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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!
Restorative 20 Minute Home Yoga Practice For Chronic Pelvic Pain
Yoga Practice For Chronic Pelvic Pain Can Be a Very Helpful Routine
As stated in my last blog post, yoga can be so beneficial as a pain management tool due to its ability to modulate the sympathetic nervous system3,4 which plays a large role in chronic pain. The exact mechanism of how yoga helps with chronic pain is still being studied, however, it is reasonable to believe the full body relaxation promoted by a yoga practice helps to decrease tension in key muscle groups- including the hips and pelvic floor which are often tight in people with chronic pelvic pain.
Currently, evidence has mostly focused on one hour long practices as an intervention, although there are some studies that report improvements in pain with shorter practices, such as the routine below. As with any mobility/stretching routine, benefits will be seen with more frequent practice, however even twice weekly can help decrease pain.
Read more: Restorative 20 Minute Home Yoga Practice For Chronic...
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...
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- Written by: Staff
- 20467 Views
Pain at the pubic bone is also known as pelvic girdle pain
It is a common ailment experienced during pregnancy
In fact, in a study by Mogren (2006), 50% of pregnant women have some type of pelvic girdle pain prior to 20 weeks gestation. The pain can make daily activities like working, walking, and doing chores, painful if not impossible, and can can also negatively affect quality of life and sexual life during pregnancy (Mogren, 2006).
Read more: What to do if You Have Pelvic Girdle Pain (Pubic Symphysis...
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
- 6414 Views
Optimizing Your Pelvic Floor Health is No Longer a Secret
As pelvic floor physical therapy gains acceptance amongst an ever widening audience, popular websites such as Next Avenue are providing much needed exposure to their readers.
In a recent article entitled "Could Your Symptoms Point to a Pelvic Floor Disorder?", author Brette Sember quotes Heather Jeffcoat as part of this wide ranging discussion of pelvic floor treatments:
Read more: NextAvenue.com | Could Your Symptoms Be Pointing to a...
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- Written by: Staff
- 5734 Views
Believe it or not, the pelvic floor can affect the quality of our breathing.
The opposite is also true:
Promoting efficient diaphragmatic breathing can improve function of the pelvic floor.
In this study by Zivkovic et al. Zivkovic et al. , diaphragmatic breathing exercises were effective in helping to retrain children with voiding dysfunctions, including bowel and bladder issues.
Read more: New Year's Resolutions For Your Pelvic Floor | Breathe!
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- Written by: Staff
- 24263 Views
Don’t squat and hover to pee!
Sit down and relax your pelvic floor muscles.
Ok, ok so this tip is always met with some pushback, but to those of you who prefer to squat and hover to pee rather than sit should be aware that this habit is not good for your pelvic floor! Sit down and relax!
Why is it so bad for you to squat and hover to pee?
When you are in a partial squat, hovering over the toilet, the muscles of your glutes, legs, abs, back, and pelvic floor are activated and cannot fully relax. For urine to flow easily and fully, the pelvic floor muscles and the muscles surrounding your pelvis have to relax.
Read more: New Year’s Resolutions For Your Pelvic Floor | Don't Squat...
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- Written by: Staff
- 13575 Views
Every person with a uterus will experience menopause during their lifetime.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a term that describes the different genital, sexual, and urinary signs and symptoms that can occur during menopause.
The symptoms of GSM can greatly affect quality of life, so it is important to be aware the signs so that you can seek out appropriate care and support from your healthcare team.
Read more: What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)? And Why...
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- Written by: Staff
- 30331 Views
Presents for your Pelvic Floor
Give the gift of pelvic health this holiday season!
Check out these pelvic floor friendly products we have for sale at the clinic. Give us a call or stop by our Montrose or Sherman Oaks locations to purchase some items.
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- Written by: Staff
- 10545 Views
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
- 14894 Views
Why Your New Years Resolutions for Your Pelvic Floor Health Should Include Learning 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...
