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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...
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 - Helping Women in Need
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There Are Several Options For Non-Hormonal Treatments for GSM.
Some include hormones, while others do not.
Today we will review some non-hormone treatment options. As always, consult with your physician to help you make the best decisions regarding your health.
Read more: Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause |...
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- Written by: Staff
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A New Year's resolution for your pelvic floor health: learn your anatomy.
Have you ever looked at your genitalia in the mirror? Like REALLY looked at it?
One of the most empowering things you can do for your pelvic health is to take a look at yourself in the mirror and learn your anatomy.
Here is a quick primer on how to stay on top of what's going on down there, including tips on simple self examination and resources to find more information.
Read more: New Year’s Resolutions for your Pelvic Floor | Do You Know...
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- Written by: Staff
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Simple Yoga Poses for Overcoming Foot Pain
Everyone experiences sore feet at some point during our busy lives. Here are a few simple yoga poses that you can do almost anywhere to relieve the pain of sore feet during the busy holiday season - or anytime for that matter!
Mountain Pose
Become aware of your feet and how you distribute your weight across them.
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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"Girls’ Night Out" Showcased InControl Medical's Fabulous Products
Hosted by Femina PT at LA's Big and Tiny
Three expert speakers chatted and answered questions on female pelvic and sexual health. One of our major sponsors was InControl Medical, the creators of one of my favorite product lines for urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction. They have three different products that are focused on these basic necessities of female health and wellness.
Read more: InControl Medical's Products Featured at Girl's Night Out
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- Written by: Staff
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Stressed from the holidays?
Try some gentle yoga poses that can be done anywhere you have a little floor space for your yoga mat.
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Cat/Cow
Cat/Cow is a dynamic yoga movement that links breath with movement. It flows through two poses that warm up the spine, relax low back muscles, hip muscles, pelvic floor muscles, and calms the nervous system.
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- Written by: Staff
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The Holidays can be stressful!
Fortunately, you can help the mind and body relax with these handy techniques.
Deep Breathing
Stress and chronic pain can lead to short and shallow breathing which adds tension to the diaphragm, abdomen, and pelvic floor. Encouraging the body to breathe deeply will unravel the tension inside the body, often held in between the ribs, in the low back, neck, shoulders, belly, and pelvic floor.
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Happy Veteran’s Day!
Today, we’d like to highlight an important women’s health issue for females serving in the military - a higher risk of developing both vaginal and urinary tract infections while deployed.
Females in the Military
According to the Defense Department, women now make up 20 percent of the Air Force, 19 percent of the Navy, 15 percent of the Army and almost 9 percent of the Marine Corps. As such a large population, increased awareness and advocacy is needed to ensure that our female troops are getting the best medical care as possible.
Read more: Veteran’s Day | Military Women's Risk for Vaginal and...
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- Written by: Staff
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Gentle Yoga Basics for Easing Into Yoga Practice
We Offer Gentle Yoga classes at the Montrose office.
For those of you who may be curious about what Gentle Yoga is, here are some basics:
What is gentle yoga?
In general, gentle yoga is a way of practicing yoga in order to balance the body and calm the nervous system. You will explore a variety of poses to help you with flexibility and strength, all while using breath and movement to calm the mind.
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- Written by: Staff
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November is Bladder Health Month, Which Means Preventing Urinary Incontinence!
Urinary incontinence is very common, affecting up to 1 in 3 women. Despite some common beliefs, leaking urine is not a normal part of aging and can be treated, especially with the help of a pelvic floor therapist. Today we’ll cover some common contributing factors that you can be mindful of to prevent urinary incontinence.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Read more: Bladder Health Month | Preventing Urinary Incontinence
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- Written by: Staff
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Bladder Health Month and the Great American Smokeout - November 21st
In honor of both, today we are going to cover the damage that smoking nicotine products and tobacco use can do on the bladder.
Doctors have known for decades that smoking affects lung and heart health, greatly increasing risk of both lung cancer and heart disease. In recent research, they have been finding that smoking increases risk to various urologic diseases as well.
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- Written by: Staff
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Sitting hunched over a desk and computer for hours will lead to a stiff neck and shoulders, a sore lower back and tight hips.
Throw in some office yoga to help refresh the body and mind, try these stretches at least 1x every 2 hours during your work day.
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- Written by: Staff
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Have You Been Wondering Could Your Lube be Hurting You?
From alleviating vaginal dryness to improving anal play, choosing the right lube is important
Personal lubricant (lube) is something most people will use at least once during their sexual lifetimes, if not every time they are sexually active.
What are lubricants?
Lubricants are fluid or gel substances designed to offset genital dryness or inadequate natural lubrication which can be associated with discomfort or pain with sex or general activity. Lubes can be used for sexual activity, or just to alleviate dryness throughout the day.
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Some patients are surprised to learn what your bowel movements say about your health.
They are in the office to with pelvic floor dysfunction and problems like urinary incontinence or pain with sex - what does that have to do with poop?
Bowel function is a key piece in the journey towards healing from pelvic floor dysfunction. A lot of our clients with pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and prolapse have some trouble with their bowels - either constipation, straining, or diarrhea. These bowel-related issues can cause abdominal pain, painful bloating, rectal pain, and pelvic floor problems. It’s a connection that is very important to consider!
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- Written by: Staff
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Proper Postpartum Care is Crucial to Prevent "Ghostpartum"
Today we are addressing “Ghostpartum,” which may sound like a Halloween ghoul or goblin, but is actually a term used to describe the postpartum period where many do not receive appropriate care as they transition from pregnancy to parenthood. In fact, according to the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG), up to 40 percent of postpartum folks do not even seek proper postpartum care.
Read more: Ghostpartum | Advocating for Proper Postpartum Care
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- Written by: Staff
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Spin The Right Way for Optimal Results!
Want to start a spin class? Afraid of returning to cycling because of knee pain or pelvic pain? Come see Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, or another therapist for an assessment of your form.
We love biking at Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy / Femina PT! We have a Peloton bicycle used to evaluate, modify and progress spinning and cycling routines. Our clinic director/owner Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, is our in-house spinning guru. She is here to help you with your form to spin the right way, as well as how to fit the bike properly to your body.
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Learn How to Fit Your Bike Correctly With These Simple Tips
Did you know that riding a bike that doesn’t fit your body can cause and exacerbate nerve and orthopedic problems?
Avoid nerve and joint pain with the following tips!
Before We Begin: Ask for Help
If you are spinning at a gym or in a class, ask for assistance from cycling instructors if you need help you setting up your bike. Everyone needs help doing this when they begin!
If you are cycling at home, come see us at the clinic or have us come out to your house! Clinic owner Heather Jeffcoat, DPT does custom fit assessments in her Sherman Oaks office and our other locations across the greater Los Angeles area.
Read more: Ready, Set, Cycle | How to fit your Bike Correctly
