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Livestrong writer Lacey Muinos was tasked with creating an article about the signs that you should see a pelvic floor therapist, and she came up with six of them. She came to me asking for my expert opinion, and here is a brief synopsis of the article, along with a link to the full article below.
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Should You See a Pelvic Floor Therapist? Six Signs Suggest So
One of the first things Lacey discovered is that within the wider field of physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy is still a somewhat unknown quantity:
When you think of pelvic floor therapy, you may think of Kegel exercises — which are basically a workout for your pelvic floor muscles — but there's a lot more to it than that. When these muscles aren't functioning properly (aka, pelvic floor dysfunction), a variety of symptoms can get in the way of your day-to-day activities. We spoke to pelvic floor physical therapists about the signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction to look out for. If you experience any of these, it might be time to see a pelvic floor specialist.
Having realized the importance of pelvic health and the specialized training that is required to optimize it, Lacey came to me for some insights.
When Emilia Benton reached out to me for an article she was working on for Livestrong, her intent was to give a brief overview of why sex can be painful after menopause and the various treatment options being offered. Of course I was glad to put in my two cents for pelvic floor physical therapy as a big piece of the puzzle.
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Learn Why Sex Can Be Painful After Menopause - And What You Can Do About It
First we had the Baby Boom, and then the Menopause Boom. Since then we've learned a lot about what menopause is all about, but as happens with any time of change in our lives, there are still a number of questions to be answered. One of the more common ones concerns why sex can be painful after menopause.
Some of the answers to this question will be familiar to any woman who has experienced insufficient lubrication for any number of reasons, often to the point where they either cannot enjoy sex to the fullest - or cannot even do it at all due to the pain and discomfort. But during the fertile period of a woman's life, these issues can often be corrected depending on the cause.
While researching this article about diastasis recti exercises, Livestrong author Amy Marturana Winderl, CPTreached out to me for some advice. Here is a brief synopsis of the article, with a link to the full article below.
Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CSCS
Do You Have Ab Muscle Separation? These 10 Diastasis Recti Exercises Can Help Fix It.
For how common it is, diastasis recti (DR) is a condition that's surprisingly misunderstood.
In short, DR is what it's called when your abdominal muscles separate — specifically, the two sides of your rectus abdominis (your "six-pack muscles"). Separated stomach muscles occur as a result of too much pressure inside the abdomen (intra-abdominal pressure). That's why it's extremely common during pregnancy.
Using a squatty potty while peeing can help you fully empty your bladder. Image Credit: Mintra Kwthijak/iStock/GettyImages
Livestrong author Marygrace Taylor wanted to know "should you use a squatty potty when you pee?", and she reached out to me for some advice. Here is a brief synopsis of the article, with a link to the full article below.
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Everyone Has to Pee... Should You Use a Squatty Potty?
A squatty potty or toilet stool can make it easier to have a bowel movement, particularly if you're dealing with constipation. But is it worth sitting on one just for peeing too?
The answer is yes.
A deep squat position or feet on a toilet stool is preferred for both urinating and bowel movements,"
says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles and President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Here's why it helps, and how to know if you need one.
In an ideal world, we would all have perfectly balanced strength and crush workouts left and right. But here in the real world, however, many people struggle with muscular imbalances that make certain movements extra challenging.
Shoulder imbalances are particularly prevalent, says Kasia Gondek, physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Fusion Wellness and Physical Therapy. It's common — but not normal — for one shoulder to have less strength, activation or coordination than the other, Dr. Gondek says:
Livestrong.com is a quite popular website that (in their own words) "provides the blueprint to simple healthy living". It was founded by world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, and it covers a wide variety of topics that help people make better choices about their health and wellness.
While compiling information for the article linked below they reached out Heather Jeffcoat for her opinion on several topics, including the best options for Pilates reformers. To quote Heather:
The popular health website Livestrong reached out to Heather Jeffcoat for her expertise in overcoming sexual pain and discomfort due to vaginsmus and other diagnoses. Penned by none other than August McLaughlin of the popular Girl Boner Radio show, you can be sure that this read will be time well spent.
There is Poetry in Variety
McLaughlin begins with an analogous reference to the late William Cowper:
When poet William Cowper said, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor,” he may very well have been talking about the bedroom. A little (or a lot) of variety can make sex more fun and pleasurable, but when a physical condition makes certain positions challenging or painful, finding safe, creative alternatives is important.
August turns to Heather for some insight into what positions to avoid and (better yet) which ones to enjoy to not only minimize your pain but maximize your pleasure.
I was in multiple car accidents a decade ago, and I have been to many physical therapists through the years without success. They found the root of my lower back pain problems and after nearly a decade of barely being able to walk I finally can again without pain. They are also the best pelvic floor pts and the only ones who found the connection between my pelvic floor and lower back problems. If you need help with physical pain, they are your answer.
-- Jackie W., 1/19/17 via Yelp!
Testimonial by M.M.
A personal journey and testimonial from one of my patients:
My husband and I were married for 5 years before we were able to have intercourse due to my vaginismus. There was nothing traumatic in my past but for some reason, even though I wanted sex, I mentally avoided "that area" of my body and didn't even admit to myself that there was a problem for a long time, even though I was never able to put tampons in. Once I finally opened my eyes up to the fact that I had a problem, I had a surgery that was supposed to fix the issue.
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)
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.
Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) has honestly changed my life. Before receiving treatment at Femina, I was going doctor to doctor to try and find the answer to my pelvic pain. It has taken me YEARS to find someone that can help fix this. It wasn't until my gynecologist recommended your clinic that I finally felt relief. My pelvic pain is almost gone, and granted I still have a lot more to work on with Laureen (my PT), my original problem is nearly cured. I am so grateful to her.
What is even better is she gave me practical exercises to do at home that were not tedious and provided instant (and lasting) relief. Although I mainly work with Laureen, my interaction with the owner (Heather) has been great. She is very generous, kind, and committed to her business.
It hurts to know there are women out there suffering who will never know or have the opportunity to work with women like Laureen and Heather because this issue is hardly talked about and this field is so rare. I hope more doctors and physical therapists see the value in this work and can relieve more woman of their pain.
-- Julie T., 12/4/16 via Yelp!
Testimonial by R.H.
No one could tell me why I was having pain during sex--sharp pain, not just uncomfortable, pain. I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat after researching several different options. I had seen a specialist who told me physical therapy would not help and my only option was surgery. I really didn't want to go that route, so when we got a referral, I decided to try it--it can't hurt, I thought. I am so glad I did. She diagnosed the problem right away, which was a relief in itself.
To know why I was having pain eased my mind immensely. And to hear that she could fix it without surgery was another relief. She said she could fix the problem in 6 weeks. I think it was actually 4 for me. She was very methodical, and treated me as an intelligent human being capable of participating in my own recovery. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone. She did not try to prolong my session numbers, she worked hard to accommodate my schedule (and the fact that I had to bring a baby to sessions), and she was completely honest the entire time. It is so hard to find someone with these characteristics, much less a professional who is so good at what she does. She has my highest respect.
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