Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gina Hahn.
Hi Dr. Hahn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dr. Gina Hahn. I am a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified kettlebell coach. I got into physical therapy because of my injuries as a soccer and lacrosse athlete growing up. After earning my PT degree, I took a deep dive into strength and conditioning and kettlebells for personal and professional goals. I brought what I learned into the clinic and immediately saw the benefits of loading tissue (with heavy weights) sooner rather than later in the injury rehab process.
Too often we are told by medical professionals to just rest and take time off from the activity when we have pain.
This might be a good prescription for one week, but not for months on end. Our tissues and nervous system are very adaptable so when we rest too much, they adapt to that and become weaker, less resilient, and less responsive. Instead, we need to take that same notion that tissues ADAPT and train them for the sport of life. When I was pregnant with my first child, and still a fitness athlete, I learned as much as I could about pregnancy and labor. I listened to podcasts, read research, and took courses on pelvic floor health.
What I learned is that there is a lot of fear-mongering and misinformation around strength training and pelvic floor (dys)function in pregnancy and postpartum. Moreover, women in general do not meet the minimum criteria for weight training set forth by the World Health Organization.
We know that exercise has wide-reaching health benefits for all people, including stronger bones, better sleep, improved nervous system regulation, and pain management (just to name a few). So now in my practice, Performance Therapy, I tie together pain science education, strength training, and pelvic health to help clients feel better in their bodies.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle has been starting a family in the midst of starting my business. I am good at my craft as a physical therapist and coach, but I have a lot to learn about business development and maintenance. I am actively overcoming that struggle by reaching out to mentors and business development resources in my county. I also started a meet-up group of other women who are small business owners working in the health and wellness space.
We support one another by referring to each other business, and by discussing complex cases. On top of all of this, I want to be present and intentional with my kids. To do this, I unplug when I am not at work. I also take off one day per month just to be with them or do a special activity in the middle of the week. My son is 3, and my daughter is 4 months old. They are a special part of me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Performance Therapy?
Performance Therapy was generated because I wanted to provide a better model of health care to women during what can be a vulnerable time in life: pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. I created this concierge physical therapy practice to serve as a resource and coach to the women in my community. When you work with me, you get personalized 1-1 care that includes discussion about where you are now versus where you want to be, and we dissect together what is standing in your way.
I provide a roadmap for you to follow and hold you accountable so you can start to make positive changes. This roadmap usually includes exercise, stress management tactics, and good sleep hygiene. Most clients see me 1-4 times per month (more frequently in the beginning) over several months to track progress and give you time and space to try new exercises or activities that were previously symptomatic or just too scary to try on your own. I treat incontinence, pelvic pain, pain with sex, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), hip and low back pain, bladder urgency, and more.
These symptoms are rarely seen in isolation, usually, there is a story behind when and how they started. My approach to physical rehabilitation is that it takes time and effort. Through my injuries and birth trauma, I have learned that health and fitness (muscle strength in particular) can help us recover faster and with fewer complications. I want to help as many women as possible feel good in body, mind, and spirit.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My mom always describes me as a light. I love that because it is a beautiful compliment that any parent can give to their child, but also because I relate to the visualization of being a light. I have always been an optimist and a person who attracts a lot of happiness in life.
My core group of friends would tell you that I ask good questions and like to know people on a deeper level. From a young age, I have loved expressing myself through athletics and dance which helps me feel embodied.
In my twenties and early thirties, I learned the importance of caring for my mental health as well, so I practice things like meditation, journaling, and nature walks. I am a lifelong learner and am not afraid to evolve or admit when I don’t know something.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.performxtherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performxtherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/performxtherapy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_vu9ng2pDLEjOd2hZgBOtQ
Image Credits
Ashley Cross Photography
