Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) is a condition where pelvic floor muscles are either under-active or over-active, creating weakness or excessive tone. This muscle dysfunction can alter bladder and/or bowel habits as well as sexual function. PFD is very common, at least 1/3 of women are affected by it at some point in their lifetime. In addition to disrupting everyday life, PFD can often be very painful.
Johnson & Hayes® is committed to helping those with PFD regain control of their life. Our pelvic floor program is staffed by therapists who have gone through specialized training and who feel passionately about their role in helping those with PFD. You can learn more about our pelvic health program here. Please contact us directly with specific questions and/or to set up an appointment.
GOALS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Regain control of your life
- Regain control of your bladder and/or bowels
- Decrease pain and return to daily activities and the things you love
- Avoid surgery
- Reduce need to take medications
- Refer you to the correct specialists if needed
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
- Urinary or fecal leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, yelling, running, jumping, lifting
- Urinary or fecal leakage on the way to the bathroom
- Use of the bathroom more than 6 times a day or more than once a night
- Using the bathroom “just in case” you won’t be near one in the next two hours
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
- Unable to fully void
- Urge to go to the bathroom after just going
- Need to change body position to defecate
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain or burning
- Pain with use of tampon or intercourse
COMMON TREATMENTS:
Treatment is based on your needs and may include:
- Pelvic floor strengthening
- Core strengthening
- Manual soft tissue mobilizations
- Manual joint mobilizations
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Relaxation techniques
- Postural strengthening
- Scar tissue mobilization
- Education on bladder training, diet, and behavioral interventions
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY INITIAL EVALUATION?
You will be asked about your medical history and current symptoms.
Our therapists will discuss your concerns and then examine your spine, hips, and externally (with your clothes on) assess your pelvic floor. If necessary, on a subsequent visit, an internal exam may be warranted (Only with your permission and at your comfort level).
Together you and our therapists will come up with a plan of care that addresses your goals. Our therapists will explain the progression of treatment and how to accomplish your goals.
Care Team
Tinsley Copeland
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Born and raised in Huntsville, Tinsley earned her Kinesiology degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Faulkner University. With clinical expertise in treating orthopedic conditions and advanced certifications in pelvic health, she is eager to empower patients to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. When she is not working, Tinsley enjoys running, baking sourdough, and spending time with friends and family.
Crystal Sims
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Crystal Sims, a California native, joined the Johnson & Hayes team in October 2025 and brings her passion, compassion, and broad experience to the Pelvic Health team.
Crystal studied at Point Loma Nazarene University and California State University, Fresno, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University and served a successful career as an active-duty physical therapist with the U.S. Army. Though specializing in orthopedics and sports physical therapy throughout her career, Crystal began expanding her knowledge and training in Pelvic Health starting in 2014. Since that time, she has continued her education toward a Certification in Advanced Practice of Physical Therapy in Pelvic Health through the APTA, as well as being certified in dry needling. She retired from the Army in 2020 but continued working as a Red Cross volunteer at several military clinics and at a private independent and assisted living facility. Additionally, she obtained her yoga instructor certification in 2023 and has enjoyed expanding the practice in both her personal and professional life.
In her spare time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, her two young and very energetic boys, Hudson and Cade, and their goldendoodle, Mosel. She enjoys reading, weightlifting, practicing all forms of yoga, playing sports, hiking, traveling, cooking/baking, and walking her pup. She looks forward to becoming more involved in and serving her community here in the Rocket City.
Katlynne Dreaden
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Katlynne is originally from Gadsden, AL. She attended Jacksonville State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness. She then attended Alabama State University where she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020. Katlynne was first exposed to Physical Therapy in high school when she underwent treatment for a shoulder injury. She has always loved learning about the human body and helping others which lead her to choosing a career in Physical Therapy. Katlynne joined the Johnson and Hayes team in 2022 after hearing how much her husband, Hunter, enjoyed working with the team. Since then, she has received further training in pelvic health rehabilitation. Katlynne has taken Pelvic Function Level 1 and Pregnancy Rehabilitation courses through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. She also enjoys treating orthopedic conditions and is certified in dry needling. In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the water, traveling, trying new local restaurants, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Brooke Bishop, DPT
Physical Therapist
Brooke Bishop is from Somerville, Alabama and joined Johnson & Hayes Physical Therapists in November of 2021. While Brooke was in high school, she was a varsity cheerleader and she developed an interest in PT when she was receiving therapy for her ankle and lower back. Brooke received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Troy University and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Samford University. While Brooke was a student at Samford University, she did a clinical rotation at Johnson & Hayes and enjoyed the staff and setting so much that she accepted a position with the company after graduation. Brooke’s interests are in pediatrics, lumbopelvic and hip dysfunction, and pelvic floor. Brooke enjoys treating and helping others achieve their goals through therapy. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, being on the lake or at the beach and spending time with family, friends, and her golden retriever, Sally Mae. Brooke is also active in her local church, Whitesburg Baptist.
Certifications for Brooke Bishop PT, DPT include the Herman & Wallace Pelvic floor 1 (pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti, and pelvic prolapse) and 2A (incontinence, constipation, pudendal nerve dysfunction, and postpartum tears with delivery), and is advancing her knowledge with Pregnancy and Postpartum through the PCES certification and taking further Herman & Wallace courses. Through Dunning DN 1 and DN 2 she holds a Dry Needling certification for upper and lower extremities.
Olivia Johnson
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Olivia Johnson was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and is excited to be back in her hometown alongside her husband, Sam. She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and went on to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Samford University. Olivia is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and live healthier, more active lives. She has advanced training in pelvic health and dry needling, and she especially enjoys helping patients return to the activities they love. Outside of the clinic, Olivia enjoys walking, trying new recipes, gardening, and cozy movie nights with her husband.
Hayley Abell
Physical Therapist
Hayley Abell moved to Huntsville from Columbus, GA, where she was born and raised. She earned a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Georgia and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Georgia Southern University. Hayley specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports medicine, and she is also certified in dry needling.
Excited to explore her new surroundings, Hayley enjoys CrossFit, cooking, and spending time outdoors. In the fall, she can be found cheering on Georgia football (Go Dawgs!). She is a fan of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones and looks forward to hiking and camping adventures with her dog, Remi.
Passionate about women's health, Hayley is dedicated to providing the highest quality care. She believes every patient deserves personalized treatment and is committed to helping them perform at their best every step of the way.