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The Femina Physical Therapy Blog

Featuring original articles by our staff about current events and trends

With emphasis on vaginismus, pregnancy and postpartum best practices, treatments for incontinence, and other topics related to the health of your pelvic floor.

 

Blog Posts by Topic

Featured From the Blog:

Introducing The Origin Fund - Helping Women in Need

Introducing The Origin Fund - Helping Women in Need

Helping Women in Need With Our Community in Mind

The Origin Fund is dedicated to facilitating access to services that address a person’s physical, emotional and medical needs. Our focus is on individuals with pelvic health dysfunctions, and we are dedicated to improving the biopsychosocial aspects of each person as a whole. Through education, outreach and providing access to these services, we can support individuals on their journey to address their pain and dysfunction—linking patients to our network of referrals that provide these services.

Read more ...

Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML)

Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation | Image Courtesy of Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz via Unsplash
Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation | Image Courtesy of Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz via Unsplash

Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation Can Help Make Breastfeeding Less Painful

Breastfeeding is widely accepted as the normal standard for providing nutrition to newborns, however, many women who do not reach their breastfeeding goals. US national data stated that breast pain was a commonly reported reason for women weaning less than 1 month postpartum. Within that segment, 29% of women who participated in the study stated that “breastfeeding was too painful” to continue.

In the same study, 24% of women reported “breasts feel(ing) too full or engorged” as another reason to discontinue breastfeeding prior to 1 month postpartum.1 Currently, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first six months of life. As physical therapists who treat patients with postpartum conditions, we are well positioned to make a big impact on patients with breastfeeding related pain and reduce barriers to continued breastfeeding!

Read more ...

Treating Bloating and Abdominal Distension: a Multi-Disciplinary Team

treating bloating and abdominal distension
Abdominal Distension | Image Courtesy of Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

Why a Multi-Disciplinary Team is Best for Treating Bloating and Abdominal Distension

Bloating, abdominal distension, loose stools, constipation, abdominal or pelvic pain, fatigue, brain fog, weakness, nutritional deficiencies… these symptoms may be caused by a variety of gastrointestinal or pelvic conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, this article is a good place to start when deciding who to have on your care team, and what treatments can help! 

Read more ...
Babywearing 101 | Image Courtesy of Derek Owens via Unsplash

What is babywearing? 

Babywearing is the practice of transporting a baby or child in a sling or carrier that is worn on the body - a practice that has existed for generations, and has been observed across many different cultures.

What are the benefits of babywearing?

In the first few months of an infant's life, it is required of caregivers to perform many hours of carrying, a task that may be daunting if there are other children in their household that need caring for, or other responsibilities within the home that need tending to. Of course babywearing allows caregivers to be physically close to the baby while remaining hands free, but not only this, babywearing has also been shown to have emotional, physical and psychological benefits for both infant and mother. For the infant, maternal carrying of the offspring has been shown to trigger a calming response demonstrated by central, motor and cardiac signals in distressed infants.1 There is also research to support that can improve length and success of breastfeeding, improve infant temperature regulation, and sleep apnea.

In a recent survey conducted by the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, investigators sought out to identify mental health and physical effects of babywearing on the caregiver. It was found that more frequent carrying seemed to have a positive, potentially protective effect on physical health including sleep quality, fatigue, and interest in sex.1 

Why do caregivers choose to discontinue babywearing?

Solly Baby wrap for Babywearing 101

The most frequently cited challenge was climate control - carriers were too hot to wear in the summer months. 

If the heat is limiting your ability to babywear and you would like to continue, we recommend wrap-style carriers made of a light, breezy material, such as the Solly wrap: 

Read more: Babywearing 101: Benefits,...

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Underreported pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain LBPP | Image Courtesy of Filipp Romanovski via Unsplash

Underreported Pregnancy Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A common condition that most healthcare providers are missing and how physical therapy can help:

Being pregnant comes with lots of changes to an expecting mother’s body. Hormonal and physical changes to the body, as well as vascular and neural factors can cause pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PLPP). About 63% of pregnant women in the U.S. experience it at some point during gestation. A recent survey study involving 538 pregnant women with pregnancy-related lumbar and pelvic pain (henceforth termed lumbopelvic pain) found that only 43% reported it, and of those, only 22% received any treatment!1 Physical therapy through the use of manual treatments, therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, and functional activity training (lifting mechanics, proper sitting and standing posture) have been proven effective at reducing pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain and improving quality of life.2,3,4 Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain can interfere with quality of life, physical function, inability to perform daily activities, sleep disturbances, and can contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.1,2 

Read more: Underreported Pregnancy...

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shockwave therapy for painful intercourse

Learn about low intensity shockwave therapy for painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

Our team at Femina Physical Therapy is committed to providing the highest level of evidence-based care. That is why we are conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of low intensity shockwave therapy for painful intercourse, or dyspareunia as it is known clinically. We are searching for volunteers to participate in this high quality study. Those who qualify to participate will receive a reduced rate on all visits related to the study!

Read more: Participate in a High...

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urinary incontinence and postpartum depression

What's the Link Between Urinary Incontinence and Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression is a medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.

It typically arises due to a combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue. Postpartum depression is said to affect between 5-20% of mothers depending on variable socioeconomic factors. Many people associate urinary incontinence as a common postpartum symptom. Prevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence figures vary due to diverse study formats, however it is predicted that bladder leakage is experienced in a quarter to half of all postpartum women.

In recent years, studies have concluded there is a strong link between both postpartum depression and urinary incontinence postpartum.

Read more: Commonly Linked: Urinary...

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Steps to return to running in postpartum | image courtesy of sam chaffin via unsplash

During pregnancy, the body goes through tremendous changes that can significantly impact strength, endurance, and ability to absorb ground reaction forces that are required to safely return to running. Your growing belly changes your posture, your hormones are making your joints more flexible, and some amount of deconditioning is expected and normal as pregnancy progresses. 

For most postpartum runners, their return to running following birth can be intimidating and overwhelming. 

Read more: Blog: A Safe Return to...

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treating bloating and abdominal distension

Why a Multi-Disciplinary Team is Best for Treating Bloating and Abdominal Distension

Bloating, abdominal distension, loose stools, constipation, abdominal or pelvic pain, fatigue, brain fog, weakness, nutritional deficiencies… these symptoms may be caused by a variety of gastrointestinal or pelvic conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, this article is a good place to start when deciding who to have on your care team, and what treatments can help! 

Read more: Treating Bloating and...

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4 Exercises to Increase Low Back Strength | Image Courtesy of Anupam Mahaptra via Unsplash

4 Exercises to Increase Low Back Strength

Julia Connolly, PT, DPT

Rest does not always = recovery. Strengthening the muscles of your lower back to increase low back strength, gain coordination, and increase aerobic endurance will improve your capacity to move throughout your day. Globally, low back pain is the leading cause for years lived with disability.1  Getting your body moving with better biomechanical strategies, and staying active are important ways to maintain your level of function.

Read more: 4 Exercises to Increase Low...

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Scoliosis and Pelvic Floor Health | Image Courtesy of Joyce McCown of Moon Shadow Press via Unsplash

Learn About the Link Between Scoliosis and Pelvic Floor Health

Scoliosis is a 3D curvature of the spine. 

If you recall from part 1, scoliosis is a 3D curvature of the spine.  Some people get it in early childhood or adolescence, and others get it as an adult.  This can lead to low back pain, breathing difficulties, and ... affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles! 

Read more: Scoliosis and Pelvic Floor...

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Scoliosis and Conservative Physical Therapy | Image Courtesy of Emilio Vittoriosi via Unsplash

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month! 

Scoliosis is a 3D curvature of the spine.  According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2-3% of the US population currently have some form of scoliosis. 

Types of Scoliosis

There are many different types.  There is juvenile scoliosis starting at a young age, or adult-onset scoliosis.  It can be categorized as congenital, neuromuscular, or most common form idiopathic scoliosis. 

Read more: Scoliosis and Conservative...

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Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation | Image Courtesy of Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz via Unsplash

Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation Can Help Make Breastfeeding Less Painful

Breastfeeding is widely accepted as the normal standard for providing nutrition to newborns, however, many women who do not reach their breastfeeding goals. US national data stated that breast pain was a commonly reported reason for women weaning less than 1 month postpartum. Within that segment, 29% of women who participated in the study stated that “breastfeeding was too painful” to continue.

In the same study, 24% of women reported “breasts feel(ing) too full or engorged” as another reason to discontinue breastfeeding prior to 1 month postpartum.1 Currently, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first six months of life. As physical therapists who treat patients with postpartum conditions, we are well positioned to make a big impact on patients with breastfeeding related pain and reduce barriers to continued breastfeeding!

Read more: Therapeutic Breast Massage...

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yoga for urinary incontinence | Image by Kasia Gondek

Yoga for Urinary Incontinence is a Thing

By Kasia Gondek PT, DPT, CSCS, certification in Yoga for Pelvic Pain through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

When I am working with fitness or physical therapy clients, I often incorporate mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga postures (asanas) into our sessions together to cue pelvic floor muscle awareness. For thousands of years, yoga has been practiced daily as a discipline for the mind, body, and community to restore balance and overall health. Yoga has been shown to be useful in reducing anxiety, perceived stress, and autonomic nervous system imbalances that are risk factors for urinary incontinence. Yoga postures can improve and maintain general lower extremity and core muscle strength, balance, and conditioning, which has been shown to protect against incontinence in older females.1 An estimated 15 - 40% of females in their 40s to 60s experience some form of urinary incontinence.2

Read more: The Benefits of Yoga for...

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Exercises to Relieve Endometriosis Pain | Image Courtesy of Tyler Nix via Unsplash

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. 

Today, we explore different exercises someone can do at home to relieve endometriosis pain. 

For more information on endometriosis, see our article HERE.

Before we begin exploring gentle movements to relieve pain, we will cover how someone may identify the pain they are having could be endometriosis. The unfortunate truth is that endometriosis can only be confirmed through laparoscopic surgery. Most people go years without getting a diagnosis or proper treatment. One study found that the average delay of diagnosis is 8.5 years!1 This is for many reasons, including the lack of awareness of the condition, the many bodily systems it involves that complicates the clinical picture, and the absence of noninvasive diagnostic testing to detect endometriosis. Through this, doctors are able to identify the endometrial-like tissue (tissue that is similar to, but not the same as, the lining of the uterus) that can be found throughout the body.

Read more: 5 Simple Exercises to Reduce...

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Painful Sex & The Mind Body Connection | Image Courtesy of Jared Rice via Unsplash

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection to Painful Sex

Pain during sex isn’t in your head… but it can ‘get into your head’.

The medical community recently had a major a-ha moment about painful sex. It’s something the women who suffer from it have always known – but the results of a recent study about it could be a game-changer for treatment.

Whether you have a clinical diagnosis like vaginismus or dyspareunia, or you just know that sex hurts, painful sex is a common problem - almost half of all women will experience it at some point in life. More than 20% of premenopausal women say sex is painful; the prevalence is higher in women under 30. For some, it’s difficulty during intercourse; for others, it’s significant pain upon penetration. Still, others may not be able to experience penetration at all.

Read more: Painful Sex: The (Actual)...

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Introducing The Origin Fund - Helping Women in Need

Helping Women in Need With Our Community in Mind

The Origin Fund is dedicated to facilitating access to services that address a person’s physical, emotional and medical needs. Our focus is on individuals with pelvic health dysfunctions, and we are dedicated to improving the biopsychosocial aspects of each person as a whole. Through education, outreach and providing access to these services, we can support individuals on their journey to address their pain and dysfunction—linking patients to our network of referrals that provide these services.

Read more: Introducing The Origin Fund...

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effects of pelvic floor muscle strength on orgasm

Let's Look at the Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength on Orgasm

Hint: strong pelvic floor muscles = strong orgasm 

The world is learning more and more about the pelvic floor and the many ways that it can be treated. At Femina Physical Therapy, we have spoken about pelvic rehab for urinary, bowel, birth, pregnancy, bladder, erectile issues, and many more. But we all know the question that everyone wants answered: Does pelvic floor strength affect orgasm?

Well reader, you came to the right place.  

Read more: The Effects of Pelvic Floor...

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urinary chronic pelvic pain

A recent pilot study looked at how resilience affects patients with urinary chronic pelvic pain (UCPP) conditions and chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs). Resilience can be defined as the “capacity to adapt successfully to disturbances that threaten a patient's viability, function or development.” (Southwick et al., 2014) Resilience is now an important aspect in the treatment of pain, as it can increase psychosocial well‐being and the quality of life in patients living with chronic pain. (Casale et al., 2019)

Read more: Urinary Chronic Pelvic Pain...

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** This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. **

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    • Testimonial by S.H., age 24

      I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me for the past 19 months. I literally could not have reached my goals without you and your practice. You gave me the courage to keep moving forth with my treatment no matter how afraid and anxious I was. You were always there to answer questions and made this whole process so much easier than I expected it to be. It's because of you that my marriage is on the right track, that I can get pregnant and that this part of my life is finally...

      Read more Testimonial by S.H., age 24

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    • Testimonial by M.M.

      My husband and I were married for 5 years and unable to have intercourse, but I never knew why. After numerous awful experiences at doctor’s offices (where many doctors told me I “just needed to relax”), a surgery that didn’t fix the problem, and a year of owning dilators that didn’t get me anywhere, someone finally referred me to Heather for Physical Therapy. I finally had answers and information from someone who knew exactly what I was dealing with!

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