physical therapy, postpartum, pregnancy, women's health

Diastasis Recti Remedy

Diastasis Recti (DR): Linear separation of the rectus abdominis ("six pack muscle"). Many mamas and those of us with very physically demanding jobs experience this and it's consequences, resulting in hernias, back pain, pelvic pain, poor pelvic floor muscle control leading to urinary and/or anal incontinence, weak abdominals, etc. There is a very straightforward exercise… Continue reading Diastasis Recti Remedy

Fertility, pelvic health, physical therapy, women's health

Endo(my)triosis: A Personal Journey

Truly inspired by the optimism amid the physical and emotional pain experienced by Sara in her story below. So honored to have her write so openly about her journey with endometriosis. I hope those of you suffering from symptoms of endometriosis will find a bit of solidarity through her story. Endometriosis was a new word… Continue reading Endo(my)triosis: A Personal Journey

pelvic health, physical therapy, Sex, women's health

Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 3: Endometriosis

Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue, which forms the lining of the uterus, grows outside of your uterus and implants itself onto your pelvic organs and tissues, like an entitled little _______ (insert your word of choice). This terrible disorder affects roughly 10-15% of women of reproductive age. There are a few theories as to why this occurs, but… Continue reading Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 3: Endometriosis

pelvic health, physical therapy, Sex, women's health

Vaginismus: A Success Story

I think it is so important for women to feel supported, encouraged, not alone, understood. That's why I asked this brave soul to share her story. I hope you are able to find some humor, hope and help through her vaginismus journey. I guess you could say Vaginismus and I met on my wedding night. … Continue reading Vaginismus: A Success Story

pelvic health, physical therapy, Sex, women's health

Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 2: Vulvodynia

VULVODYNIA: the painful (dynia) vagina (vulva). Let's talk about the classifications of this babe: Generalized: The entire vulva experiences an abnormal sensation. This can be brought on by touch from clothing, hands, with intercourse, etc. or it can happen spontaneously and may always be present. OR you could have a fun mix of both. Localized:… Continue reading Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 2: Vulvodynia

pelvic health, physical therapy, Sex, women's health

Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 1: Vaginismus

Dyspareunia, in human words, means painful sex. And is technically its own diagnosis, but in my experience, the symptoms usually lead to a more specific secondary diagnosis. Sex can be a touchy (pun) topic. Most of us keep that part of our life very private, even if you have the best sex-life known to man (or… Continue reading Dispelling Dyspareunia Part 1: Vaginismus

pelvic health, physical therapy, womens health

What the heck is a pelvic floor and do I have one?

The answer is, YES! You have a pelvic floor, or pelvic diaphragm, as some of the cool kids call it. Even you, men. Here is a very cut and dry picture of the female pelvic floor and lower abdominal viscera. Photo Cred: Vagiflex.com So what is the pelvic floor exactly? It is a group of muscles that… Continue reading What the heck is a pelvic floor and do I have one?