October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis, raise awareness about the importance of early detection, and support ongoing research for a cure. Breast cancer survivors are warriors and their journey doesn’t end with the last chemo session or the final surgery. In fact, many women find themselves facing new and unexpected challenges as they begin walking down the path of recovery. While most treatments for breast cancer will require intentional healing and rehabilitation, this article will focus on recovering from a mastectomy and how physical therapy can play an integral role in helping women physically and emotionally return to their bodies after such a major transition.

One question that often pops up in our clinic is: Can I safely use a vibrator while managing pelvic floor dysfunction? The short answer is YES! But don't just take our word for it--keep reading on for a more detailed discussion about sex toys and your pelvic floor.

In this blog, we’ll explore what clogged ducts are, how to identify them, and ways physical therapists can provide treatment options to help you continue your breastfeeding journey.

The diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse may initially seem scary. It can be easy to go down the google rabbit hole and find the worst possible outcomes on the internet. However, we want you to know that the diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse doesn’t automatically mean your doom. There ARE strategies to help address the symptoms of pelvic heaviness and to potentially reduce the need for surgery in the future.

While a small amount of discomfort during your menstrual cycle can be normal, having recurring painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, is not. It is estimated that dysmenorrhea affects up to 50% of menstruating women and may include severe abdominal cramping, pain in the lower back or abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, and pain that radiates down the legs.

We often hear the question from c-section mamas, “I didn’t deliver vaginally! How could pelvic floor therapy help me?” And the truth is…we wish ALL women who have had a cesarean birth would receive pelvic floor therapy because there are huge benefits to integrating it into your c-section recovery. In this blog, we take a dive into why pelvic floor therapy after a c-section is so important and what a session might look like!

Endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affects millions of women, causing debilitating pain and impacting daily life. In this blog, we delve into how endometriosis affects pelvic health and discuss how pelvic floor therapy can help manage its symptoms. Join us as we share more about the complexities of endometriosis and explore how pelvic floor therapy can provide relief.

Enhancing sexual health and satisfaction is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. As pelvic floor therapists, sexual health issues are common complaints we hear from patients. We treat (and love playing our part in helping to solve!) the physical aspects of these issues, however, it’s important to recognize that integrating a more holistic mind-body approach can often be far more effective when addressing issues as layered and important as intimacy and sex.

For the duration of a pregnancy, a woman’s body is changing, expanding, and working tirelessly to accommodate a growing baby and preparing to give birth. We spend so much of the prenatal period checking on baby and trying to make sure we’re providing the healthiest start possible for this new life to come into the world but how much are we focusing on the well-being of Mom amidst the extraordinary physical changes that she is experiencing? Pelvic floor physical therapists put Mom at the center, providing care to maximize ease and comfort during a time of incredible transformation.

October is World Mental Health Month. Maternal mental health is a cornerstone of our pelvic health practice. The transition into motherhood brings about changes physically, mentally and emotionally. Every woman undergoing pregnancy, labor, and delivery experiences unique physical changes that require thoughtful recovery. This resonates deeply with us as healthcare providers specializing in pregnancy and postpartum care. When we address these physical changes during the prenatal and postpartum period, we can help to nurture and make a positive impact on a mother’s mental health.