Founder

MY EXPERIENCE

• Over 16 years of physical therapy experience treating patients with orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions

• Completed advanced coursework in pelvic rehabilitation

• Rehabilitative Ultrasound Trained

• Completed Julie Wiebe’s courses of Piston Breathing and training the Female Athlete

• Dry needling certified

• Certified pilates rehabilitative practitioner

• Clinical instructor for physical therapy students

• Member of the American Physical Therapy Association ( APTA)

• Member of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

• Presenter of various pelvic health topics: pelvic floor considerations for orthopedic therapists; orthopedic considerations for pelvic floor therapists; the role of pelvic floor therapy to other health care providers and a lay audience

ABOUT ME

Like many physical therapists, my journey began when I was sidelined as a high school athlete - my PT experience sparked my passion for the field. A pivotal moment came when I shadowed a pelvic floor PT and discovered a field that felt like a perfect fit—multidimensional, interconnected, and deeply rewarding. Also, let’s be honest, I love to talk to people with complex lives, hear their stories, and really drill down into the nitty gritty of their challenges and opportunities.

Today’s world is complex, our medical system is complex, our health is complex. I love the diversity within pelvic health and offering a holistic approach. Whether you're dealing with postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, or urinary issues, (male or female) I know it's all connected—and it's all worth addressing. I have a passion for sussing out your challenges - whether they stem from stress, job issues, or even when you are going to work out, or when/how you are going to cook dinner. Your body, your choice, right? And my job is to work with you to problem-solve what works best for you and your lifestyle.  I joke that I am a social worker/case manager too, but the truth is it’s all about EMPOWERING you with choices on how to heal yourself.

I do believe that for some people, pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just about your pelvic floor, your core, or your back. It’s about figuring out how PFPT affects your whole body, your whole life and your family. I work with you to figure out the best ways to serve you in the next 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 months, and 10 years. 

When I'm not in the clinic, I find joy in savoring sushi, sipping coffee, or exploring beaches. In real life, I am the CEO of my family and aspire to find balance between work, health, family,, and pleasure! 

I believe in progress, not perfection, and I'm here to support you on your journey to better pelvic health.

My Experience

• 7+ years treating orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions

• Doctor of Physical Therapy – University of St. Augustine, Austin, TX

• Certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

• Registered Yoga Teacher (200-Hour RYT) since 2016

• Completed advanced pelvic health training including:

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Dry needling for pelvic pain

  • Nutrition for pelvic rehabilitation

  • Postpartum care for high-level athletes

  • Pediatric pelvic floor therapy

• Clinical Instructor for physical therapy students since 2021

• Awarded Best of the Best Physical Therapist by the Austin American-Statesman, 2022

• Fluent in English and French

ABOUT ME

With over seven years of experience as a physical therapist, I specialize in orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions, including a focus on pregnancy and postpartum care. I am a licensed PT, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and a certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. My clinical approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, advanced pelvic health training, and the belief that everyone with a pelvic floor deserves compassionate, individualized treatment.

After completing my undergraduate studies in Kinesiology and French at Rice University and earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, I began my career in pediatric PT before discovering my passion for pelvic health. Since then, I’ve pursued extensive continuing education in pelvic rehabilitation, postpartum fitness, and holistic care, including nutrition, dry needling, and visceral manipulation.

My mission is to create an open and empowering environment where all patients feel safe, seen, and heard. I believe pelvic health is essential—not optional—and while many issues may be common, they are not normal and are absolutely worthy of treatment.

Having recently returned to my hometown of Houston after nearly a decade in Austin, and becoming a mother in 2023, I bring professional knowledge and personal insight into the physical and emotional demands of postpartum recovery. I’m honored to walk alongside my patients on their healing journeys.

When I'm not in the clinic, you’ll find me exploring Houston’s food scene or strolling local parks with my husband and son—always with a hot coffee in hand.

MY EXPERIENCE

• Orthopedic Residency trained

• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation training – Herman & Wallace

• Certified in Sports & Orthopedic Dry Needling

• Advanced training in:

  • Visceral mobilization

ABOUT ME

As a dancer turned physical therapist, I have always been passionate about working with active individuals and athletes. After graduating from physical therapy school, I continued my training through Orthopedic Residency while simultaneously becoming a Pilates instructor. Through this work, I became increasingly aware of the vital role the pelvic floor plays in movement and overall function in everyday life.

In 2022, I took my first pelvic floor course and immediately fell in love with the specialty! While I have always valued a holistic treatment approach as an Orthopedic specialist, becoming a pelvic floor physical therapist has profoundly shaped and strengthened the way I assess and treat patients. In addition to continued education in pelvic health, pregnancy, and postpartum care, I hold certifications/advanced training in manual therapy, dry needling, cupping, kinesiotaping, and dance medicine. I am passionate about providing comprehensive, individualized care that supports all humans to move stronger, smarter, and longer!

When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me staying active in the local Houston community—taking or teaching movement classes and hosting wellness workshops. Outside of work, I am a big foodie and proud dog mom who enjoys exploring local farmers markets, supporting my fiancé’s basketball team, and always looking for an excuse to try a new coffee or boba shop!

Pregnancy and Postpartum Specialist

MY EXPERIENCE

• Over 15 years of physical therapy experience treating patients with orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions

• Completed advanced coursework in Pelvic Health

• Certified as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Corrective Specialist

• Advanced Dry Needling coursework

ABOUT ME

I began my career 15 years ago as a pediatric physical therapist thinking that specialty would be my lifelong passion. However, after the birth of my first daughter in 2016, my world completely changed. Her arrival was the most beautiful thing i had ever experienced and forever changed my life. For me, the postpartum period was also filled with physical and mental challenges. My personal pelvic floor issues and the mental stress my body was holding shifted my perspective and passion to pelvic floor therapy.  

Pelvic floor dysfunction is multifaceted, often more than just the pelvic floor muscles and it is important to treat all of these areas to experience change. I understand many of these factors, the stressors involved, and the importance of healing our bodies to be the strongest version of ourselves. Now that I have entered the perimenopausal era, I am understanding the hormonal factors involved in pelvic floor therapy and muscular strength. 

It is my mission to educate women on the physical changes that our bodies undergo from menstruation and throughout the female lifespan. I enjoy taking a deeper dive into my patients care with a holistic approach. I work with you one on one to create an individualized plan to help you reach your specific goals. Whether returning to the same activities or finding new ways of moving and living a healthy life, I am here to walk beside you on your journey!

When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me watching my oldest daughter play soccer or my youngest daughter dance & cheer. I love date nights with my husband and family trips to the beach. You can also find me wearing purple & cheering GEAUX Tigers! 

MY EXPERIENCE

• Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of North Texas Health Science Center with Honors

• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation training – Herman & Wallace and Academy of Women’s Health through the APTA

• 7 years of experience as a physical therapist

ABOUT ME

Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie McCarter—a Doctor of Physical Therapy, devoted wife, mama to two toddlers, and an Aggie.

I started my career in pediatric physical therapy just like I had set out to do since high school. It has been an incredible privilege to work with children of all ages and their parents. After experiencing two pregnancies, two births, and two very different postpartum journeys of my own, I discovered another calling. My experiences ignited a passion for supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and pelvic health. I began transitioning from pediatric physical therapy into pelvic floor physical therapy by completing extensive continuing education to better serve women during this transformative season of life. Along the way, I realized I had developed a genuine passion for all things pelvic health, and I feel honored to walk alongside women on their own journeys toward healing and confidence.

When I’m not treating patients, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, enjoying a cup of coffee, catching up with friends over brunch, staying active, or cheering on the Aggies in just about every sport. Gig ’Em!

At Empower Yourself PT, my mission is to provide compassionate, one-on-one care with a holistic approach. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy-related discomfort, postpartum recovery, bowel or bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, or simply have questions about your pelvic floor, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that empowers you to return to the activities you love.

I can’t wait to meet you and be part of your journey!

My journey into pelvic health isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. After years of battling endometriosis and chronic hip pain, I found life-changing relief through pelvic floor physical therapy. That experience ignited a passion to help others find the care, answers, and support they deserve.

With a Master’s degree in Professional Psychology, I co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of Houston to provide education, resources, and a supportive community for those affected by this often-overlooked condition. My mission is simple: to ensure that everyone has access to the care, answers, and support they deserve.

When I’m not advocating or supporting others, you’ll likely find me dancing ballet, baking something sweet, staying up way too late with a good book, or savoring my daily emotional support Dr Pepper. My husband and I are proud cat parents to our three beloved cats: Siouxsie, Princess Moonpie, and Marshmallow Pavlova.