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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:

Postpartum Sexuality & Mood Changes in Women with Pelvic Girdle Pain

Sexuality and Mood Changes in Postpartum Women with Persistent Pelvic Girdle Pain — © Transly Translation Agency https://transly.eu/

Does my pelvic girdle pain have anything to do with my mood and sexuality?

Many of our patients experience sexual dysfunction and anxiety, depression and chronic pain. These conditions are known to coexist, and we unpack each component of pain, mood and one’s behaviors, desires and attitudes related to sex and physical intimacy.

Pelvic girdle pain is defined as “pain between the posterior iliac crests and gluteal folds particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joint” (Simonds). More simply stated: in the very low area of your back and buttock. Pelvic girdle pain is common postpartum and may impact disability in the fourth trimester. Many are aware of peripartum symptoms such as low back pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with intercourse, and postpartum depression. Knowing that many women experience pain during and after pregnancy - what can we learn about the effects of pelvic girdle pain? Specifically, what impact does pelvic girdle pain have on symptoms of mood and sexuality?

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).

Participate in a High Quality Study Using 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 significantly reduced rate on all visits related to the study + will receive our world-class physical therapy program for treating painful sex!

Details: Written by: Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CLT, CSCS; Published: 16 March 2022; Last Updated: 22 April 2022; 4818 Views

Training for the Boston Marathon and First Female Runners of the Boston Marathon | Image Courtesy of Malik Skysgaard via Unsplash

Road to Boston Marathon Part 1

A Tribute to the First Female Runners

On April 18, 2022 I am excited and grateful to be able to run the historic and prestigious Boston Marathon! As a physical therapist at Fusion Wellness /Femina Physical Therapy and avid long-distance runner for over 20 years, I’m excited to share my training journey with you leading up to the race. This race holds a special place in the hearts of long-distance runners because you must run a qualifying race with a qualifying time. Females ages 18-34 must run 3 hours 30 minutes or better, and males ages 18-34 must run 3 hours flat or better.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 15 March 2022; Last Updated: 24 June 2024; 5161 Views

How to Manage Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth | Image Courtesy of Engin Aykurt via Unsplash

Postpartum Recovery Series Part 5

Managing Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth

Urinary incontinence is the unwanted leakage of urine, also known as accidental bladder leakage. There are a few main types. Stress urinary incontinence is leakage associated with activities, such as lifting, exercising, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Urge urinary incontinence is leakage associated with the urge and people often experience leaking on the way to the toilet. There is also mixed incontinence which is a combination of the two types. Continence is managed by the complex interaction of bladder physiology, central nervous system, and the pelvic floor muscles. When there is dysfunction in any part of the three systems, incontinence may occur.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 15 March 2022; Last Updated: 16 March 2022; 6439 Views

Did You Know Physical Therapy Can Help Endometriosis?

What is the link between endometriosis and painful sex?

Endometriosis is a global disease affecting 5-15% of women during their reproductive years. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus which can trigger a local inflammatory response and can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

Sexual Function

One such domain of quality of life that is often affected is sexual function. The DSM-V¹ defines sexual dysfunction as a clinically siginifcant disturbance in a person’s ability to respond sexually or to experience pleasure and includes: pelvic pain, penetration disorders, lack of sexual interest and/or arousal and orgasm disorders. Unfortunately, it is common, as approximately 40% of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain suffer from sexual dysfunction.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 10 March 2022; Last Updated: 22 April 2022; 7226 Views

Endometriosis and Central Sensitization | Image Courtesy of Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

What's the Link Between Endometriosis and Central Sensitization?

Endometriosis affects roughly about 10% of reproductive-age women, and is characterized by endometrial-like lesions that grow outside of the endometrium (the lining of the uterine wall). Women with endometriosis have symptoms such as: chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, infertility, constipation, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, and more.

Often endometriosis is treated through hormonal management and/or surgically. However, 18-27% of patients with endometriosis treated via hormonal medications reported no relief from symptoms. About 20% of patients with endometriosis treated through surgical excision or ablation continued to experience chronic pelvic pain and other endometriosis symptoms. Moreover, 70 to 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain with confirmed endometriosis lesions do not have lesions in the areas where they experience symptoms.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 08 March 2022; Last Updated: 24 June 2024; 5382 Views

Incontinence During Pregnancy | Image Courtesy of DexSwaggerBoy via Unsplash

What causes incontinence during pregnancy?

There are many causes for incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum. Some of the proposed factors are:

hormonal changes,
pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue modifications,
bladder neck widening (due to the weight of both the uterus and the growing fetus),
anatomical injuries during delivery.^{1, 2}

A hormone called relaxin is produced during pregnancy to help soften the muscles and ligaments in preparation for delivery. As the uterus and baby grow throughout pregnancy more load is placed on the pelvic floor muscles causing the pelvic floor muscles to become weaker.³ Also constipation, which is commonly seen in pregnancy, puts an additional load on the pelvic floor.⁴ Furthermore, the pelvic floor has additional strain placed on it during labor; the pelvic floor muscle is stretched five times its original length.⁵

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 01 March 2022; Last Updated: 02 June 2022; 7324 Views

What Are The Connections Between Endometriosis and Sleep?

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. When there is tissue similar to the endometrial lining that is growing outside of the uterus, it is called endometriosis. Endometrial lesions can be on the ovaries, vaginal walls, bladder, colon, and more. Endometriosis affects up to 10% of the general population and can be quite debilitating as common symptoms include dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia (pain with sex), infertility, bloating, gastrointestinal symptoms, and chronic pelvic pain.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 25 February 2022; Last Updated: 16 March 2022; 6407 Views

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation | Image Courtesy of Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for Prolapse Surgeries

Including both Pre and Post Operative Situations

Suffering from symptoms of pelvic heaviness? Experiencing a feeling that there is a bulge down there or something is falling out of your vagina? Have trouble having a bowel movement or experiencing incontinence? These are all common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Unfortunately, 2-48% of women may experience symptoms of POP.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Treatment Options

There are treatment options such as pelvic floor rehabilitation through physical therapy techniques including lifestyle modifications such as managing intraabdominal pressure, promoting healthy bowel/bladder habits, as well as physical therapy, manual therapy, and strengthening exercises to decrease pelvic heaviness.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 22 February 2022; Last Updated: 07 April 2022; 22524 Views

Eating Disorders and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction | Image Courtesy of Niklas Hamann via Unsplash

What's the Connection Bewteen Eating Disorders and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Read on for some answers.

Eating disorders are unfortunately common, with at least 9% of people worldwide suffering from an eating disorder. This translates to 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. There are different types of eating disorders (ED) including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Other than the typical psychological and social implications that these eating disorders may cause, they also can affect our pelvic health and lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. It can lead to incontinence (either urine or feces), prolapse, increased urinary urge, pelvic pain (possibly associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS), constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

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