
The Femina Physical Therapy Blog
Featuring original articles by our staff about current events and trends
Explore our insightful blog articles on pelvic health, where we delve into essential topics that empower and educate. From understanding pelvic floor disorders to strategies for conquering infertility, our content is designed for those seeking knowledge and support. We discuss the latest research, expert advice, and practical tips to enhance your well-being and foster a deeper connection to your body.
Featured From the Blog:
Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML)

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!
Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor Health: The Impact of Footwear

Did You Know That Proper Footwear Can Improve Your Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor Health?
How Do My Feet Impact My Pelvic Floor When I Run?
If you are a runner, you tend to look for ways to improve your running. If you’re thinking about starting up or returning to running, it can feel intimidating particularly if you have any symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction. This only complicates an exercise that, on the surface, seems fairly straight forward. There are some studies that have looked at how your feet can play a part in your pelvic floor muscle function while you run. And if you are looking to return to running postpartum, read on and also check out this article by one of our pelvic floor physical therapists.
Read more: Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor Health: The Impact of...
Treating Bloating and Abdominal Distension: a Multi-Disciplinary Team

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!
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 11694 Views

How do Histamines Affect Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)?
Newly published research by Grundy et al. (2019) shows a more direct connection.
In this study published in the February 2021 issue of The American Journal of Physiology: Renal Physiology, Grundy et al. show correlation that histamines in the body lead to changes in the sensory nerves of the bladder, particularly hypersensitivity during bladder distension, or when the bladder is filling or full.
The study determined that certain sensory nerves in the bladder can become more sensitive when histamines are present. This activation occurs in the bladder membrane, the detrusor muscles, as well as the afferent nerves of the bladder.
Read more: Histamines and Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder...
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 5911 Views

Simple Tips for Using Yoga for Sciatica Pain
Sciatic nerve pain can be uncomfortable and may affect your quality of life and your activities.
Flares in sciatic pain can be debilitating, and yoga for sciatica pain can help immensly. Often times the lower back and hips can contribute to sciatic pain. Try these yoga stretches for some relief.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or a physical therapist for an individualized session and exercises.
Here are some stretches you can do at home, at the gym, or at the park to keep your sciatic nerve pain at bay and enjoy your day pain-free.
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 18629 Views

Dealing with too much tension? Try yoga to relieve your headache.
Tension headaches can be caused by tension in the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and back.
Headaches caused by tight and restricted neck muscles can be helped by a seated neck release, which will stretch the scalene muscles on the neck. Sometimes headaches are caused by back pain that’s radiating up the spine, and yoga to relieve your headache may be the answer.
Try these simple poses to release the tension that may be giving you a headache.
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 16942 Views

Lasers And My Vagina - Do They Really Belong Together?
A Breakdown of common Energy Based Devices Marketed for your Vagina
Risks and Possible Benefits
In the past decade, nonsurgical devices using radio-frequencies, lasers, and infrared light have been marketed as non-invasive treatments for “vaginal rejuvenation.” However, there has been conflicting opinion among the medical community as to what the lasers have evidence of treating. The rampant use of the lasers to treat conditions they have not been approved to treat has also caused the Food and Drug Administration to warn the public about these devices in 2018.
- Details
- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
- 2802 Views
We wanted to share this article that we found published by the New England Journal of Medicine. We all have a lot of ongoing questions about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and this is a great resource that answers nearly every question we’ve had regarding testing, vaccines and more.
Covid-19 Vaccine — Frequently Asked Questions
Image courtesy of NEJM
A collection of resources on Covid-19 vaccines, including frequently asked questions, continuing medical education, published research, and commentary.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) VACCINE RESOURCES VACCINE FAQ
Read more: New England Journal of Medicine | Covid-19 Vaccine —...
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 20588 Views

Involving your partner in your pelvic floor therapy may improve your outcomes and your relationship.
Here are some ways you can involve your partner in your pelvic floor physical therapy:
Start Talking About Your Experience.
Both studies and clinical experience have shown that talking to your partner about your sexuality, pelvic floor issues, and sharing the progress you’re making in pelvic floor therapy can improve anxiety, reduce pain levels, and bring more intimacy to your relationship. As you transition to sex with your partner, sexual assertiveness will also help you find activities, angles, and positions that feel pleasurable, not painful to you and your partner.
Read more: How to Involve Your Partner in Your Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 7864 Views

Stretching for health
Studies have foune that stretching improves joint range of motion (flexibility), decreases muscle tension, improves circulation, relieves muscle pain, prevents injury, and improves athletic performance (Nakaruma et al., 2015; Avela et al., 1999; Suzuki, 2005). Stretching the legs can allieviate low back, hip, and pelvic pain.
Here's a New Year's Stretching routine to get started. Please consult with your doctor or a rehabilitation therapist before beginning any exercise routines.
Tools Needed
- Yoga strap, dog leash, or robe strap
- A comfortable place to lay down (yoga mat or blanket)
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 13920 Views

Here’s a simple foam roller routine to try for a happier pelvic floor this new year.
Foam rolling is a fantastic way to manage pelvic pain by keeping your tissues hydrated with increased blood flow, reducing trigger points in the muscles and fascia, and improving mobility and range of motion. Foam rolling has also been found to increase parasympathetic nervous system response (rest and digest) which is also helpful in chronic pain management (Beardsley, 2015).
I often tell my patients that the pelvic is not an isolated island, in fact it’s at the center of your body and deeply intertwined with many body functions including balance, movement, toileting, and sex. Go ahead and palpate your pelvic bones- you can feel that the muscles to the back, hip, and legs all attach to the pelvis. When there is dysfunction in these muscle groups, pelvic pain, pelvic mal-alignment, and tight pelvic floor muscles can be a result. By keeping these tissues healthy and mobile can help manage your pelvic pain.