How do you say thank you to a person who makes you whole, who gives you a part of your life you never thought you would have?

My story begins 22 years ago in 1988 when my husband and I decide to stop having sex because of my pain with entry. I had tried sporadically in the 1970s and 1980s to find the source of the pain, but was not successful. Sex and pelvic pain were not on the medical radar screen then. My doctors couldn’t help me, the implication being it was in my head and I didn’t want sex.

I gave up. I knew something was wrong but didn’t know what nor how to fix it. When I decided to find the source of my pain in 2007, after 19 years of a sexless marriage, I was 57 and keenly aware my body and time were not on my side. I diagnosed myself with vaginismus after reading a book about sex in marriage. Armed with that word I finally got the help I needed, although it would take 2 more years to find Donna.

I do not know how I would have found Donna had it not been for an email I sent to a nationally-recognized sex therapist. Based on my self treatment to overcome vaginismus, which involves learning to control the involuntary spasms of the pelvic floor muscle and inserting dilators of increasingly larger size, the sex therapist immediately recognizes something is physically wrong when I cannot transition from the first dilator to the second dilator after 8 months of trying. She gives me a source for finding a pelvic pain specialist, selects Donna from the list of providers, and off I go to be evaluated by Donna.

I didn’t think Donna would find anything. I had been examined by a nurse practitioner in a women’s health care practice and a physical therapist who was not a pelvic pain specialist. Neither professional found any pain. In addition, my female GP never explored my discomfort with a speculum, always telling me to relax but never telling me how.

Donna starts examining me and within seconds has me in physical pain. I’m stunned at the pain and reliving 1988. She tells me I have a misaligned pelvic girdle and a frozen pelvic floor. My body is not in “neutral.” The muscles have shortened and are constricted. In essence, I’ve been in a state of permanent spasm, one that prevents pain-free entry. She doesn’t know the cause of my physical condition, but she tells me she definitely can help me.

And help me, she does. Donna was able to do what no other medical professional could do. She correctly diagnosed and treated my condition. We laughed and cried along the way (actually I did the crying) as she coaxed my muscles back to neutral. In session #6 Donna tells me she is going to insert the dilator I had stalled on for 8 months and my apprehension level is high. But she inserts it easily and that’s when I know I am in the hands of an amazing woman. Donna is on her way to giving me something I never thought I would have, a pain-free sex life. And even though I now am 59, my body responds to the therapy because Donna knows what to do. She then has me insert the dilator, and when I am able to insert the dilator at home, I start to believe I might be able to have sex.

There’s more to the story, but it doesn’t need to be told. I continue working with Donna until it’s time to say goodbye, because she has done the impossible. She restores my body and gives me God’s gift, the gift of sex, the only recommendation this amazing and compassionate woman needs.  The flowers are well deserved.

Name Withheld by Request
07/21/2010

"My care was excellent.  Donna is very knowledgeable and caring.  I have already recommended her to my friends and I feel she is the very best!"

Teresa Barnes
11/06/2007

"When I first started having problems with my right leg, I first saw Donna at another clinic.  I was surprised when I started having problems again.  The first time I saw Donna I walked out 98 % free of pain.  Donna works miracles.  I had problems again, but Donna couldn’t be found.  I got lucky this year and found her.  As long as she is in business, she will be the only one I go to.  Donna is a great therapist."

Louise Owens
10/09/2007

"I am 66 years old and have lived in a number of cities across the county.  This was the best.  Always on time.  Never felt rushed.  Always explained what and why.  Extremely professional .  Staff always kind, pleasant, and caring. 

"She was the first person able to give me relief.  Due to another problem I had to stop before conclusion of my program. 

"I am waiting for the day the doctor will release me to return."

Mary Williamson
09/17/2007

"All of you are very, very professional, friendly, helpful, precise and quick to respond to the needs of your patients!!!  Your work must evidently work for you also.  I send this feeling much improvement and warm feelings in my heart for you all.

"I feel I am just shedding my old skin and have new that feels much Better and fits better.  That’s the only way I can think of plainly, honestly, and with my sense of imagination and humor, to express my pain and distress for which I came there for and the outcome.  Thank You."

Stella Powers
09/14/2007

"I am very pleased with the outcome of my therapy, but understand exercises should continue daily. 

"This was a much better procedure, rather than surgery."

Jane Gouffon
09/08/2007

"I have been meaning to write you a note and thank you for your excellent care.  I appreciate so much the many times you worked me in when I didn’t have  scheduled appointment.  I am doing great-our trip out west traveling about 16,000 miles didn’t bother my back at all.  I can’t believe it but the pain in my side is gone.  I appreciate all that you did for me-you and your staff are the greatest."

Name Withheld by Request
08/29/2007

"I was completely impressed with the professionalism of the therapist and pleased with the services I received at Mountain Spirit Physical Therapy."

Name Withheld by Request
08/14/2007

"Urinary Incontinence-can you imagine @ 93?  A little disappointing that I can’t be perfect again but after 4 sessions of therapy I have improved.  I appreciate the kindness, care and compassion shown to me by both Donna and Tammy; their sunny dispositions brightened my day.  I respect Donna’s professionalism and honesty in recognizing when I had progressed to my limit and dismissing me and I said Oh Happy Day!"

Name Withheld by Request
08/14/2007

"Excellent care was provided to me.  Everyone of you have been a blessing to me.  Thank you very much."

Name Withheld by Request
08/10/2007

"Based on the original diagnosis, the treatment and prescribed exercises appeared to address the problems.  However due to no consistent relief of the pain, I believe Donna began to suspect that the problem lay elsewhere- inflammation in the bursa of the hip joint. 

"Donna’s follow-up with contacting Marye  McCroskey and recommending a re-visit to Maryville orthopedic clinic and her topical treatment in the interim make me feel very confident in her focus on resolving the problem I was having. 

"This focus and the positive results are backed by her knowledge and skills."

Name Withheld by Request
08/07/2007

"Am able to control my bladder----so---much better!" 

Linda Stamback
08/05/2007

"Donna and her staff were very professional and knowledgeable.  In my case I still have issues, however Donna really helped a lot and referred me to a great specialist.  Her place is very clean and relaxing, and she is a pleasant person to be around even when your (sic) repeatedly late.  I’m really sorry and appreciate all that you have done for me."

Name Withheld by Request
07/24/2007

"A very sore and painful tailbone.  Learn how to sit, bend and daily exercises.  Doing very well."

Mary Lou Davis
07/23/2007

"It would be great if every therapist I had been to or ever have to go to to be as good, caring as she is.  She is very knowledgeable and passionate about her work."

Name Withheld by Request
07/18/2007

"Donna helped me tremendously with pelvic and bladder problems.  This was my first physical therapy experience and it proved to be outstanding.  I’m so glad my doctor referred me to Mtn. Spirit.  Other therapist were available sooner, but she wanted me to wait for an appointment with Donna.  Now I understand why."

Anita Davis
07/09/2007

"After the birth of my first child, I was in such extreme pain that I had trouble walking, sitting, or standing and was very uncomfortable for several weeks.  I honestly thought I had cracked my pelvic bone!  About 6 months later I was still in pain, so my doctor recommended Ms. Edwards for physical therapy.  What a life-altering event!  She re-aligned my tailbone---good-bye constipation, hello comfort.  She worked on my pelvic and hip muscles & soon a lot of my pain was gone.  She worked on my scar tissue from my insane episiotomy (stage 4!) and I was actually able to have pain-free sex for the first time since giving birth.  Hallelujah!  Next she worked on my low back pain.  What a difference she made.  She gave me exercises to help strengthen and maintain all the good work she had done.  Throughout the experience she gave many kind words of encouragement whenever I got sad or frustrated with all my complications.  I only wish I had found out about her during pregnancy.  I truly believe many of my complications could have been reduced or avoided.  I highly recommend Donna Edwards to anyone suffering & in pain.  She and her staff are WONDERFUL!!!  Thank you."

Diane Jones-Lawhern
07/06/2007

"Donna, thank you, thank you, thank you.  I came to you a very confused and in pain newlywed.  Thank you for being understanding and sensitive to what I was dealing with.  My body has come so far since I started seeing you a year ago.  I used to dread sex because of the pain involved (even with such a  loving and understanding husband!)  and that was taking such a toll on our marriage.  Thank you for helping me to find pleasure in the sexual intimacy of my marriage.  If I encounter future problems (with sex or pregnancy), I would definitely come back to you.  Thank you for easing the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma."

Name withheld by Request
07/01/2007

"A very welcoming environment.  I was nervous to come in, but my nerves went away quickly because the excellent environment and Donna is very knowledgeable and welcoming. 

"Jimmy and I don’t have pain with intercourse anymore-YEAH!  It really helps when I regularly use my dilator.  We are still trying to figure out the orgasm part-but at least it doesn’t hurt anymore!"

Name Withheld by Request
6/27/2007

"I am pleased with my therapy and the results.  I just wish this therapy did not need to be done from now on on regular basis; but I will do so in order not to leak!"

Name Withheld by Request
06/22/2007

"I received therapy for pelvic floor muscle spasms.  I was extremely pleased with the outcome."

Name Withheld by Request
06/08/2007

"I am the husband on XYZ, who had therapy sessions for improvement in bladder control.  I am writing this on her behalf since I know her condition and consider her unable to convey the truth to you. 

"She has been unable/unwilling to do her part of the therapy at home due primarily to a leg wound.  That plus other physical/mental problems doomed this hope from the start.  You are right to terminate this program.  Thank you."

Name Withheld by Request
06/08/2007

"Thank you Mrs. Edwards for all your help.  And you helped me to understand how all of my multiple problems affect my problems of leakage."

Betty Dunham
05/29/2007

"I had no idea that it was a medical issue.  It made me feel inadequate as a woman like I was being punished.  Then I found information on vaginismus and signed up for help.  The experience was educational and built up my self-confidence.  It also brought my soon to be husband and I closer.  Life is nearly complete now as I look forward to my marriage.  Physical Therapy is wonderful and I would recommend it to any female.  They changed my life and I will be ever grateful.

"Create a place to put the slogan 'You can have sex, I will show you'."

Sara Wigle
05/09/2007

"After five years of painful intercourse and almost as many years of abstinence, I didn’t think it was possible to enjoy making love.  Finding out the problem was physical rather than mental was reassuring and comforting.  A weekend away with my husband and no children recently was much more pleasurable because I didn’t have to worry about whether I could endure the pain. 

"The therapy process exceeded my expectations.  Donna always treated me with respect even when I was unsure of how to get my body to perform the requested behaviors.  She worked extremely well with my pain tolerance level, knowing just how far she could push me and my muscles.  I never left wondering why she had done something or if I would experience pain later in the day.  Most importantly, there were only suggestions for exercises, relaxation techniques and sex therapy; nothing was ever a demand or condition for future treatment."

Michelle
05/09/2007

"When I was first referred to Donna Edwards, I lived in  a state of uncertainty…uncertain whether I would be able to function that day or would be confined to my bed and dependant on pain killers and anti-inflammatories.  Over the next 10 weeks I was professionally instructed, challenged, and encouraged to make disciplined life-style changes that have given me reason to believe that I can live a life, free from lower back pain!  I am very grateful for the care that I have received from Mountain Spirit Physical Therapy.  Thank you!"

Kris Johnson
05/05/2007

"I was going to a chiropractor when the problem happened.  He tried to treat it but could not attain any improvement.  In a few visits to Mountain Sprit PT the problem was corrected.  I would suggest that whoever is the governing body for physical therapists to use Mountain Spirit as their teaching model."

Paul Powell
04/25/2007

"One thing I especially liked was the cleanliness.  The music is soothing and Donna is so competent."

Dana Dobson
04/09/2007

"I think the one on one care Donna provides is the best in the area.  Most PT’s try to do 3-4 patients at a time. 

"No words can express how appreciative I have been with the way Donna allowed me to come in early prior to he normal work day to see me.  It allowed me to get PT without having to miss work.  Thanks so much!!"

Name Withheld by Request
10/25/2006

"All aspects were/are exceptional.  Thank you so much.  I feel like a new person."

Name Withheld by Request
08/02/2006

"Donna, your experience, knowledge, and honesty have been invaluable."

Name Withheld by Request
07/26/2006

"I never thought I would actually be done with therapy and am overjoyed that I am done.  I really don’t know what I would have done without Ms. Edwards help.  Thank you."

Kellie Miller
07/13/2006

"When I began physical therapy, I went with 1.  severe and disabling hip and leg pain; 2.  no prior physical therapy experience; 3.  with no concept of what the healing process would entail; 4.  a positive attitude; 5.  high hopes for good results.  After treatment began, I was amazed with the gradual but continual progress.  I improved from physical disability to a much better quality of life.  I was pleased with the partnership between the healthcare professional and the patient, which made treatment feel like a joint-venture.  My recent experience has given me a great respect for the field of physical therapy."

Lexa Hooten
07/13/2006

"I was nervous about my initial visit with Donna because I was fearful that she, like my previous doctors, would not know what was causing my pain during intercourse.  It was so encouraging for her to identify the source of my pain and inform me of the possibility that I would not have to live with this pain forever.  I am very hopeful that I will see 100% improvement.  Donna did a good job making me feel comfortable and helping me realize that I am not alone in experiencing this type of pain.  The best part is being on the path to no pain instead of still searching for reasons for the pain."

Name Withheld by Request
04/18/2006

"Lower back, interstitial cystitis.  I have improved pain, learned exercises that help the pain, leaned to relax my body.  I am doing better about daily chores.  I have learned that relaxation is the key."

Darlene Morgan
04/13/2006

"I referred myself to Donna because she had helped me in the past with problems related to my SI joint.  This time it was with my neck and upper back area.  I felt that if she couldn’t help with my problem, she would find someone who could.  (I realized her special area is women’s health.)  I benefited tremendously from her expertise this time and my neck and shoulders feel 100% better.  Donna truly knows what she is doing and wants to help her patients."

Edy Copeland
04/08/2006

"I am eternally grateful to you for helping me with my multiple problems.  I suppose that being grateful for getting exercises to do for the rest of my life sounds a bit suspect, but- I am glad to know what to do to stem an embarrassing problem and to firm up a section of my body other exercises haven’t touched.  I will be exercising and have been for years and feel at last I am doing efficacious ones."

Jane Bennett
01/10/2006

"Super place!  My expectations we surpassed!  You feel welcome--and also a part of the solution…when it seems like there is nothing you can do to help the chronic pain…Mountain Spirit (Donna) gives that ray of HOPE…that there are some areas that can improve.

"So very thankful that Dr. Lakatosh referred me to you!  It’s made all the difference.  Keep up the good work."

Nora Bowling
01/10/2006

"Donna’s approach gives confidence in one’s ability to heal even the most hidden problems and brings them to light where healing can take place. The water program she designed for me makes getting complete exercise possible even for a fat, wobbly person like me.  I’m so grateful."

-Name withheld by request

"I was very impressed with my therapist.  She was very helpful with giving me exercises when I travel.  All the exercises she has given me have made me so much stronger.  I like having the exercises on paper in-just in case I forget how to do them properly.  I am so grateful to have found such a great therapist."

-Name withheld by request

"Thanks so much for helping me get back to a life without pain.  I didn’t really know how much it had affected me until I felt better.  Just wish I had hollered help louder or sooner with my physician."

-Name withheld by request

"Having been to 5 PT’s over the past 12 months, I consider Mtn. Spirit to be the best in individualized attention to the problem.  And Donna was really good about focusing on the “problem de jour” and still work toward larger goals.  Donna has a wide variety of skills and uses them all together as needed."

-Name withheld by request

"My problem has been resolved and I have been given the knowledge needed in order to continue to improve my condition.  I would like to thank Donna for her patience, concern and help that she has given me.  I’m sure she will continue to help many more patients."

-Renee Meek

"I was very pleased with my treatment.  I went to my OBGYN with no idea that his type of physical therapy even existed.  I knew childbirth takes a toll on your body but would never have discovered a broken tailbone if I hadn’t been referred to you.  Referring doctor...said she was 'best in nation'.  I hope more and more women are made aware of this important area of treatment."

-Kristin Zeppelin

"The pain I felt in my rectum would wake me up at night.  It was sharp, piercing pain what seemed to involve my whole pelvic floor.  After therapy and electronic stimulation my pain stopped.  I received valuable information on how to improve my pelvic floor muscles and various other exercises to improve my overall physical fitness.  Walking has improved my strength in my upper legs and thighs which in turn affected my pelvic floor.  I never knew that posture and pelvic exercises could make so much difference in how I felt.  I feel much better and know the therapy…helped me achieve my goal to be pain free."

-Claretta Davis

"I was told by at least two doctors that nothing could be done to improve my damaged tailbone.  This is not true.  After treatment at Mountain Spirit I am at least 95% pain free and can do almost anything I want to do…You provide an excellent and much needed service for individuals.  I know of no other therapist that accomplishes the results that you get."          

-Paul Powell

"I still would rate my ongoing discomfort at a 1 on a scale of 1 to 10.  I was a 10 at one point.  I have been staining the deck and doing it “smart” and have seen no increase in pain.  I’m continuing my exercise."

-Name withheld by request

"Being non-orgasmic can be a difficult problem for which to seek help.  Donna made me feel comfortable and reassured.  Her professional knowledge and, physical therapy skills and compassionate demeanor provided a supportive and structured environment.  I also appreciated that Donna was very clear about what her services could and could not accomplish.  She outlined my treatment plan in a way that gave direction and focus but without false promises…Donna is a physical therapist that understands the importance of feeling positive and comfortable in your body."

-Name withheld by request

"My outcome was very positive.  I had been experiencing chronic pain for approximately 7 months.  After numerous sessions, I am pain-free 95% of the time.  I highly recommend Donna Edwards and would use again if needed."

-Name withheld by request

"I would like to have had this therapy years ago when my problem jut started.  I hope I will be able to continue with home exercises so I can feel more relaxed and able to have BM’s without all the problems I have had in the past.  Ms. Edwards has helped my see there are alternatives to doing the ways I have been doing."

-Name withheld by request

"I had no idea the pain I experienced was partly caused by pelvic floor weakness.  With Donna’s help I found out, through exercise and treatment by a physical therapist, that my pain will be greatly lessened.  Now I know that one day in the future my pain will be close to non-existent as long as I follow the therapy Donna showed me and the diet for anyone with Interstitial Cystitis."

-Jennifer Smith

"I was really hoping that my pelvic and vulvar pain was entirely muscle related, but it appears that some nerve inflammation is also part of the problem.  I know that therapy has really helped.  I also understand how important relaxation is now too.  I will continue to do all I can to help myself with what I have been shown and taught.  I appreciate all the care and patience I was shown."

-Name withheld by request

"Pelvic pain was something I was not familiar with, and truthfully I was very concerned.  With my first visit my worries were put to rest and I was explained exactly what treatment was required and that I was not alone with this condition.  It was nice to know approximately how many treatments would be necessary to get my condition under control.  Donna Edwards is very professional in every way."

-Mary Nell Biehler

"I have suffered for 15 years with lower back pain whether I was standing, sitting, or lying down.  I now have significant  relief.  I still experience some pain but I am doing much better.

"I have been in Physical Therapy several times before and I have never received the amount of relief I have found by coming here.  The additional stretches and other resources have been extremely helpful."

-Denise Kennedy