As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I get this question a lot. Although diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) can affect anyone, I see it most often in clients who are pregnant or have been pregnant. Unfortunately, I hear so many women telling me that their health care provider told them the only way to treat a DRA is through surgery. I’m here to bust that myth.
Read MOREHave you ever seen someone with a patchwork of purple circles on their back and wondered what in the world happened to them? Or maybe you’ve received cupping as part of your physical therapy and have had someone gasp when they’ve seen the cup marks, which resemble bruises.
Read MOREAs a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I use the Redcord suspension system to optimize muscle function. It sort of feels like you're floating on water. Here are a few examples of single-leg stability exercises (with bungee assistance) performed on all 4 sides...
Read MOREPhysical therapy is a healthcare specialty focused on treating various conditions related to movement and function. It involves the use of exercises, manual therapy, and other skilled techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. There are several mechanisms by which physical therapy works. It is a non-invasive treatment option. It does not involve the use of drugs or surgery...
Read MOREThis is one of the most frequent questions I get asked as a physical therapist. The short answer is: a little bit of everything. But let’s talk more about this concept. As we all know, a healthy and active lifestyle is important for both our physical and mental well being. Intentional movement of any type is a great way to maintain that lifestyle.
Read MOREI would like to talk about a topic that's not always easy to talk about, but is so very important. Dyspareunia or painful sex is something that many women experience. Although it's not something that we just have to put up with. And no, just drinking a glass of wine and trying to relax is NOT the answer. There are things you can do to address the problem. One of the most helpful things is pelvic floor physical therapy.
Read MOREDry needling is different from acupuncture, although they both involve the insertion of needles into the skin. Acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and involves the insertion of needles into specific meridians throughout the body to balance the flow of energy. Whereas dry needling is based on modern western medical principles and is used to treat specific muscular trigger points.
Read MOREThe average age of onset of menopause is 51 years old. Perimenopause begins in the 40s and continues into the late 50s. Menopause occurs when the menstrual cycle ends permanently due to the decrease in ovarian oocytes as a natural result of the aging process. Given that the pelvic floor tissues are extremely androgen receptive and are a part of the reproductive system, a change in hormonal levels undoubtedly has an effect on these tissues.
Read MOREIf you’ve recently been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), you probably have many questions that your doctor didn't have time to answer during your 15 minute appointment. So let's start with the most obvious question: What is it? PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women. Some common sign and symptoms of PCOS include missed or irregular periods, excess bodily hair, acne, weight gain, infertility and pelvic pain.
Read MOREInstant gratification is all around us every single day. We get our news immediately from our phones. Our meals come prepared and ready to heat up and eat in several minutes. And we get anything we want from Amazon with literally the click of a button. Our world is moving so fast compared to years ago. So why would recovering from a lower back injury be any different?
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