Start Your Pelvic Health Journey
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:
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...
Lightning Crotch in Pregnancy: How You Can Start Recovering from SPD
What is symphysis pubis dysfunction (Lightning Crotch)?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also known as pubic symphysis dysfunction, anterior pelvic girdle pain, or lightning crotch, is a common musculoskeletal condition that is experienced by pregnant women and can vary from minor discomfort to severely debilitating pain. It is typically characterized by discomfort in the front pelvic area that can radiate to the inner thighs and perineum (think where your pubic bone is).
Read more: Lightning Crotch in Pregnancy: How You Can Start...
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!
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 4538 Views
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 Incontinence and Postpartum...
- Details
- Written by: Debbie Dy, PT, DPT
- 6024 Views
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 Running and Impact Activities in...
- Details
- Written by: Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CLT, CSCS
- 5127 Views
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
- 4118 Views
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 Back Strength and Help with...
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 3855 Views
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 Health: Part 2 Scoliosis...
- Details
- Written by: Staff
- 3125 Views
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 Physical Therapy: Part 1...
- Details
- Written by: Debbie Dy, PT, DPT
- 6763 Views
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!
- Details
- Written by: Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CLT, CSCS
- 4855 Views
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
