Gynecology
How to Choose a Lubricant
By Heather Edwards, PT, CSC Personal lubricants for sexual penetration or external genital stimulation (either solo or partnered) can enhance pleasure and comfort. Though the vagina can self-lubricate, the amount of wetness and duration of its effectiveness will vary from person to person. It can also vary for one person depending on many factors such…
Read More5 Critical Errors Women Make During CrossFit
5 Critical Errors Women Make During CrossFit CrossFit is a worldwide phenomenon. The CrossFit Games Open had nearly 300,000 entries for the first workout. There are over 11,000 affiliates around the world. CrossFit is here to stay and it is a GOOD thing. But just like every other exercise program or sport in the world,…
Read MoreExplore Your Vulva! Yes, Take A Look! A professional highlight of Lori Forner
Attention! Go ahead and explore your vulvas! (In a private setting, of course!) We don’t hear that very often do we? Check out this conversation with a brilliant and wonderful pelvic PT colleague in Australia, Lori Forner, B.ScH, MPhty(St), APAM. This is so important. Here are just a few reasons why: 1. RECOGNIZING CHANGES: It’s important…
Read MoreDoes Sleep Really Matter for Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Does sleep really matter for chronic pelvic pain? Guest post by Jessica Reale, PT, DPT, WCS Did you know that most people will spend about 22 years of their lives sleeping? Sleep is one of the most basic human needs and is at the very base of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs right next to…
Read MoreThe 5 Things We Wish You Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia
The 5 Things We Wish PTs, MDs, and Patients Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia and Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Tracy Sher, MPT, CSCS and Loretta J. Robertson, PT, MS Why is the diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia confused with Pudendal Nerve Entrapment? Why are there so many misdiagnoses with pudendal symptoms? Its complex. We are both pelvic physical…
Read MoreYour Vagina is Not Cussing: Good, Simple Vulvovaginal Hygiene Tips
Friends, Romans, Countrywomen – lend me your ear! All these people are WRONG! (and that’s probably one reason why they’re seeing me in the first place)
If you want my advice, I’m going to be succinct, clear and direct. You can wash your vulvovaginal area any way you’d like as long as you are in the shower, eliminate all soap and let warm water run over the area and only use your hands. Just call me the Henry Ford of the vagina…or is that weird?
Read MoreWhat IS Pelvic Physical Therapy and Why Doesn’t EVERYONE Know About It?
True story – During graduate school (Northwestern shout out) for physical therapy over 15 years ago, I distinctly remember turning to a friend in class and stating emphatically, “Mark my words, I will NEVER EVER do what the therapist is doing in that video. NEVER. Why are we even seeing this in class?”. You may wonder…
Read MoreBladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! IPPS Conference Highlights
Bladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! Highlights on these topics from the International Pelvic Pain Society Conference in Orlando, FL, October 17-20, 2013. The 2013 International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) Conference was highly anticipated and with great reason! We were impressed by the excellent clinical information for first-time and return attendees to the conference.…
Read MorePelvic Pain Research: What’s Happening and Who’s Recruiting?
Pelvic pain research “nerd alert”. You have been warned! Here’s a sampling of some of the great research projects and trials (primarily pelvic pain with some others sprinkled in) listed as CURRENTLY recruiting subjects in the United States and Canada. Who else hopes the funding dollars are there to support these (crossing fingers)!? Let’s face it: pelvic…
Read MoreVaginal Dilator Guide for Patients. Dilators and the Brain? Pain, Fear, and Anxiety
There are different reasons to use vaginal dilators. This particular post focuses on providing dilator information for women facing fear, anxiety, and/or pain with regard to vaginal touch, finger insertion, gynecology exams, use of tampons, and intercourse. My quest to find valuable, comprehensive resources for a guide for dilator use fell short. This is particularly…
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