More About Us
PelvicSynergy Physical Therapy was founded to provide support and relief to people struggling from pelvic floor dysfunction, men's health conditions, and women's health conditions throughout Chicagoland.
Pelvic floor related conditions are commonly assumed to be permanent issues. Too often people are told their conditions are something you should "learn to live with." Issues including painful sex, incontinence, and pelvic pain. Well, each condition is very TREATABLE and we are here to help you.
Another common misconception is that pelvic floor related conditions are a "woman's problem" or have to occur during "aging", but the truth is that pelvic floor conditions affect anyone, man or woman, at any period in the lifespan.
Our specialized clinic and team are ready to provide relief! Our staff is highly trained in pelvic floor physical therapy and all of our appointments are one-on-one in order to provide personal care for your personal issue.
Our Team
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Dr. Amanda Shah PT, DPT
Founder and Physical Therapist
Dr. Amanda Shah has dedicated ten years to practicing physical therapy, focusing pelvic floor dysfunction as well as men's and women's health issues. Before founding PelvicSynergy Physical Therapy in 2022, she gained valuable experience at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Education from The Ohio State University in 2013 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2016.
Her ongoing education includes specialized training in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation from the Herman and Wallace Institute, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment through the American Physical Therapy Association, Mechanical Diagnosis & Treatment of the Lumbar Spine via the McKenzie Institute, and Dry Needling with Myopain Seminars.
In addition to her professional pursuits, she enjoys Pilates and incorporates Pilates-based strengthening into her sessions.
Dr. Caitlin Hennig PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Caitlin Hennig has been providing physical therapy since 2012 across diverse outpatient environments. Caitlin was motivated to specialize in pelvic health after having three children and seeking her own treatment, as well as witnessing the prevalence of incontinence among seniors.
She earned her BS in Kinesiology from Indiana University in 2009 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2012.
Caitlin has completed numerous continuing education courses, including pelvic health through the APTA, dry needling, lumbopelvic manipulation, chronic pain management through World of Hurt, and Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment from the McKenzie Institute.
Additionally, she is a Polestar Pilates graduate, emphasizing rehabilitation, and enjoys integrating Pilates into her treatment sessions to achieve optimal for her patients.
Dr. Gretchen Zirgaitis PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Gretchen Zirgaitis is a physical therapist with two years of experience in pelvic health. She's pursued advanced training in this specialty area, including training in vaginismus and male pelvic health.
Gretchen earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Marquette University, completing a direct-admit expedited program and graduating in 2024. During her training, she also completed a Herman & Wallace Pelvic Health course, further solidifying her clinical foundation in pelvic health.
Her clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, postpartum recovery, and core dysfunction.
Outside of the clinic, Gretchen enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and has experience teaching reformer Pilates, which further enhances her movement-based approach to patient care.
Dr. Emily Moehlmann PT, DPT, PRPC
Physical Therapist
Dr. Emily Moehlmann has been a physical therapist since 2017. She began her career as a traveling therapist, gaining experience in various environments, including orthopedic, acute care, and skilled nursing settings. Her interest in pelvic health started during her physical therapy education, and she began focusing on this area full-time in 2022.
Emily earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from Rockhurst University in 2014, followed by her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the same institution in 2017.
She has completed the pelvic health series through the Herman and Wallace Institute and obtained her Pelvic Rehab Practitioner Certification. Emily is dedicated to creating a safe, trauma-informed environment that empowers patients on their healing journey, helping them regain the ability to engage in activities they love.
Dr. Elaine Chen PT, DPT, PCES
Physical Therapist
Dr. Elaine Chen has been practicing physical therapy since 2018. She began her career in outpatient orthopedics before pursuing advanced training in pelvic health, transitioning to a full-time pelvic health focus in 2023.
Elaine earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from National Taiwan University in 2018 and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2022.
She has completed extensive post-professional coursework, including the Pelvic Floor Series through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, dry needling for the lower extremity and pelvic health through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT), and certification as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES). Elaine is dedicated to integrating orthopedic principles with specialized pelvic floor rehabilitation to provide comprehensive, individualized care.
Outside of the clinic, Elaine enjoys weight training, baking sourdough, reading, and spending quality time at home with her husband and cats.
Elizabeth Burkavage
Administrator
Elizabeth became a member of the PelvicSynergy Physical Therapy team in 2024 after embarking on her own path to pelvic health following the birth of her second child. Having experienced the positive changes that treatment can bring, she has become a strong advocate for care, believing that every postpartum individual can gain from such support. She is thrilled to collaborate with a team committed to enhancing the health and daily lives of patients!