A pelvic floor internal exam is a type of physical examination that is performed by a pelvic floor physical therapist to assess the function and health of your pelvic floor muscles. This exam is conducted in a private, comfortable setting and is performed with your informed consent. Typically it involves insertion of a gloved finger into the vagina or rectum to feel the strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I have specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region. I work with people of all genders to address a variety of issues, including: urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction...

You have probably heard some people say, “Oh it is normal to leak after having a baby, that is just what happens.” While it is common to experience leaking, this shouldn't become your new normal. As a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health, I am trained to help new moms overcome incontinence. I also work with moms who have been dealing with bladder issues for many years.

You crossed the finish line of your pregnancy journey! Three trimesters of hormone changes and muscles adapting to the changes of load while the baby gradually grows. But what about the "fourth trimester" or postpartum period? Typically our instructions are to rest and let the body recover for 6 weeks after having a baby. However, what if we included gentle exercises as part of that rest and recovery?

Easy answer: as soon as you want! Generally we wait 6 weeks postpartum to begin pelvic floor physical therapy. However, this applies to assessing and treating the pelvic floor muscles only. There are other regions of the body (hips, spine, shoulders, etc.) that are affected during pregnancy and the birthing process which can affect your posture, strength, stability and mobility.

As a pelvic health and lymphedema physical therapist, I am frustrated with the stereotypes associated with aging and menopause.‍ For example, “Oh, you just pee when you sneeze as you get older,” is not true. Additionally, the notion that as we age, sexual activity and sensuality cease due to lack of interest and body function is also not true.

Pain is often caused by an inflammatory process of some type causing an irritation in a tissue like a bone, muscle, tendon, or ligament. When seeing a PT, you’re usually assigned exercises to address your goals. Typically these goals are oriented around reducing inflammation and optimizing movement function. But exercises aren’t the only thing that can assist with achieving your goals.

What is a diastasis? Most people know the diastasis as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle. While this is not completely wrong, it is also not completely true either. A diastasis is actually a thinning of the linea alba which is a connective tissue sheath that lies in the middle of the abdominal wall and connects the abdominal muscles.

If you've been diagnosed with lymphedema (or suspect you have it), a physical therapist can help. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (LMT), I have advanced training in this area of practice. So I thought it would be helpful for me to explain what I do when treating someone for lymphedema.

I am thrilled to add lymphedema management to my list of physical therapy service offerings. When I joined the staff at Activcore, I had the chance to observe a lymphedema trained specialist, Dr. Lisa Ochman. She applied lymphatic drainage in ways that were incredibly creative and effective.