Education:
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), University of New Mexico
- Bachelor’s in Spanish, University of South Alabama
Specialties:
- Pelvic health physical therapy
- Female athlete pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Urinary dysfunction and pelvic pain
- Prenatal, antepartum, postpartum care
- Aging adult fitness and mobility
- Neurologic conditions affecting pelvic function
Professional Experience:
With over 13 years of experience in the physical therapy field, Shelley Menk is passionate about helping patients regain mobility, return to activity, and improve their quality of life through evidence-based care. She has worked across a wide variety of clinical settings including acute care, the VA hospital system, pediatrics, aquatic therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, and pelvic health.
Shelley has also contributed to physical therapy education as an adjunct faculty member for the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, assisting in neurology coursework and serving as the primary instructor for CNM’s Physical Therapist Assistant pathophysiology course.
Her clinical focus is pelvic health, and she especially enjoys helping patients return to activity without limitations caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. She works with a diverse population including female athletes, aging adults, men and women with pelvic health conditions, individuals with neurologic comorbidities, and patients during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Approach to Care:
Shelley takes a patient-centered approach, creating individualized treatment plans that address both symptoms and the underlying causes of dysfunction. She incorporates techniques such as biofeedback, myofascial therapy, ultrasound imaging, cupping, dry needling and pelvic floor rehabilitation techniques to help patients regain strength, function, and confidence.
She places a strong emphasis on education and empowerment, teaching patients strategies they can use independently, including pelvic floor training, return-to-running protocols for urinary incontinence, and self-treatment techniques using pelvic health tools when appropriate. Shelley strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive concerns and confident in their recovery journey.
Certifications and Continuing Education:
- Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA)
- Completed University of New Mexico Women’s Health Clinical Specialist Residency (2025)
- Advanced pelvic floor treatment training through Herman & Wallace and the Institute of Clinical Excellence
- Dry Needling Certification through University of New Mexico
- Pessary Fitting Certification through Herman & Wallace Institute
Personal Interests:
Outside of the clinic, Shelley enjoys swimming, gardening, reading autobiographies, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Fun Fact:
Shelley is known for always having a smile. She believes starting each day with positivity helps bring light to others, and she considers it a privilege to support patients on their healing journey—often becoming their biggest cheerleader when they achieve their goals.