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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:

Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor Health: The Impact of Footwear

Running Mechanics and Pelvic Floor Health | Image Courtesy of Dulcey Lima via Unsplash

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.

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).

Vulvovaginal Moisturizers: Who Needs One & Choosing the Right One

Vulvovaginal Moisturizers: Effective Hydration and Relief | Image Courtesy of Averie Woodward via Unsplash

Choosing the Right Vulvovaginal Moisturizer

Assuming you need one, make sure it's got the right ingredient list

There are many reasons why those born with female anatomy may require the use of a vulvovaginal moisturizer throughout their lifetime. As you age, the vaginal and vulvar tissues tend to become drier and less elastic. This change is typically seen around the time one goes through menopause due to the drop in estrogen that occurs. The vulvovaginal tissues are very sensitive to hormonal changes and estrogen is the hormone that controls vaginal lubrication, as well as tissue elasticity and thickness.

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 08 June 2022; Last Updated: 19 August 2022; 5007 Views

Non-Surgical Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Image Courtesy of Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Are There Non-Surgical Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

That constant heavy feeling in your pelvic area. That embarrassing urine leakage. That bulge ‘down there’.

It took a while, but you found the courage to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. (Good for you!) Now you know your condition has a name – pelvic organ prolapse – and a treatment. But is surgery really the best option?

Research estimates that 50% of all women who give birth will develop pelvic organ prolapse at some point in life; but while pregnancy and childbirth top the list of risk factors, the condition usually develops over time from a combination of factors that can also include anything from frequent strenuous gym workouts to smoking to menopause (and even genetics).

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 24 May 2022; Last Updated: 15 June 2022; 5962 Views

Painful Sex & GPPD | Image Courtesy of Taras Chernus via Unsplash

The medical community has a new acronym for painful sex - GPPD

New data on self-compassion and emotion regulation that many women who suffer from it may never have considered.

First, let’s take a look at that new name - genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD). That’s a medical mouthful, I know; but it’s actually a helpful attempt to simplify diagnosis by combining two similar disorders under one treatment heading. Dyspareunia is pain with sexual activity; vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of muscles in the pelvic floor that often cause that pain. GPPD recognizes them as essentially the same problem – recurrent or persistent pain in the genital area associated with intercourse. And it’s a common one; the study I’m reviewing in this article says,

Sexual pain is among the most common complaints in women who seek for help in clinical settings.”

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 18 May 2022; Last Updated: 18 May 2022; 4726 Views

What are Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence?

What is the biggest risk factor for both conditions? And how can you tell if you have them?

Not sure? You’re not alone. In fact, one research study found women actually know more about erectile dysfunction than they do about pelvic organ prolapse! While pharmaceutical company advertising bias may be to blame for part of that equation, one of the largest surveys of pregnant women and new moms ever conducted on the subject (by a team of medical experts in New England) reveals women’s healthcare providers consistently miss their biggest window of opportunity to educate patients about these conditions and offer treatment strategies that work.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 10 May 2022; Last Updated: 17 July 2023; 7152 Views

Did You Know That There Are Non-Surgical Treatments for Provoked Vulvodynia (PVD)?

Provoked Vulvodynia affects approximately 10% of women

PVD is known as a chronic overlapping pain condition with endometriosis... While there are pharmacologic and surgical options, there are also other more conservative non-surgical treatments for provoked vulvodynia.

Provoked vulvodynia (PVD) is a chronic pain condition characterized by pain in the vulva when provoked by touch such as a tampon, speculum, clothing and/or sexual penetration. This condition affects approximately 10% in young women and can be truly debilitating. The etiology of PVD is complex and includes a combination of biologic and psychological factors. Other factors that may contribute to PVD are neural proliferation (an increase in nerve endings in the area), pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, recurrent infections, inflammation, high urinary oxalate levels and other psychological factors.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 01 May 2022; Last Updated: 15 June 2022; 4994 Views

Osteoporosis | Image Credit: "Dlx3 deletion in osteoblast progenitors induce increased trabecular bone formation " by National Institutes of Health (NIH) is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month.

Did you know that Physical Therapists are an essential member of your interdisciplinary care team?

With life expectancy increasing it is becoming more evident that bone health and fall prevention are key to a good quality of life. Osteoporosis is defined as a decrease in bone mass or a change in the structure of the bone causing the bone to be more fragile.¹ If the bone is weak there is a higher chance of a fracture (bone break). The most common areas of fractures are the hip, spine, forearm, and humerus (upper arm bone). Osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually worldwide, affecting predominantly postmenopausal women. The probability of women, at menopause, of having an osteoporotic fracture exceeds that of breast cancer and the likelihood of a fracture is approximately 40%.²

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 25 April 2022; Last Updated: 17 June 2022; 7359 Views

Laboring Positions and Pelvic Floor Stretches for Childbirth — "Positions for Laboring Out of Bed" by joel telling is licensed under CC BY 2.0

All About the Importance of Pelvic Floor Stretches for Childbirth

**Talk to your physical therapist and healthcare team about specific guidelines for you**

Are you ready for the big day? Have you thought about how you will prep for your upcoming delivery? In this article, we’ll review four pelvic floor stretches for childbirth that may be appropriate, but recommend you consult with your childbirth healthcare professional to confirm if these are right for you.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 19 April 2022; Last Updated: 13 July 2022; 6437 Views

Let's Talk Pilates for Urinary Incontinence and Low Back Pain

"Physical Therapy is the first line of treatment for any type of urinary incontinence."

Incontinence, or unwanted urinary leakage, is commonly experienced by women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Experts often state, and research supports, it occurs in 1 in 3 women. While this may be common, it is not normal, and it is treatable! Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for any type of urinary incontinence. In fact, pelvic floor muscle training for women with stress urinary incontinence is six times more likely to result in a cure or a significant improvement. For all other types, women are twice as likely to report significant improvement or completely resolve their urinary incontinence. As you can imagine, getting help can dramatically improve their quality of life.

Details: Written by: Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CLT, CSCS; Published: 13 April 2022; Last Updated: 17 July 2023; 6330 Views

Building a Recovery Routine | Kasia Gondek's Road to the Boston Marathon

A very important component of any running program, ranging from a 5 km (3.1 miles) race to an ultra-marathon (anything more than a marathon which is 26.2 miles), is adequate recovery.

Many people neglect this portion of their training because it doesn’t involve getting sweaty or doing high intensity intervals or weights. However, building in a solid recovery routine is crucial to helping your body bounce back after training as quickly as possible. A good recovery routine also helps prevent injury, decreased immune system function, and muscle mass loss. A recovery routine encompasses a cool-down activity, nutrition, and exercises like hatha-based yoga, foam rolling, and/or stretching the major muscle groups used during your workout. Although not discussed here, getting good quality sleep is critical to recovery as well!

My Post-run Recovery Routine:

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