Kari Smith PT, DPT, BCB-PMD

Dr. Kari Smith is an associate professor in the Des Moines University Department of Physical Therapy and manager of the DMU Physical Therapy Clinic. Her clinical emphasis is in orthopedics and the treatment of bladder and bowel incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunctions with the use of exercise and manual therapy, including visceral mobilization and biofeedback. She has a certificate of achievement in pelvic physical therapy from the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association and is board-certified in biofeedback for pelvic muscle dysfunction through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance.

She is also a Stott-certified Pilates instructor, and she integrates these concepts into her back and pelvic stabilization programs. Her current research involves measuring pelvic pain in pregnancy and how it correlates to functional mobility tasks. Dr. Smith graduated from DMU with a master of science degree in physical therapy in 1998 and a doctor of physical therapy degree in 2004. She has a background in athletic training, sports-related injuries, and general orthopedic conditions.