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innovative wellness technologies for a healthier you
In my interview at DailyOm, writer August McLaughlin went looking for "9 Cutting-Edge Wellness Practices to Try This Year", and she reached out to me about pelvic health apps and trainers. Here is an overview of the topic along with other technologies that may improve one's health, with a link to the full article below.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Embrace These Innovative Wellness Technologies | DailyOm Speaks with Heather Jeffcoat

In the modern age, staying on top of your health and wellness has never been easier.

With the rapid advancement of technology, an array of innovative wellness solutions are now at your fingertips. Here are nine cutting-edge wellness technologies that can transform your health journey and elevate your well-being.

The Growing Popularity of Wellness Tech:

Gone are the days when you had to rely solely on in-person classes or visits to health professionals to maintain your well-being. The marriage of technology and wellness has opened up a world of possibilities for individuals seeking a holistic approach to their health. From fitness tracking apps to handheld and wearable devices, wellness tech has gained immense popularity, and our enthusiasm for it shows no signs of waning.

The Benefits of Wellness Technology:

The integration of technology and wellness offers numerous advantages, provided you approach it with mindfulness and balance. When you find the right tech that aligns with your goals, it can provide invaluable insights into your health and well-being that you might not have considered otherwise. Recent studies have shown that digital fitness trackers can motivate users of all ages to stay committed to their fitness goals and maintain an active lifestyle. Moreover, wellness technology can be tailored to specific communities and health risks, offering targeted solutions that lead to remarkable improvements in cardiovascular health and other areas.

Combining technology with traditional approaches can also yield powerful results, particularly in the realm of mental health. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mental health apps when used in conjunction with in-person or virtual therapy, providing relief from anxiety and improving overall well-being.

Nine Wellness Tech Tools to Elevate Your Well-Being:

Your ideal wellness technology depends on a variety of factors, including your goals, budget, health status, preferences, interests, and lifestyle. To help you navigate this exciting landscape, we present nine popular wellness tech tools:

Sensory Wellness/Integration Therapy:

Explore apps and devices that focus on sensory wellness, using sensory integration therapy to regulate emotions and the nervous system. These tools can be especially beneficial for children and have shown promise in improving social and emotional responsiveness in individuals with autism.

Binaural Beats:

Binaural beat therapy uses auditory illusions to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and enhance memory. Be cautious when exploring this technology, as it has been marketed as "digital drugs" and could pose risks for those with substance dependencies.

Virtual Reality Meditation:

Virtual reality meditation offers an immersive experience that can guide you through relaxation and mindfulness exercises. It's particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with traditional meditation techniques and can be an excellent addition to your mental wellness routine.

Handheld Vagus Nerve Toners:

These devices aim to soothe the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, digestion, and inflammation. A calm vagus nerve can lead to improved overall well-being, and these devices can be used to reduce stress and promote better sleep.

EFT (Tapping) Apps:

Emotional freedom technique, or tapping, combines somatic and cognitive approaches to reduce stress and anxiety. Quality EFT apps offer guided meditations and can help you emotionally regulate and improve your outlook.

Pelvic Health Apps and Trainers:

As I mentioned in the article:

"Apps that can provide you real-time feedback on performance are a great idea in theory. Some like Elvie, can tell if you're doing a pelvic floor contraction correctly or not, but it cannot provide an accurate picture of your strength or whether it's appropriate for you to do kegels in the first place."

Additionally, determining whether the muscles are hypertonic or overactive is not something these devices can intuitively assist with. I proceed in noting that this is, "A classic finding with those with pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, or frequency, and urge urinary incontinence." 

Apps and devices for pelvic health can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Consult a pelvic floor therapist at one of our Femina Physical Therapy locations if you suspect you have chronic issues.

Sexual Pleasure Tech:

From audio erotica apps to AI sex coaches, these technologies aim to enhance sexual pleasure and provide a shame-free exploration of intimacy. While they can be a valuable adjunct to sex therapy, they are not a replacement for professional healthcare.

Fitness Tracking Rings:

These wearable rings go beyond basic fitness tracking, offering insights into menstrual cycles, sleep quality, and exercise. They can be a helpful tool for anyone looking to nurture their health journey, but be aware of their limitations, especially for users with darker skin tones or obesity.

Smart Fitness Equipment:

AI-powered smart yoga mats and dumbbells adjust to your body and guide your workouts via connected apps. These devices are valuable for home workouts, beginners, and those seeking detailed posture guidance and progress tracking.

Making the Most of Wellness Technology:

When incorporating wellness technology into your life, consider your health goals, budget, and lifestyle. Ease into new technology, practice moderation, and be aware of each tool's limitations. Seek professional support if you feel overwhelmed or if your wellness challenge seems insurmountable.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, these cutting-edge wellness technologies can empower you to take charge of your health and well-being, offering solutions that cater to your unique needs and goals. Embrace the possibilities of wellness tech, and remember that it's a tool to enhance, not replace, the care and guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. Your journey to improved well-being is just a tap or click away.

Reach out to us here if you would like to schedule an appointment, and you can access the full article at DailyOm here.

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Testimonial by Y.L. (mom of 2)

After having my second baby via C-section I searched for months to try to find help for my lower back pain and separated abdominal muscles. I finally came across Heather Jeffcoat via a mommy blog. I reached out to her via email and set my first appointment. My first appointment went amazing … she listened to what my symptoms, check my separation and explained to me in detail what the next steps would be. Not only did my abdominal separation go from 3 to about 1 -1/2 but my back has pain has significantly reduced. I’m personally recommending all my mommy friends to Heather!

Y.L. (mom of 2)

Testimonial by Y.L. (mom of 2)

After having my second baby via C-section I searched for months to try to find help for my lower back pain and separated abdominal muscles. I finally came across Heather Jeffcoat via a mommy blog. I reached out to her via email and set my first appointment. My first appointment went amazing … she listened to what my symptoms, check my separation and explained to me in detail what the next steps would be. Not only did my abdominal separation go from 3 to about 1 -1/2 but my back has pain has significantly reduced. I’m personally recommending all my mommy friends to Heather!

Y.L. (mom of 2)

Testimonial by M.N., age 28

A personal journey and testimonial from one of my patients:

I was diagnosed with vaginismus 4 years ago. I never heard of such medical condition until after I got married. At first my husband and I didn't know what to do, we didn't know what the issues were or how to overcome it. Being born and raised in Armenia and being Christian I wasn't that open about talking to sex with others and so it wasn't easy to seek help. But eventually I went to an Ob-Gyn and luckily she knew about the medical condition (not many doctors know). She referred me to a physical therapist and I couldn't believe it and thought it's something I can handle myself. I ordered a kit from vaginismus.com and started practicing with dilators. There was some small progress but wasn't much helpful.

Read more: Testimonial by M.N., age 28

Testimonial by Alexandra B.

Heather is without exaggerating AMAZING! After years of trouble with a certain part of my body, in no time, she made everything change back to equilibrium and to what would be considered normal. She explains everything in detail and therefore gives you a better understanding of why things are the way they are, and how you can work towards turning things around. I would highly recommend Heather for any type of Physical Therapy. She has created her own "Method/Therapy" through years of studying (with some of the greatest practitioners), practice and breaking down the issues of her past patients, enabling her to fine tune her own system. I'm so thankful to have found her, and I'm especially grateful for the quick recovery I've achieved, after years of distress. If you cannot afford her, I recommend you purchase her book. Although it may not be Heather in person, it can still help you to get on the right path to recovery!

-- Alexandra B., 5/20/2015 via Yelp!

Testimonial by T.H.

I started seeing Heather in October 2014. For more than two years, I had been suffering from painful urinary tract infection type symptoms after my bartholins gland surgery which included constant burning and urinary frequency sensation that led to more and more painful intercourse. I had made multiple visits to internist, obgyn and urologist's offices, went through a range of treatment with UTI and bladder frequency medication that included antibiotics, vesicare, estrogen cream, but nothing worked.

Read more: Testimonial by T.H.

Testimonial by A.W., age 32

I wanted to let you know that my pelvic floor held strong and gave me no trouble whatsoever in my trail race this morning (12 miles)! In a way, I felt like I ran better than ever because my core feels so rock solid from all the exercises you have me doing. That was especially valuable on the technical downhill - I just flew down the trail because I had confidence in my balance and form. Thank you for helping me get back to doing what I love.

-- A.W., age 32
(completed Post-partum Renewal Program using the InTone biofeedback/stim unit)

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