Perineal tearing and episiotomy (an incision in the perineum made by your doctor) are a common occurrence in vaginal delivery. In fact, it is reported that up to 85% of women will have some degree of perineal trauma during vaginal delivery (1-3). The body’s natural response is to form a scar where the tissues have […]
Read MoreWho knew? Pelvic floor physical therapy can help bladder pain, urgency and frequency:
Tips for patients and physicians: Interview with Nelly Faghani, physiotherapist, colleague & friend CPHC: Congratulations, Nelly on your recent publication in the Canadian Urological Association Journal regarding PT and chronic bladder pain. We were so excited so read our northern neighbor’s name that we had to reach out right away to say congratulations! Nelly: Thank […]
Read MoreToo flexible for yoga postures? Tips for the super stretchy
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of yoga and that I apply yoga principles and postures in my own life as well as with my patients. And I double down that yoga asana is for everyone who is interested- whether in the broad spectrum of normal (what does that even mean?) to those who […]
Read MoreGetting the most out of yoga: Tips for the super stiff
I often hear from patients that they would like to try yoga, but that they are ‘not flexibile enough’ to do most of the poses. Sometimes they have injuries or other symptoms that compound their hesitation. So when I suggest some yoga postures and this comes up, I completely relate. My patients laugh (with me, […]
Read MoreTesticular Pain and PT: Great balls of fire?
Many of our patients report pain in one or both testicles, the scrotum and perineum as their primary symptom or part of their pain. Intensity may vary from annoying and uncomfortable to constant and/ or severe pain that limits work, social and sexual activity. Chronic testicular pain (CTP) affects at least 100,000 men/ year (1), […]
Read MoreHip pain & the pelvic floor connection
What is that deep, hard to reach pain in my pelvis? It might be coming from your hip. Hip pain and pelvic floor connection: Did you know that your pelvic floor muscles are directly attached you your hip muscles? That’s right, the hip bone is connected to the pelvic bone and the pelvic floor muscles […]
Read MoreDesire: Finding your mojo when sex hurts
It is not uncommon to experience a lack of desire for intimacy when you are struggling with pelvic pain. In fact, over 40 million women in the United States experience sexual dysfunction during their lifetime.1 We often hear from our patients that when they are experiencing painful intimacy, their desire remains decreased even after […]
Read MoreHitting the wall: Overcoming vaginismus
Tips for getting to the next level Vaginismus is commonly treated with gentle and progressive stretches of the pelvic floor muscles using a dilator set. The goal is to reduce the protective response by the brain associated with vaginal penetration for painful gyn exam, use of tampons and/or intimacy. Regardless of which dilator set you […]
Read MoreWhen you’ve gotta go: Tips for that pesky bladder
Does this sound familiar? Visiting the bathroom more often than every 2 hours and waking at night to empty your bladder Keeping a change of clothes in case you have an accident Inside knowledge of restroom locations on the way to work, in the mall and grocery stores Bladder leakage with a strong urge OR […]
Read MorePT Spotlight: Dustienne Miller, MSPT, WCS, CYT of Flourish Physical Therapy
One of our favorite ways to promote healing is through knowledge sharing, which is why we’re thrilled to share with you the work of Dustienne Miller, an inspiring colleague and friend! Dustienne is a board certified women’s health physical therapist, Kripalu-certified yoga teacher AND a professional dancer. She integrates her love of movement with […]
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