Pelvic Wellness Physical Therapy

🌼 June is Prolapse Awareness Month! 🌼

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more organs in the pelvic region, such as the uterus, bladder, or re**um, descend from their normal positions and protrude into or outside the va**nal canal.

Prolapse can lead to discomfort, pain, urinary or f***l incontinence, and impact one's quality of life.

As seen on the images above there are different types of prolapses that can occur.

1️⃣ Cystocele: refers to the descent of the bladder into the va**nal canal. Symptoms may include urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and a bulging sensation in the va**nal area.

2️⃣ Rectocele: occurs when the re**um bulges into the back va**nal wall. Symptoms may include difficulty with bowel movements, a feeling of pressure in the re**al area, and a protrusion in the va**na during bowel movements.

3️⃣ Uterine Prolapse: involves the descent of the uterus into the va**nal canal. Symptoms may include a sensation of pelvic pressure or heaviness, lower back pain, and difficulties with sexual in*******se.

4️⃣ Enterocele: is characterized by the herniation of the small intestine into the va**nal canal. Symptoms may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, discomfort during sexual in*******se, and a feeling of fullness or pressure

Pelvic floor PT can teach you how to strengthen the muscles around the area including the pelvic floor to provide support to the organs in the pelvis. Pelvic floor physical therapy can also help with other symptoms that can occur with POP like pelvic pain, bowel and bladder function, and constipation. The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy includes improving muscle tone, restoring function, and alleviating symptoms associated with prolapse. Pelvic physical therapists can educate you on proper body mechanics, breathing techniques, safe exercises and some exercises that you might want to avoid.

Please reach out if you have any questions.



Image used with permission from Pelvic Guru®, LLC
www.pelvicglobal.com

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

Did you know 1 in 4 women and 1 and 8 men will experience pelvic pain at some point of their life?

Many different things can contribute to pelvic pain and having a full evaluation by a pelvic floor therapist will be able find the best treatment options for you to meet your goals and resolve your symptoms.

Slide through the images to see more information of the symptoms and treatment approaches that can help.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

**C-Section Awareness and the Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy**

A Cesarean section, commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen that involves cutting through 7 different layers to remove the baby.

Recovering from a C-section involves more than just healing from the surgical incision. Many experience a range of issues postpartum, including:

**Pelvic Pain: Due to the trauma of surgery and changes in pelvic floor muscles.

**Scar Tissue: The formation of scar tissue around the incision site, which can cause pain and restrict movement.

**Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or tightness in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.

**Core Weakness: Reduced strength and stability in the abdominal and pelvic muscles, affecting posture and overall function.

What is the Role of Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Pelvic physical therapy plays a vital role in helping recover from C-sections and addressing the issues and improve the symptoms.

How can pelvic floor physical therapy can help:

1. Pain Management: manual techniques to tight muscles, therapeutic exercises, and stretching

2. Scar Mobilization: Specialized manual techniques can help improve scar movement including use of dry needling, cupping, skin rolling to improve mobility and reducing pain around the C-section scar.

3. Strengthening: Targeted core strengthening exercises can help improve strength, stability, improve posture and functional mobility with exercises to address issues like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

C-sections are common procedures, but they come with their own set of challenges that extend beyond the immediate postoperative period. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a game-changer in the recovery process, helping women regain their strength, mobility, and quality of life.

April is IBS Awareness Month

IBS is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestines.

Symptoms can include:
-Abdominal Pain or cramping
-Bloating and gas
-Diarrhea, gas, or both
-Mucus in stool
-Feeling of incomplete bowel movements

Treatment options can vary and include pelvic floor physical therapy, diet modifications, stress management, medications, and probiotics.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with pelvic floor dysfunction in the muscles, help with incomplete bowel emptying, education on lifestyle modifications, and exercises.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. However, with the right treatment approach, including pelvic floor physical therapy, many people can find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

1 in 10 women have endometriosis but it can take at least 8 medical providers to be diagnosed.

Symptoms can start as young as 8 years old, even prior to first menstrual period. It can cause inflammation, which can lead to adhesions, scarring, internal bleeding, bowel and urinary dysfunctions, constipation, painful in*******se and/or, infertility.

Laparoscopic surgery is currently the most definitive method to confirm the presence.

Treatment options vary and may include medication, hormonal therapy, excursion surgery and pelvic floor physical therapy.

Pelvic floor PT plays a pivotal role in managing the symptoms of endometriosis and address pelvic floor dysfunction, manage pain, improve scar tissue mobility, improve strength and improve overall pelvic health.

Reach out if you have questions on how we can help.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colon cancer has impacted my family and friends, compelling me to emphasize the significance of spreading awareness.

Colon Cancer is the 3rd most common cancer. Early detection is key and it is now recommended to start screenings at the age of 45 or sooner depending on your risk factor.

It is important to know the possible warning signs:
-Abdominal Pain
-Blood in stool/poop
-Fatigue
-Changes in bowel function
-Unexplained weight loss

Ways to prevent or decrease your risk:
-Stay active or exercise
-Eat a healthy diet
-Limit alcohol and to***co consumption

Contact your medical provider if you are having any of the possible symptoms and/or if you over 45 and have not been screened.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year! 🎉