Del Rio Therapist Brings Pelvic Floor Care to Val Verde

Dr. Sabrina Flores, a Del Rio native who completed advanced training in physical therapy, returned to Val Verde County to offer pelvic floor therapy locally, a move that has significantly increased access to a specialized treatment not widely available in rural areas. Since joining Val Verde Regional Medical Center’s rehab team in 2023, the number of patients undergoing pelvic floor therapy nearly doubled, reducing the need for residents to travel hours for care.

Flores said leaving Del Rio for San Antonio felt necessary early in her career. “Like most kids here [in Del Rio], I thought ‘I want to go to a bigger city because there’s more opportunity.’” She completed doctoral training and specialized in pelvic floor therapy and women’s health, but saw a persistent problem when treating patients: language barriers and long travel distances prevented many locals from receiving timely specialty care. “I don’t need to be in a big city. I need to be home, where they don’t have to travel two and a half hours for every specialty appointment,” she said.

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the muscles that support bladder, bowel and reproductive function. Flores described how the therapy addresses issues that often go untreated in rural communities. “We’re working with muscles. They’re very important for controlling leakage, whether that’s number 1 or number 2. They’re great for as far as helping prepare for birthing, should women have any kind of pain, whether that’s hip pain, back pain, groin pain, they can find some relief to make the entire pregnancy a better experience.”

Local impact has been practical and cultural. Patients who previously navigated long drives and the need for translators can now find treatment closer to home, improving continuity of care and reducing financial and logistical strain. Flores has also focused on community education to raise awareness that the service exists locally. “I made my way back here and I’ve been working on bringing awareness to our community that we now offer something that’s no niche, that’s not otherwise available in this area,” she said.

Flores framed her return to Del Rio as part of a larger purpose. “God kind of worked through me and allowed me to come back… I figured why go somewhere where there’s more opportunity when I can also create them,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to offer those resources and educate our community and really give back to the people who gave into me.”

Val Verde residents seeking more information about pelvic floor therapy at Val Verde Regional Medical Center can call 830.703.1729.