Melissa Banks
PT, DPT
Melissa is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic rehabilitation, with a passion for helping patients understand not only where their symptoms are coming from, but also the underlying factors that may be contributing to them.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Science before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Pittsburgh. During her education, Melissa received extensive mentorship in both orthopedics and pelvic health, which helped shape the comprehensive, whole-body approach she brings to patient care today.
Since becoming a practicing physical therapist, Melissa has continued to advance her pelvic health training through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She has specialized training in treating both women and men with pelvic floor dysfunction, gastrointestinal-related dysfunction, pelvic pain, and pregnancy and postpartum conditions.
Melissa is particularly passionate about treating pelvic pain and complex pelvic floor conditions. She recognizes that symptoms in the pelvis often do not exist in isolation and may be influenced by the spine, hips, abdominal wall, breathing mechanics, musculoskeletal system, and surrounding soft tissues. Rather than focusing solely on the location of pain, Melissa looks at how these different areas of the body interact to identify potential contributors to a patient’s symptoms.
Her treatments incorporate a combination of hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, and patient education. Depending on the individual, she may utilize techniques including myofascial release, visceral mobilization, cupping, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to improve mobility, decrease pain, and restore function.
In addition to pelvic health, Melissa has extensive orthopedic experience treating spine, hip, knee, and shoulder conditions. This orthopedic background allows her to integrate pelvic floor rehabilitation with the rest of the musculoskeletal system—an approach that is especially valuable for patients whose symptoms are complex, persistent, or involve multiple areas of the body.
Melissa believes that successful physical therapy should be a collaborative and individualized process. She takes the time to listen to each patient’s story, understand their goals, and develop a treatment plan specific to their needs. Education is an important part of her approach, and she strives to help patients better understand their bodies so they can feel confident, empowered, and actively involved in their recovery.
Outside of the clinic, Melissa enjoys staying active through soccer and tennis. Originally from the Poconos, she grew up skiing and hiking and continues to enjoy spending time outdoors. She also loves reading, spending time with family and friends, and connecting with others over a good game night.
