Our Houston, TX Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Team

At Empower Yourself PT our physical therapy approach is simple: At the end of the day, what do you want to achieve? What are your goals? Is it to play with your kids without back pain? Run a marathon? Do burpees or Zumba leak free?  You tell us! How much time can you commit to the pelvic floor physical therapy process- 5 minutes a day?  5 hours a week? No problem! We believe a little bit goes a long way, and that making small and realistic changes can help you reach the goals you want. 

Together, we will create a plan of care that combines pelvic floor physical therapy with a home program to help you achieve them. As a team of pelvic floor specialists, Houston is our home and our patients’ home. We love working with local women to empower you to improve your pelvic health.

Dr. Karen Kowenski PT, DPT, WCS

Pelvic Floor Therapist & Founder

Pelvic Floor Therapist & Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist

Dr. Sima Schach PT, DPT, PCES

Pelvic Floor Therapist & Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist

Located in our Woodlands Office

Dr. Leslie Guier PT, DPT, PCES

Clinical Care Coordinator

Alison Landolt

  • Founder

    MY EXPERIENCE

    • Over 10 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.

  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Specialist

    MY EXPERIENCE

    • Over 10 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

    ABOUT ME

    There are physical and mental changes that our bodies go through during the childbearing years. As a mom, I completely understand these stressors and the importance of healing our bodies to be the strongest version of ourselves.

    It is my mission to educate women on the physical changes that our bodies undergo and work with you on an individualized plan to help you reach your optimum level of pelvic health and wellness. I believe it is important to accomplish this through one on one treatment sessions with your specific goals in mind.

    Whether it is returning to the same activities or finding new ways of living a healthy life, I am here to walk beside you on 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.

Visit Us

4909 Bissonnet St Suite 115, Bellaire, TX 77401

Hours:

  • Monday 9-5

  • Tuesday 9-5

  • Wednesday 9-5

  • Thursday 9-5

  • Friday 9-3

Phone
(832) 463-1152

Fax 713-324=0521

Email us at info@empoweryourselfpt.com