Q&A | Meet Plano, TX Clinical Director Dr. Kristi Rosipal

We’re thrilled to announce that The Rosipal Institute, led by Dr. Kristi Rosipal, PT, DPT, has joined Origin. With over 30 years of physical therapy experience and a passion for transformative patient care, Dr. Rosipal and her team have been pioneering pelvic floor physical therapy and helped countless Texan women. We are so excited to bring their practice and unique approach to pelvic floor health to the Origin family. 

We caught up with Dr. Rosipal between patient sessions to learn about her journey, why she's so passionate about pelvic floor physical therapy, and her vision for women's healthcare.

What inspired you to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy?

I saw a huge gap in patient care and a niche that was not addressed enough. For years, I noticed people were being told “we don't know what's wrong with you,” and getting bounced between specialists without real answers. I saw a real need here — and I wanted to fill that void.

How would you describe the experience of growing your own clinic in Texas?  Has anything changed in the way people approach pelvic floor health between then and now? 

When I founded this clinic in 2013, pelvic floor therapy was virtually unknown. Since then, I've seen a huge improvement in awareness. There are so many new ways for patients to connect with each other now — from social media to online community spaces like mom groups. I've also worked hard to build relationships with local physicians, educating them about the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy and how it can be the answer to many of their patients' challenges.

Previously, this type of therapy was very new. Now, most people know about it and actively seek it out. I've found that people are most likely to try PT when recommended by someone they trust — whether that's a friend who's had a great experience or a physician who understands the value of treatment.

What excites you most about being part of Origin going forward? What is your vision for expanding access to pelvic floor PT?

The opportunity for growth is incredible. I've had patients driving from out of state — from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania and beyond — because they couldn't find proper care elsewhere. Joining the Origin network provides an opportunity for nationwide access through virtual and in-person care. It also gives my team the chance to learn from other Origin practitioners, sharing experiences and expanding our approach to patient care.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work as a pelvic floor therapist? Do you have any patient success stories you can share?

In over 30 years as a physical therapist, pelvic floor therapy has been the most meaningful work of my career. I’ve worked with lots of different types of patients, from Olympic athletes to NFL players. With pelvic floor physical therapy, it’s incredible to connect with patients and hear them say “you’ve changed my life.”

I've helped patients improve relationships, support their journey to pregnancy, and dramatically enhance their quality of life. It's more than just a job — I'm truly affecting positive change and making an impact in peoples’ lives.

Many women suffer in silence with pelvic floor issues. What would you tell someone who is hesitant to seek treatment?

Even with growing awareness of pelvic floor physical therapy, I still hear apprehension about getting an internal exam. Many patients are concerned that if they are experiencing pain with their OB/GYN, they will have that same experience with pelvic floor physical therapy.

I’d like those folks to know that there is a lot we can do without having to do anything internal. We take a total body approach; we’re helping you with your deepest core, but there are also some very superficial things that can help you improve. Your mindset, prior traumas, and fears are also factors that can play a big role in pelvic floor dysfunction. So, we do a lot of comforting patients and listening. Many patients tell us we're the first providers who've truly listened to their symptoms and concerns.

How do you approach patient and clinician education to be able to grow access to this kind of care?

To grow overall awareness, I’ve focused on educating those with wide-reaching platforms — tapping into wellness groups, local community spaces, and online platforms.

With my clinicians, I create a family-like environment. I have them shadow me, learning how to approach different scenarios so they can become knowledgeable resources themselves.

What advancements or trends in pelvic floor physical therapy are you most excited about?

The growing awareness of pelvic floor health, especially around pregnancy wellness, is transformative. I remember my own pregnancies, where preparation was limited to reading a book, a few OB appointments and maybe Lamaze. Now, patients come during pregnancy looking for comprehensive preparation – to feel confident and prepared and have their pelvic floor in the best condition before delivery.

This expansion of prenatal care helps create better postnatal experiences, with many patients needing less intervention after birth. The saying is true – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about? Any hobbies or causes you champion?

Absolutely being a mom to my two kids. Family life is what I put number one. Aside from that, I like to go fast. I like fast cars, getting in a helicopter, anything with a bit of an adrenaline punch–I like it.

What do you want your legacy to be in this field? How do you hope to make an impact through your work at Origin?

I want to be remembered for caring. For truly listening. Patients often ask about other musculoskeletal issues beyond their primary concern (like, “my shoulder isn't what I'm seeing you for, but do you have any advice?”), and I take time to investigate – offering exercises or lifestyle advice. My goal is for patients to feel heard and cared for as whole individuals. 

What’s different about offering pelvic floor therapy in Texas versus the rest of the country?

A bit of the saying things are bigger in Texas is true. We go big. Once the community awareness is there, everybody is in. I get lots of patients from mom groups, book clubs – one patient will share their great experience and boom, I’ve got everybody they know coming in for treatment. In Texas, women speak up, stand for themselves, and do not take a back seat. 

What sets Origin apart in the women's health space in your opinion? Why should patients seek pelvic floor PT with Origin?

Origin is doing exactly what I set out to do — filling a niche that's been ignored. We know that women are tough cookies, we take it in stride, we keep going, and we don't say anything.

Origin is telling women: “You're important, we care about you, we want you to be in your best health.” 

Origin is really taking the reins on women's health, which I think has been shoved under the rug for many years.

This isn’t just a practice–it’s a family. Our patients are part of that and care about us too. When joining Origin, it was important to me to hold onto and maintain that sentiment. The other Origin clinics I’ve spoken to have that same feeling – of a supportive family environment and care within the clinic. You can’t make that up. 

If you've been considering physical therapy, this is your sign to get started. Dr. Rosipal and the Origin team are now booking patients for pelvic floor and whole-body physical therapy.