dilators, wands, and vibration—empowers patients to self-manage symptoms between visits. Warm, professional, and collaborative, Lisa Whisenant helps people with endometriosis regain control, confidence, and comfort in everyday life.
Visit types: Office/Hospital/Virtual/Home
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Philosophy of care and typical treatment strategies: I treat holistically, looking at the full body. Diaphragmatic breathing education and techniques, proper core and pelvic floor contract/relax, lengthening abdominals, functional positioning and mobility, bowel, bladder, and sexual habits and routines, visceral mobilization, myofascial release, cupping, dry needling, and adaptive equipment/modalities such as squatty potty, dilators/wands, and vibration.
