Ginger Garner
Specialties
Specialties
Dr. Ginger Garner is an internationally recognized doctor of physical therapy with expertise in complex pelvic and orthopedic rehabilitation. She is particularly known for her work in endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain, hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, hip-related conditions including hip dysplasia and labral pathology, and the intricate relationship between voice, breath, pressure regulation, and pelvic floor function.
Her integrative approach combines pelvic health, orthopedics, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, and lifestyle medicine to address symptoms that are often persistent, overlapping, or inadequately addressed through conventional models of care. Patients frequently seek Dr. Garner’s expertise after years of searching for answers or when previous treatments have not fully resolved their concerns.
Dr. Garner works with individuals navigating complex recovery before and after hip arthroscopy, labral injury and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), endometriosis excision, hypermobility-related orthopedic and pelvic health challenges, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and the hormonal and musculoskeletal changes associated with midlife transitions. Her practice also includes working with athletes, singers, actors, dancers, and other performing artists whose careers depend on the seamless integration of breath, movement, voice, and pelvic floor function.
She is the creator of the Voice to Pelvic Floor™ methodology, a systems-based, trauma-informed approach that recognizes the interdependence of the body’s diaphragm systems and their role in optimizing movement, resilience, recovery, and performance.
Leadership & Contributions to the Profession
With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ginger Garner has helped shape the future of pelvic and orthopedic rehabilitation through education, authorship, and innovation. She has authored books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles; developed post-professional coursework and certification programs; and contributed to advancing the use of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging in pelvic health and orthopedic care for complex patient populations.
Dr. Garner is the author of Medical Therapeutic Yoga®, editor of Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine in Physical Therapy, and a recognized leader in the development of Functional, Integrative, and Lifestyle Medicine approaches within rehabilitation. Her work reflects a commitment to bridging evidence-informed practice with whole-person care to improve outcomes for patients with complex and overlapping health concerns.
Clinical Areas of Expertise
Endometriosis & Complex Pelvic Pain
Helping individuals navigate persistent pelvic pain, painful intercourse, bladder-related symptoms, and overlapping conditions that often require a broader lens than pelvic floor care alone. Too many people are told that these symptoms are simply something they must learn to live with. Dr. Garner’s approach emphasizes that there are meaningful, evidence-informed ways rehabilitation can support symptom reduction, improved function, and a better quality of life.
EDS/hEDS, Hip Dysplasia & Complex Hip–Pelvic Conditions
Supporting people recovering from hip arthroscopy, managing labral pathology or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and navigating hypermobility-related pelvic and orthopedic symptoms through an integrated pelvic-orthopedic approach designed to address the whole person.
Voice to Pelvic Floor Function
Addressing concerns involving the relationship between voice, breath, pressure regulation, diaphragm function, and pelvic floor coordination. This work is especially relevant for singers, actors, public speakers, athletes, and others whose performance depends on efficient whole-body integration.
As a vocalist herself, Dr. Garner has a special interest in helping performers optimize efficiency, reduce strain, enhance resilience, and return confidently to the activities they love through a deeper understanding of the voice–breath–pelvic floor connection.
Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause
Providing specialized pelvic health support for the hormonal and musculoskeletal changes that can occur during midlife and beyond, including concerns related to pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, pressure management, movement confidence, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Return to Function
Supporting individuals through pregnancy preparation, postpartum recovery, prolapse and incontinence management, and a safe return to exercise, work, caregiving, and the activities that matter most.
Complex Spine, Jaw, Diaphragm, Shoulder & Lumbopelvic Connections
Addressing the interconnected systems of the body that can contribute to pelvic symptoms, particularly when pain has been treated as isolated rather than part of a broader movement, breathing, or neuromuscular pattern.
Are you a PT, OT, or other medical professional?
If you are a PT wanting to do bridge the pelvic/ortho gap in patients with hip issues, take my Hip Differential Diagnosis & Integrative Management course.
If you are a pelvic PT or OT or voice professional interested in learning Voice to Pelvic Floor Methodology, take my Voice to Pelvic Floor Connection course.
If you are a PT or OT interested in learning Functional, Integrative, and Lifestyle Medicine from me – take my Integrative Lifestyle Medicine Certification.
If you are a PT or OT interested in being certified in Medical Therapeutic Yoga, take my Medical Therapeutic Yoga Certification (includes the ILM Certification).
Education & Training
- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington 1995 – Licensed Athletic Trainer (BA, ATC-Ret)
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1998 – Master of Physical Therapy (PT, MPT) – Go Heels!
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2016 – Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Certifications & Specialty Training:
- Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM) Professional Yoga Therapist (PYT), Pilates, Ayurvedic Practitioner, YACEP, ERYT500, Dry Needling (CIDN), Visceral Mobilization, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Sexual Dysfunction, Prenatal & Postpartum, Incontinence, Rectal & Bowel Dysfunction, Endometriosis, Interstitial Cystitis, Integrative Manual Therapy, Women’s Health, Mindfulness, MBSR, Trauma-Informed Care, Chronic Pain Care, Lumbopelvic Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging, Vocal Performance, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, & Pessary Fitting
Community Involvement
- North American Menopause Society (The Menopause Society) – Member
- American Physical Therapy Association – Member
- American Physical Therapy Association NC Chapter (APTANC) – Legislative Chair
- APTA Private Practice Section & Academy of Pelvic Health – Congressional Key Contact
- APTA Academy of Pelvic Health – NC State Representative, Postpartum Task Force Member, Prenatal & 4th Trimester Task Force Member
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine – Member and Founding MIG PT/OT Member and Co-Chair
- National Athletic Trainers Association – Retired Member
- International Pelvic Pain Society – Member
- Yoga Alliance – Member, Certified YACEP, ERYT500
- Volunteer – Vocalist, locally, regionally, and internationally
- US National Committee for UN Women NC Chapter – Past Board Member & Secretary
- IAYT – Former Charter School member of & founder of the first international yoga therapy school for medical providers