Bess Mathisen, D.P.T.
ABOUT
Inertia Physio & Pelvic Health
Inertia is the force by which an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest stays at rest.
Inertia Physio and Pelvic health was founded in 2021 driven by the belief that we feel better, smile more, and think straighter when we keep moving.
While movement goals are different for everyone, we could all benefit from a teammate to help us achieve our desired result.
Whether pain, immobility, weakness, or fear is your limitation, Inertia believes that with education, individualized care, and commitment to the plan we can work together to successfully achieve a lasting benefit for you.
Let Inertia Physio be your teammate in movement for life!
Our Staff
Bess Mathisen, DPT
Founder/ Director
A Maryland native, Bess fell in love with this region through service with the Appalachian Service Project.
After receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University, Bess relocated to Norton, Virginia in 2012. She treated a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological diagnoses in the outpatient setting before extensive training with the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. In 2018, Bess started the first pelvic health rehab program in the region.
Through three of her own pregnancies and postpartum recoveries, Bess developed a passion for pelvic floor therapy and promoting awareness and education around pelvic health concerns across the lifespan.
In 2021, Bess founded Inertia Physio and Pelvic Health with the goal of treating the whole patient and not just the diagnosis they come in with, while utilizing the most current tools and techniques available. An active member of the Virginia Chapter of the APTA and Academy of Pelvic Health, Bess works to stay up to date with the most recent research and evidence in the field.
Beyond her therapy practice, Bess is a committed Catholic, competitive runner, cyclist, and rock climber. But most importantly she does her best to be a loving wife, mother, and friend.
Robin Wade, DPT
Robin completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at South College in 2023. An Eastern TN native, Robin rowed competitively at Auburn University and now calls Bristol home. She has worked in outpatient physical therapy treating a variety of orthopedic, vestibular, neurological, and post-surgical diagnoses. Robin loves movement and helps others pursue fitness as a Level 2 Crossfit trainer. She has
also trained in the clinical management of pregnant and postpartum athletes. In her spare time you can find Robin cooking or exploring the outdoors with her husband.
Virginia Griffin
Front Desk Coordinator
The welcoming smile you'll receive at the front desk of Inertia Physio and Pelvic Health belongs to Virginia Griffin. While she calls Abingdon home, Virginia has lived in two countries and five different states throughout her life. Her favorite way to get out and move is to hike the Virginia Creeper Trail with her daughter. Virginia is excited to help make your visits to Inertia a comfortable and positive experience, just don't serenade her with the Train song "Meet Virginia!"
Join Our Team
We're always open to welcoming passionate therapists to the Inertia team. If you're looking for a career in physical therapy and think you'd be a great fit at our clinic please send a note and resume to bess@inertiaabingdon.com