Pelvic Health Blog

Work smarter, not harder, from home

6/30/2020

by Michelle Dela Rosa, PT, DPT, PRPC

Kids and phone calls, cooking, and homeschooling...so where is the space to work from home? For some people, creating a proper work station at home has been challenging.

At Connect PT, we're seeing all kinds of issues from wrist pain to neck pain to low back pain and tailbone pain after making this transition. We cannot assume the table that we eat at is set up properly for zoom calls or studying. If you're still working from home, we want to help make the transition easier. Let's break it down:

Problem #1

If you're like me, at some point in the day you're using a laptop. It's terrible for long-term use.

Your head is forced to look down if you're using a table at standard height. That opens the gate for headaches, jaw tension, and upper back pain.

Remedy #1

Place a thick book under the back of the laptop to elevate the screen.

This allows you to pick your head up a little more while still allowing for proper wrist alignment.

Problem #2

Dangling feet or feet that can't rest on the floor comfortably gives little whole-body support when seated for long periods of time.

You'll end up needing to place more pressure on other structures like the low back or neck.

Remedy #2

Place a low step stool or other firm support under the feet to keep knees in line with hips, which will automatically decrease pressure on the spine.

Problem #3

The chair I'm using is fixed in a reclined position.

It's okay for eating, conversing, relaxing - not ok for computer work. This position puts lots of pressure on the tailbone when, contrary to popular belief, the tailbone is not meant for sitting!

PS - Watch out for children or pets who might accidentally rearrange your setup!

Remedy #3

Fold up a pillow or small cushion to place behind your mid-back to allow for sitting on your "sit bones". Sitting up straight shouldn't feel like work!

Interview with Becca Ironside, PT: "On the Sneaktip: The Male Pelvis Revealed"

6/8/2020

We are thrilled to announce to the Connect PT community the birth of a different kind of book about male pelvic dysfunction, written by our own Becca Ironside, PT, MSPT:

On the Sneaktip: The Male Pelvis Revealed

Michelle: Becca, what makes this book different than other books about men’s pelvic conditions?

Becca: There are lots of books written for men about the pelvis; and they are fantastic and also very helpful to the guys that we treat. These books are typically written in a nonfiction format, but I am a reader of fiction. I resonate with people more than facts. I decided to write a book about the male pelvis from a fictional point of view. There are five characters within this story with different problems. I wanted to create personalities around their symptoms, to delve into the backstory of each person living with pelvic floor dysfunction and how it impacts their day-to-day lives. It is important to read nonfiction about how to address erectile dysfunction or pelvic pain, but another thing altogether to be inside a private treatment room with a man whose world is collapsing because of his pelvic pain or prostate cancer. I wanted to give the reader a glimpse into the mind of a man struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction in a very personal format.

Michelle: Can you tell us more about the actual conditions that these men have been diagnosed with?

Becca: I would be delighted to. One main diagnosis of men which is highlighted in this book is known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. One of the reasons that I needed to write about this topic is because it is little known in the general population. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, or CPPS, is a cluster of symptoms which often include urinary burning and urgency, penile, testicular or rectal pain, constipation, pain with arousal and ejaculation and difficulty sitting due to these symptoms. In pelvic floor physical therapy, we treat men with this condition, though we are aware that there are many more men out there with such problems who don’t know where to turn.

One character in the story is named Tom; he is a successful sommelier (also known as a professional wine-taster, which sounds like a fun job if you ask me), with a wife and two daughters. Tom begins to have crippling constipation and he experiences pain in his pelvis after having sex with his wife. At first, Tom hides his pain and stops having sex with his partner, due to his great anxiety about the matter. But Tom has money and good medical insurance, so he is able to navigate through the medical quagmire to get the treatment he needs.

Kirk is another character who has Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. But Kirk is only 24 and he is a drummer in a band. Kirk has searing urinary pain and pain having sex with the women he meets on tour with the band. Kirk attempts to treat his pelvic pain with drugs and alcohol (a very common finding for men with this diagnosis), but he has no medical insurance and is financially broke.

I wanted to show two vastly different outcomes for men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome with these two characters. They have exactly the same problem, but one has the means to get help for his condition, the other does not.

Michelle: What about prostate cancer? Can you tell us about how you created a character around this diagnosis?

Becca: Oliver is a biracial man raised in Alabama. His father is a white police officer and his mother is Jamaican. Oliver’s father teaches his son how to hunt wild turkey when he is merely ten years old. He then grows up and becomes a sharpshooter in the U.S. Army. Oliver is sent to Iraq and then Afghanistan and takes pride in his shooting abilities and time spent serving his country. When he comes home for Thanksgiving one year to visit his parents, he meets a woman named Talulah. They fall in love, Oliver returns home to the States and takes a job as a state trooper, the couple gets married and has a baby. Tada! Life is beautiful, right?

Oliver is then diagnosed with prostate cancer as a 42-year old. In working with men with prostate cancer, there are some pretty consistent variables in how they respond emotionally, and these variables can be seen through Oliver’s journey. Oliver is my favorite character in this book. Maybe because prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and I wanted men to feel that they could read the thoughts of a guy who is being told the worst news of his life; but who then gets treated for his cancer and still has a great life thereafter.

Michelle: Got it! Next, how about men with erectile dysfunction who don’t have prostate cancer or pain with sex? Does your book assign this very common issue to a character?

Becca: Yes. His name is Rick and he is a plumber in Pittsburgh, PA. Rick owns the plumbing company, in fact, and his son Francis will be the first man in his family to go to college. The main fly in the ointment in Rick’s life is his eroding marriage to his wife Nicole. Their partnership is devoid of intimacy and Rick notices newly-developed erectile dysfunction as his marital communication worsens. Rick goes to a female urologist for bioidentical hormone replacement. It is through his conversations with his urologist that we get to see underneath his tough exterior to the vulnerability of a man who has erectile dysfunction.

Michelle: I see that this female urologist is also a character in the story. Can you tell us how she enhances the book?

Becca: The character of Dr. Sheila Ashtiju is based on a very skilled physician who treats patients from our pelvic floor clinic to improve sexual function. Through Sheila’s eyes, we are able to see how she treats men with bioidentical hormones to address erectile dysfunction. We are also able to get an outsider’s viewpoint on how men react to their pelvic problems from a skilled physician, who also happens to be a female with sexual secrets that she feels she must hide.

Michelle: Who is the ideal audience for this book?

Becca: I’ll tell you a cool side-story that may answer this question. I had a choice between two cover designs for this book. One was distinctly masculine, the background was dark-blue and the vibe mysterious. The other cover was white, clean and crisp, and is the one I ultimately chose. Before choosing between the covers, I walked around a local restaurant and asked everyone there which cover they preferred, even though they had no concept as to what the book was about. 90% of men chose the blue, masculine cover and 80% of women chose the crisp, white cover.

I stayed up all night worrying, but was counseled by a very good friend who steered me in the right direction. “Women drive healthcare in this country,” she advised. “Men often won’t go to a doctor until a female partner pushes them to. Choose the book cover that will appeal to the greatest number of people, but also a cover that women will want to read. Because this book is for people of every gender and has something for everyone.”

This book is for any person who has experienced erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostate cancer and anyone close to those with these issues. I hope that answers your question about the ideal audience, Michelle.

Michelle: Any other pearls from the book that you’d be willing to ‘sneak out’ to the Connect PT community?

Becca: While I hope that the fictional characters are people with whom the reader can identify with in some way, I realized after writing that portion that a nonfiction/scientific explanation was necessary to illustrate why the characters got the treatments that they did. I have never written a book with nonfiction within it before, so it was a stretch to get through all those research studies. I remember doing it in my attic in July of 2019. I decided not to turn on the air-conditioning to really get to the grittiness of the matter.

After four weeks of sweating and gulping down coconut water in that attic, I had a bibliography. I wanted the readers to know that Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is suspected to be present in 2-16% of the population. This is the NUMBER ONE diagnosis for men under 50 who come to a urologist’s office, yet very few people know this statistic. I also wanted to rationalize why the fictional character with prostate cancer was created as being biracial. Black men are 50% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. The nonfiction portion of the book is extremely important and reviews treatments for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. It is a nice compliment to the fiction.

And finally, I added a backstory on where the characters came from. It was in this portion of the book where I feel I was most able to honor men, to acknowledge their struggles in a world that does not allow for male weakness or vulnerability. This was the easiest part of the book to write; I waited until September as cooler winds blew and football season had arrived. I hope you can all get something out of this book.

For a sample of one of the many topics discussed in the book, check out Becca's latest video on Erectile Dysfunction & Physical Therapy Treatment.

Biofeedback: A Tool in the Toolbox

10/28/2019

By Bryn Zolty, PT

As rehabilitation therapists we all learn techniques to evaluate and treat patients. Often we refer to all these techniques as tools in our toolbox. Like a good carpenter, we strive to have a toolbox full of techniques so that we can provide the best care for each patient. We all have our favorite tools. With clinical experience and evidence based research, therapists may pick one tool more often for the job than another. However, I feel strongly that a tool will work better if you have been properly trained and had lots of practice with that tool. This applies to the use of biofeedback, specifically in this case, for pelvic muscle dysfunction. It is a tool in our toolbox. Not the only one, but one of my favorites. And a tool supported by medical evidence.

I thought it was a great tool from the first time I was exposed to it during a pregnancy and postpartum course. As students in the course, we tried birthing positions to see if our muscles could relax. Relaxation of your pelvic muscles is highly desirable in order to have tissues that will stretch as a baby is being delivered. A better position means less injury to mom, less problems with incontinence and prolapse later. But everyone had a different position in which they could relax. This meant that we could not teach one position to everyone, but use our biofeedback tool to determine which position worked for each person. This is patient-centered care because we treat each patient as an individual.

I was introduced to biofeedback in other pelvic courses, but again, just enough to see different ways it was helpful. I had my clinic get one and immediately started using it. I used it to teach patients how to kegel or relax. Then I saw that you could take a 5 day course, mentoring hours, an exam, and be certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). In fact, parents of children with pelvic dysfunction, were asking for a biofeedback certified practitioner. After going through this certification process, I understand why they want the certification. It shows them that I didn’t just get exposure of a machine, but have shown to be proficient in its use.

Through the mentoring process I learned many more uses for biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction. I learned to teach the patient how to use their muscles during tasks, functional movements, strengthening, coordinating a bowel movement breath, and more! These are things I have always taught, but now the patient and I could actually observe the muscle recruitment during the teaching. I could adjust my cueing and teaching to fit that person.

Not many patients walk into the office complaining that they have problems with their pelvic floor just laying in bed. But lying on your back is the only position many therapists use the biofeedback in. I use the biofeedback in a toileting position, during the movement that makes them leak urine, and in poses to relax or strengthen. It helps patients find out what their body is doing during the task that is most meaningful to them. Again, this is patient-centered care.

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a tool to help a patient change behaviors or responses. More technically, it is electromyography, EMG. It measures muscle recruitment. That means if done correctly, it measures a targeted muscle when you activate it. If I put the surface electrodes (small stickers) on a muscle and ask you to squeeze or contract, the graph on the computer will show if you are able to contract the muscle. In pelvic floor biofeedback we have the option of surface electrodes or internal sensors. This is always a discussion with the patient to find out what method they are most comfortable with.

Am I appropriate for biofeedback?

Often a patient is told at a doctors appointment that they need biofeedback. I receive many scripts that request biofeedback for muscle training. The doctor may have concerns about the patient performing the correct program. Also, many gastrointestinal doctors have done testing that shows that there is incoordination of the pelvic floor during attempted bowel movements. This means the patient squeezes their muscles when they should relax, making it difficult to evacuate stool.

Your first visit with a therapist is an evaluation. One of the many things we look for is your ability to coordinate your muscles. This means we have you contract, relax, and isolate muscles. If you are having difficulty with verbal and physical cueing, you may be appropriate.

Research shows that almost half of patients being told to kegel will actually push and bear down instead of squeezing and lifting. It is also common that patients will contract their abdomen at the same time and have difficulty isolating the pelvic floor. Also, a cause of constipation can be pelvic floor activation when the muscles should be relaxing.

A pelvic physical therapist has special training to perform internal pelvic floor evaluations. This internal evaluation provides us with valuable information to help you with your dysfunction. However, it is so important for a therapist to present all the options for evaluation and treatment. Not everyone needs or is comfortable with internal vaginal or rectal muscle evaluation. I like to inform each patient of all the information I can gather from each technique and let them decide. It is their care, their body, and their decision. Surface EMG can offer the patient and therapist a look at activation and coordination and help their symptoms without any internal contact. Some patient populations that may benefit from biofeedback because internal contact isn’t possible include:

Pediatric cases
Cultural reasons
Victims of abuse/trauma
Severe pain
Fear
Immediately post op or post partum without clearance for internal
On pelvic rest
They do not want internal

Pelvic floor therapists need to be incredibly sensitive. Our patients share with us things their family may not even know. We need to build trust before many patients feel comfortable, if ever, with internal evaluation. This does not mean they do not get therapy! I see a huge relief in many of my patients when I explain that they do not ever need to have internal treatment. I tell them what I could do instead, and the pros/cons. Many of them choose biofeedback.

What is a session like?

Prior to the biofeedback session, I discuss all the options. First we discuss sensor options. Most of my patients choose the surface electrodes, but internal sensors are an option that can then be used for biofeedback and if stimulation is part of their plan of care. If you are a child or have severe internal pain, the surface electrodes are used. These are placed peri-anally. That means on either side of the anus.

I usually have my patient put their pants back on, or a gown if they prefer for the session. We move around and the more comfortable a patient is the better the session. I will cue the patient through long or short squeezes, coughing, relaxation, bowel movement breathing, or whatever it is that we identified in the evaluation or we find on the biofeedback that needs to be addressed. I try different cues, screens or tones to get the desired outcome. I often find that the patient can achieve the goal on their own by monitoring the screen. If you figure out a problem on your own, you usually remember it better! Many patients need just one session to get started, some patients require more. It all depends on the patient because patient-centered care is so important.

Are there side effects? Can I get hurt?

Patients need to know that the biofeedback detects your muscles’ activity. No electrical charge goes into you during biofeedback. The machine will not hurt you. Squeezing muscles repeatedly can create muscle soreness. Just like after a workout at the gym. If increased resting tension is seen on the biofeedback and pain is associated with kegels, then I focus on muscle relaxation, physiological quieting, body scans, posture, etc. But it is possible that you are sore from exercising the muscles.

Courses and certification

There are several organizations that offer coursework for therapists. My path took me to Herman and Wallace for most of my pelvic floor training. I recently took a more biofeedback focused course from Biofeedback Training and Incontinence Solutions. I have been fullfilling my mentoring requirements through Tiffany Lee from Biofeedback Training and Incontinence Solutions. For information on coursework and mentoring, visit www.pelvicfloorbiofeedback.com. The BCIA offers certifications in different fields of biofeedback including pelvic muscle dysfunction. They require didactic course completion, mentoring, certification exams, and hours. Their website includes information for therapists hoping to become certified, as well as a board certified practitioner database for patients to locate certified therapists at www.BCIA.org.

Recommended resources: VMagic

5/2/2019

Connect PT loves VMagic for vulvar care.

Our therapists have seen significant benefits for women with itching and burning when used externally. Many with chemical sensitivities have been able to tolerate the honey and propolis, and organic extra virgin olive oil, among other natural ingredients in the cream.

Sleep solutions

3/7/2019

By Karen Bruno, PT, DPT

Many of our patients report that they have difficulty getting a restorative night’s rest and they are not alone. In the United States, 50-70 million adults have a sleep disorder (1). Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, with short term issues reported by about 30% of adults and chronic insomnia reported by 10%. 3–5% of the overall proportion of obesity in adults could be attributable to short sleep (1). Sleep disorders are a common complaint among people with pelvic pain and chronic diseases (2).

According to a recent article published in the American Journal of Physical Therapy, “Research continues to reveal that sleep is not a period of physiologic inactivity; rather, it represents a critical period of recovery that supports cardiovascular, neurologic, and other life functions. Sleep is a basic human need, and recent attention on sleep by researchers and media are changing sleep attitudes and behaviors. Sufficient sleep was often viewed as a luxury, and reduced sleep time was often equated with increased productivity; however, attitudes are shifting to prioritize sufficient quality sleep. Quality sleep is recognized as a positive health behavior, and it has been recommended to consider sleep as another vital sign, as sleep can give insight into the functioning and health of the body (3)."

You may have noticed that getting a good night’s sleep helps you to feel better both physically and mentally and this helps you function better during your waking hours. Basically, getting a good night’s sleep is a game changer that enhances the quality of your life. “Sleep is critical for the proper functioning of the body, including immune function, tissue healing, pain modulation, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and learning and memory. Impaired sleep can lead to obesity, mood disorders, constipation and heart disease” (3).

https://www.sleepassociation.org/about-sleep/sleep-statistics/
https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/97/8/826/3831304
Siengsukon CF, Al-dughmi M, Stevens S. Sleep health promotion: practical information for physical therapists. Phys Ther. 2017;97(8):826-836.

Tips for Healthy Sleep
There is good news! There are many natural ways to improve the quality of your sleep and restore your sleep health. Scroll through the list below and try one or more of the tips, and see how they work for you.

Decrease stress - Try diaphragmatic breathing to help you wind down and de-stress. Breathing full breaths in through your nose for 4 seconds and exhaling through your mouth or nose for 8 seconds is calming to the nervous system.
Create your bedroom space as a peaceful sanctuary - remove electronics, TV’s, exercise equipment and anything that may remind you of any form of work. Reserve your bed for sleeping and intimacy.
Get to bed in enough time to enable you to get 7+ hours of sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Read a book or take a bath to help wind down.
Establish regular sleeping and waking hours
Avoid light-emitting electronic devices at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime; use amber glasses at night when watching TV or working on a laptop.
Find the right temperature for your bedroom. The general recommendation is to keep the bedroom temperature between 60-70 degrees.
Sleep in complete darkness. Use of an eye mask may be beneficial to keep light out. Use earplugs or a white noise machine to block out noises.
Consider applying a hot pack to your abdomen. This can be very calming. Keep the hot pack on for no more than 20 minutes. If you tend to have cold feet, wrapping a hot pack around your feet for 10-20 minutes can be warming and relaxing.
Consider using essential oils. Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Vetiver provide relaxing effects and calm the nervous system. You can diffuse them, put the oils on your pulse point, rub them on the bottom of your feet, lightly spray them on your pillowcase or add them to an Epsom Salt bath and take the bath before bedtime.
Find a comfortable, supportive, neutral sleep positions. Use of a neck roll or a lumbar roll, or a pillow between your knees when you are on your side as positioning supports.
Avoid taking naps to catch up on sleep.
Exercise can have a positive effect on deep sleep. Find the time of day that works best for you. Stretching, strengthening, yoga, aerobics or a combination of activities may be right for you.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and other inflammation-causing foods, like sugary snacks, refined carbohydrates, or processed meats, late at night.
Support through vitamins and supplements may be useful. Please check with your doctor, nutritionist, pharmacist or herbal practitioner for what may be right for you. Some common sleep nutrients include ashwagandha, valerian, chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, melatonin, L-theanine and 5-HTP or Tryptophan. GABA is helpful if sleep is disturbed by anxiety. Taurine and phosphatidylserine help to lower cortisol. Magnesium and magnesium glycinate are helpful in insomnia.
Move your energy through easy Energy Medicine exercises.

Energy medicine is a safe and natural way to manage your energies to meet the stresses and anxieties in your life by optimizing your energies to help your body and mind function at their best. This approach acknowledges your unique complex nature and how your whole body is connected. From the energy medicine perspective, sleep problems are seen as an energetic imbalance that can be resolved by activating the body’s natural healing ability to restore balance.

I hope you will join me on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 6 pm in our Hamilton office to learn some of these easy and gentle self-care Energy Medicine techniques. Get a jump start and sign-up by calling 609-584-4770 for this free presentation.

Recommended resources: video lessons from our therapists

6/5/2018

Connect PT videos - lessons from our therapists

Connect PT is proud to announce the new “lessons from our therapists” video series!

Our therapists provide answers to commonly asked questions, explain the benefits of therapy for pelvic conditions, and demonstrate self-help techniques and exercises. View them on our YouTube channel or here on our website at connectpt.org/videos.

Recommended resources: ending female pain and ending male pelvic pain

12/5/2017

Ending Femal Pain A Woman's Manual and Ending Male Pelvic Pain A Man's Manual

Connect PT likes Ending Female Pain, A Woman's Manual, Expanded 2nd Edition: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for Women Suffering From Chronic Pelvic and Sexual Pain and Ending Male Pelvic Pain, a Man's Manual: The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for Men Suffering with Prostatitis, Recovering from Prostatectomy, Or Living with Pelvic Or Sexual Pain, two books written by Isa Herrera, PT.

Isa is a pioneer in the world of pelvic rehabilitation and shares her recommendations for those suffering from pelvic pain. We love how she devotes separate books for women and men to address their individual needs.

Recommended Resource: BabyBod

10/6/2017

Connect PT likes BabyBod, written by Marianne Ryan, PT. The book details how to stay fit during pregnancy and get back into shape after delivery with the guidance of an experienced pelvic physical therapist. Moms will benefit whether they gave birth yesterday or many years ago.

Recommended Resources: Pro-roller Soft

9/8/2016

Connect PT likes the Pro-Roller Soft for gentle rolling of tight areas.

Its softer material makes it comfortable to lie on for support or compression during exercise, compared to other rollers that are traditionally more firm.

Recommended resource: thera cane

3/16/2016

Connect PT likes the Thera Cane, a self-massager that makes it easy to break up trigger points - even in hard-to- reach places!

The pressure applied by the Thera Cane can improve muscle function by increasing blood flow and releasing adhesions.

Recommended Resources: reviving your sex life after childbirth

1/11/2016

Connect PT likes Reviving Your Sex Life After Childbirth, by Kathe Wallace, PT.

This book offers women physical therapy techniques and other tips to return to pain-free, pleasurable intercourse after childbirth.

Recommended Resources: Let's Get Things Moving

8/19/2015

Connect PT likes Let’s Get Things Moving – Overcoming Constipation, by Pauline Chiarelli and Sue Markwell, Australian physical therapists.

The book discusses the taboo subject of constipation, normal bowel function, self-help strategies, proper evacuation technique, and the role of the pelvic floor.

Let's Get Moving Overcoming Constipation

Recommended Resources: The Squatty Potty

1/26/2015

What a great idea! Check out The Squatty Potty at squattypotty.com, for a simple solution to improving constipation.

The stool improves toileting posture by lifting the knees above the hips. Pelvic floor muscles can fully relax to allow the colon to empty completely.

Recommended Resources: Foam Roller

2/18/2014

Connect PT recommends the Foam Roller for the release of overactive muscles and connective tissues.

Rolling the foam under tight or tender areas can break up trigger points and soothe tight fascia, while increasing blood flow and circulation.

Recommended Resources: Stretch Out Strap

6/2/2013

Connect PT recommends the Stretch Out® Strap for thorough stretching without a partner.

Multiple loops make it possible to sustain stretches more effectively. The strap is ideal for muscles to warm-up, cool-down, or maintain general range of motion

Take the floor: voices for PFD

12/15/2012

A new website called “Take the Floor: Voices for PFD” [pelvic floor dysfunction] has been developed by the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the AUGS Foundation. People can find educational information on bladder and bowel dysfunction that includes: definitions, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. For more inforamation, go to www.voicesforpfd.org.

Recommended Resource: New Dawn Pilates DVD

9/21/2012

Connect PT recommends the New Dawn Pilates DVD for people with pelvic pain.

This series of gentle exercises was created by Jenny Buttacio, an occupational therapist and Pilates instructor who was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in 2005. The DVD contains short segments to allow people with pain to customize a workout according to their needs.

Recommended Resource: Physiological Quieting

8/4/2012

Connect PT is a fan of Physiological Quieting, a CD for clients and clinicians. It is produced by Janet Hulme, a physical therapist that has been practicing for over 30 years. Breathing, autogenics, and muscle scanning are just a few of the components that have been included to help treat conditions like pelvic pain, bladder irritability, and sleep disturbances. Listening to guided CDs like these can facilitate balance in the autonomic nervous system.

"Your Pace Yoga"

2/12/2012

Connect PT loves Your Pace Yoga, a new DVD for people with pelvic pain.

The home yoga program was created by Dustienne Miller, a physical therapist, to combine breathing, meditation, and body awareness with postures gentle enough for those healing pelvic pain.

Recommended resource: "Heal Pelvic Pain" by Amy Stein, PT

11/17/2011

Connect Physical Therapy recommends "Heal Pelvic Pain", a book by Amy Stein, PT.

This is an insightful and easy-toread book that offers tools and exercises for pelvic pain using strengthening, stretching and relaxation, manual therapy, biofeedback, massage, heat and cold, and other physical therapy treatments.

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