Imua Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor - Dance Medicine - Sports Rehab
About
Dr. Vanessa Cornwell-Chiu is a Bay Area native who has been a clinician for over 13 years. She received her Doctorate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2011.
Background
Vanessa has spent most of her career in orthopedics, and is a current Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She has been a dancer for 36 years in primarily jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop. Vanessa has had extensive experience in dance medicine programs and has helped rehab ballet dancers en pointe and pre pointe level.
After having two children, Vanessa’s interest in pelvic floor PT grew over the years. She has battled her own personal journey suffering from pelvic pain, and holds a deep passion to help other mothers in their rehabilitation. Vanessa has completed advanced coursework from Herman and Wallace.
Vanessa is a board member of Concussion Box, a non profit organization that offers a free auditory library for supporting concussion survivors and their family.
Her passion for sports dates back to her childhood, when she and her father would attend Bay Area sporting events such as going to Oakland As and San Jose Sharks games together. Vanessa understands the challenges that athletes face after an injury, and provides compassionate care to support her athletes back to their sport.
Vanessa's Story
Pelvic Health
I experienced a traumatic birth with my first born. I had significant blood loss, a hematoma, dehiscing of sutures, and severe pelvic floor pain. I was unable to sit on a toilet or chair for months. I was depressed, anxious to return to normal, all while navigating the care for my newborn! I was afraid of being with my husband ever again. I thought we would only have one child because felt my “girl parts were destroyed”. My pelvic PT Judi was my angel. She performed an extensive pelvic floor evaluation, she taught me so much about my toileting habits, and she helped me feel safe with being intimate again with my husband. This was such a big deal! I thought to myself “Gee, I want to be a Judi for other mamas! I want to be Judi when I grow up!” Well, thankfully I was a practicing orthopedic Physical Therapist, so growing into the Pelvic Floor world wasn’t too long of a journey! I started to take wonderful classes with Herman and Wallace, I received amazing mentorship from multiple providers, and I continue to learn from each of my patients. If you are looking for someone who can provide compassionate, supportive, personal care to you, you are in the right place!
Dance Medicine
I have been a dancer for over 36 years, in various dance companies. I currently choreograph and assist direct Bay Area Dancers based out of Berkeley, CA. Needless to say, I am extremely passionate about treating dancers. When I was at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, I assisted in the creation of a research influenced pre-pointe criteria. This screen has helped clinicians, parents, and dance teachers determine if a ballet dancer has the strength and neuromuscular control to safely begin training en pointe. I was extensively trained with phenomenal mentors on how to work with higher impact sports like gymnastics and cheerleading.
I have personally sustained multiple dance injuries that have resulted in 3 orthopedic surgeries. Without the guidance of amazing PTs and PTAs, there is no way I would have the strength and confident to safely return to performing! It is crucial to have someone on your or your loved one’s team, who KNOWs and understands the psychology behind the performing arts world! I know how devastating it is to have to sit out of a competition and your team having to re-stage choreography. I am here to help with the physical rehab, along with encouraging the healing and mental strength required to return back to the dance studio and/or gym!
Dr. Vanessa - Vacaville Strong!
I am so grateful to raise my children in the wonderful town of Vacaville, CA. This town has seen so much adversity after the fires that hit our neighbors, and the tragic loss of fallen VPD Officer Matthew Bowen.
There are no words to describe how honored I am to be a part of this community, who poured out so much support for families who faced unimaginable tragedy. I am so proud to be in this supportive, loving, and diverse community.
Contact
Contact Vanessa today for a free 20 min consult and pricing details
Call or Text: (510) 449-8273