Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic

Expert care for those who have experienced pelvic dysfunction.

Treatment and Benefits

Our Approach and Benefits

Women of all ages who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. We offer specialized, one-on-one treatment as a cost-effective alternative or in addition to medication and surgery. We partner with Carilion's urogynecologists and many healthcare professionals in the region to ensure you receive the most comprehensive, expert-level care possible. 

The types of treatment we offer include:

  • Manual therapy
  • Bladder retraining
  • Dietary and behavioral modifications
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Dry needling
  • Muscle energy techniques
  • Biofeedback
  • Dilator instruction
  • Functional/sport training

Some of the outcomes of treatment include:

  • Return to a prior level of function for work, recreational and intimate life activities
  • Control over your bowel and bladder
  • Improved quality of life

Our Team

Our Team

Our team consists of two pelvic floor physical therapists, specially trained to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. They offer specialized evaluation and a variety of treatments with the goal of improving your quality of life.

Ranessa Gibson, PT, DPT

Dr. Ranessa Gibson is a Women’s Health Physical Therapist at Carilion Clinic in the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic. Ranessa graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Biology, where she also played on the women’s basketball team. Ranessa was pursuing an education in medicine, specifically OB/GYN, until she realized how long physicians are in school! This realization combined with some knee injuries and many physical therapy appointments over the years inspired her to attend physical therapy school. As fate would have it, Ranessa was accepted into Shenandoah University and at that time had two well-known pelvic health physical therapists on faculty. It brought together the best of both worlds--physical therapy and women’s health. Ranessa graduated in 2003 with her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Ranessa’s focus and area of expertise has been in Women’s Health for the last 19 years and 18 of those have been with Carilion Clinic.   

Outside of work, Ranessa is married to her graduate school sweetheart who is a Physical Therapist in the area. Ranessa is a busy mom to twin teenage daughters and has a son in elementary school.  All three amazing kids are very active in sports and school activities. Ranessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her dog Ollie.

Laura Thomas, PT, DPT

Dr. Laura Thomas is a Women’s Health Physical Therapist at Carilion Clinic in the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic. Laura graduated from Roanoke College with a B.S. in Biology and Concentration in Health Care Delivery. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and started working in an Outpatient Orthopedic PT clinic as a Rehab Tech for patient contact hours. This clinic was fortunate enough to have a full-time women’s health PT on staff where Laura was first exposed to this area of physical therapy. She obtained the hours she needed to apply to PT school and attended Lynchburg College, now the University of Lynchburg, where the Vice President of the Section on Women’s Health for the American Physical Therapy Association was on staff and helped grow her interest. She started pursuing this specialty by taking specific continuing education courses while still in school to be able to work with this patient population immediately upon graduating. She graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2018 and has been treating Women’s and Pelvic Health since. She joined Carilion in 2020.  

In her spare time, you can find Laura spending time with her husband, son and dog. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading for fun, working out and visiting new places.  

 

Patient Testimonial

Hear From Our Patients

Hear from our patients and their experience with our clinic. All testimonials are anonymous to protect patient privacy.

 

Patient 1, who was having discomfort from pelvic pressure:

"Before going through the Women's Health PT Program, I had no idea what to expect. I was having a lot of discomfort from pelvic pressure. My goal was to strengthen the pelvic floor. Ranessa Gibson, P.T., worked with me for several months. She taught me exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, as well as guidelines to maintain regularity and avoid pressure. Ranessa stressed the importance of continuing the regimen at home. As a result, I have been able to maintain my usual activities. Ranessa is an advocate for women's health and a valuable asset to the UroGyn team."

 

Patient 2, who saw the team three months after giving birth to address urine leakage and muscle weakness:

"I saw Laura 3 months postpartum for some issues with urine leakage and muscle weakness. She addressed my concerns and gave me some exercises and instructions to follow at home. She also gave me recipes for UTI prevention and constipation and within one month following her direction I was able to get back to regular activities with no symptoms. I am very happy and satisfied with results." 

Location and Contact

Getting here:

We are located on the 4th floor of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (101 Elm Ave, Roanoke, VA 24013). Use the 2 South entrance located on the Reid Street side of the hospital.

From Elm Avenue, turn onto Jefferson Street away from downtown, then turn left at the first traffic light onto Reid Street. The parking lot will be on your right. 

If you are arriving for an appointment, check in at the lobby then take the elevator to the 4th floor. 

To schedule an appointment:

  • Contact your primary care physician or OB/GYN to set up a referral to our clinic.
  • You may also self-refer by calling 540-985-4099. 
  • Please check with your insurance first to see if a referral is required. Some insurance companies require a referral from a healthcare professional within 60 days of your initial PT evaluation appointment. 
Carilion Clinic Urogynecology - Roanoke

Patient Packet

Patient Packet

New patients must complete the patient packets and return it to our office before the initial PT evaluation appointment can be scheduled. Please click the link below to access the new patient packet. It can be returned by mail or dropped off at our office, located at:

Carilion Clinic Urogynecology
Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital
101 Elm Ave, SE, 4th floor
2 South Entrance
Roanoke, VA 24013

Use the 2 South entrance located across from the parking lot off Reid Street. Once on Elm Avenue, turn onto Jefferson Street away from downtown, then turn left at the first street light onto Reid Street. The parking lot will be on your right. Check in at the lobby then take the elevator to the 4th floor. 

You may also attach the patient packet as a message in MyChart to your care team. Click here for information about how to sign up for MyChart.

Please call us at 540-985-4069 if you would like us to mail you the new patient packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic Floor Therapy FAQ

1. Will I get a pelvic exam during my appointment? Most likely, but it will depend on your symptoms. Your physical therapist will assess your needs and determine the appropriate treatments.

2. What if I’m on my period? Reach out to your physical therapist. They can let you know if it’s okay to proceed with your appointment or best to reschedule.

3. How many sessions will I need? Patients typically need 4 – 6 sessions, but this can vary depending on individual needs.

4. How much will it cost? Check with your insurance about physical therapy coverage, any visit requirements and potential out-of-pocket costs. You can also contact one of our pricing analysts for help.