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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:

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!

Understanding Relaxin: Why It Doesn’t Cause Pain in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and hormonal changes, and among the many hormones involved, Relaxin plays a crucial role. However, there’s a common misconception that Relaxin is responsible for pain during pregnancy. Let’s take a closer look at what Relaxin does and why it doesn’t directly cause pain.

What is Relaxin?

Relaxin is a regulatory hormone involved in growth, metabolism, and tissue remodeling after an injury to our bones, ligaments, muscles or tendons (Dehghan 2014). During pregnancy, Relaxin levels begin to increase in the first trimester to help the body prepare for childbirth by relaxing the ligaments in the pelvis and softening the cervix (Aldabe 2012, Daneau 2014). The ligaments of the pelvis will begin to relax around the 10th-12th week of pregnancy (Aldabe 2012). This process allows for greater flexibility in the pelvic area, facilitating delivery and accommodating the growing baby.

Why a Multidisciplinary Team is Best for Treatment of Bloating and Abdominal Distension

Bloating and Abdominal Distension Often Benefit Greatly from Multidisciplinary Treatment

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!

Bloating is the sensation of excess abdominal gas or a feeling of being distended without obvious visible abdominal distension. Some people have a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdominal area. Abdominal distension is the visible increase in abdominal girth. A multidisciplinary treatment team of primary care physicians (PCPs), gastroenterologists, dieticians/ nutritionists, and physical therapists is ideal to help manage these symptoms and find the root cause. For example, symptoms of bloating and abdominal distension affect 66 - 90% diagnosed with IBS. Getting the proper diagnosis can help direct the best treatment options for you.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 21 December 2021; Last Updated: 28 March 2022; 5796 Views

Breast Cancer Surgery and Physical Therapy - An Overview

There are an estimated 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States and it is the most common form of cancer among women.^{2, 3}Following breast cancer surgery many patients experience neck, arm, and shoulder impairments. The most common complaints after surgery are restrictions in shoulder range of motion, pain, or a change in sensations of the arm and lymphedema.¹

Common Side Effects After Breast Cancer Surgery

Restricted Arm Mobility

Women that experience restrictions in arm mobility following surgery report a lower quality of life and higher psychological distress.⁶ It is estimated that anywhere between 3.8–73% of women will have restricted arm motion following surgery.¹⁰

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 08 December 2021; Last Updated: 29 November 2022; 9338 Views

what is IC Interstitial Cystitis | IC & Symptoms | Image Courtesy of Marek Piwnicki via Unsplash — Interstitial Cystitis | IC & Symptoms | Image Courtesy of Marek Piwnicki via Unsplash

What is IC or Interstitial cystitis?

IC is also known as bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome and is a debilitating condition that significantly affects the quality of life of patients living with it.

Many patients with IC have other overlapping pain conditions such as Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse). 88% of patients with IC had at least one symptoms of sexual dysfunction (lack of sexual interest, can’t relax and enjoy sex, difficulty becoming sexually aroused and difficulty reaching orgasm)¹. Women with IC rated their sexual dysfunction as moderate to severe when compared to controls and reported increased pain with intercourse, decreased desire and decreased frequency of orgasm^5,6.

Details: Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT; Published: 22 November 2021; Last Updated: 06 January 2022; 17867 Views

Endometriosis Laparoscopic Road to Recovery | Image Courtesy of Unsplash

Postoperative Care for Endometriosis Laparoscopic Procedures

Recovering from an endometriosis laparoscopic procedure requires proper care for a full and timely recovery. During this time there are some important steps to follow in order for everything to go smoothly. Here is a guide that will help ensure that you return to full health as soon as possible.

The First 48 Hours After Endometriosis Laparoscopic Surgery:

Arrange for a partner, family member, or friend to drive you home and stay with you after your procedure. General anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting. Having a bag or bin ready for the car ride home is a good idea.
It can also be helpful to have a small pillow or cushion to put between your abdomen and seat belt for the ride home.
Each surgery has unique guidelines specific to your case and what was done during surgery. Follow the guidance of your surgeon and pelvic health physical therapist. As this is a general guideline It is always a good idea to speak with your health care team prior to initiating any new exercise or protocol.
Take it easy and rest for the first 24 hours.
Finding a position of comfort: During the initial stage of recovery it is important to find a position that is comfortable to allow your body to rest and recover.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 20 November 2021; Last Updated: 06 January 2022; 8964 Views

Mental Health and Sexual Pain | Image Courtesy of Anthony Tran via Unsplash — Mental Health & Sexual Pain | Image Courtesy of Anthony Tran via Unsplash

Mental Health and Sexual Pain: Sexual Dysfunction is Not “In Your Head”.

We have seen that experiencing sexual pain CAN affect your mental health, and pre-existing mental health conditions can amplify sexual dysfunction.

This article will review the research related to these, but in reading, know that we believe your pain is real and should be addressed from all relevant contributing factors.

A very large range, about 7-46% of Americans may experience painful sex. For some, it may be a one-time painful experience, and for others, it may be every single time. This can have a huge effect on mental health and overall quality of life.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 16 November 2021; Last Updated: 23 February 2022; 8346 Views

You may have heard that chronic stress takes a toll on your body. But did you know how chronic stress affects your sex life?

What is chronic stress?

Chronic psychosocial stress is defined as either a major life event that takes place over a long period of time (ie. death of a family member) or small stressors that are constant and often accumulate (ie. traffic, financial worries, work deadlines).^1,2 A study by Allen Kanner, Ph.D, published in the National Library of Medicine, found that these small stressors can have more of a negative effect on health than the more severe but less common stressors.¹

How does chronic stress inhibit sexual arousal?

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 08 November 2021; Last Updated: 18 May 2022; 6376 Views

Are You Thinking of Returning to Running Postpartum?

There is not a magic time frame as each person recovers differently and the most important thing is to listen to your body.

For healthy uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women return to low-moderate intensity exercise at six weeks postpartum and eight weeks postpartum for cesarean.

After your OBGYN or midwife has cleared you to return to exercise, if you haven’t started with a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist yet, now is a good time.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 05 November 2021; Last Updated: 06 January 2022; 6977 Views

grip strength and urinary incontinence | Image Licensed by Securecat under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0 — Grip Strength & Incontinence | Image Licensed by Securecat under Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month.

At Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, we take pride in understanding and applying how your whole body affects your pelvic health. In this article, we explore the links between grip strength and urinary incontinence.

A study conducted at the Jeju National University measured grip strength in patients and found statistically significant differences in patients with incontinence, overactive bladder and nocturia⁴. They found these patients had a weaker grip strength (less than 18kg) using a hand dynamometer.

Details: Written by: Staff; Published: 24 October 2021; Last Updated: 23 February 2022; 7932 Views

Clogged milk ducts during breastfeeding | Image courtesy of Timothy Meinberg via Unsplash

Physical therapy can help women across their lifespan. This includes support with orthopedic considerations related to breastfeeding, as well as other breastfeeding care with clogged milked ducts and noninfectious mastitis.

Symptoms & Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts and Mastitis

Breastfeeding can be a joyous time for some, but unfortunately it can be painful for others. Clogged milk ducts can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. It often arises due to not being able to drain fully, causing a back-up of milk along the mammillary ducts. It can occur when feeding sessions are interrupted or skipped, as well as when mom is under stress. One may experience symptoms such as a painful lump in the breast tissue, pain during breastfeeding that subsides after, and/or decreased milk supply from the blockage. Sometimes if unresolved, it can lead to mastitis, or infection of the breast tissue. Monitor for symptoms such as fever, swelling of breast tissue, redness of breast tissue, and escalation of pain/breast tenderness. If you start to experience these aforementioned symptoms, give your doctor a call as soon as possible.

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