June 2019 Newsletter
Endometriosis
There can be many factors as to why someone might experience pelvic pain. Injury, scar tissue, past surgeries, or even overly contracted pelvic floor musculature may be the culprit. Endometriosis is also a diagnosis that can sometimes be overlooked as a factor in pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. Endometriosis is a condition where the inside lining of the uterus, the endometrium, be found on other areas of the abdominal cavity outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissue has been found in some women to be on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, bowels, rectum, and in some studies even in the eye! Now, how did it get there, you ask? Researchers and still investigating how this might be the case, but a working theory is that this tissue gets displaced during fetal development, or the activation of certain genes, a science called epigenetics, later on in child or adulthood.
Endometrial tissue is unique in that it is receptive to normal cyclical hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle and bleeds and sheds every month. This process works just as designed when this tissue is inside of the uterus and has a way to exit our body through the vagina. When endometrial tissue is found in areas outside the uterus, however, it cannot be eliminated which can create irritation and inflammation to the surrounding tissues or organs. Over time, this can create scar tissue or adhesions throughout the abdominal cavity, causing pain and inflammation.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include painful, debilitating periods. Not just gentle cramping that makes you reach for a heating pad or your nearest ibuprofen, but unable to get out of bed, go to work, or engage with family or friends type of pain. Heavy bleeding or clotting, fatigue, excessive abdominal bloating, painful bowel movements, constipation, painful sex or bladder urgency and frequency or infertility are also potential symptoms for endometriosis.
Women who have endometriosis may wait anywhere on average from 6-11 years from first symptoms to final diagnosis. Diagnosis can be challenging as surgery is currently considered the gold standard, meaning physicians must look at the tissue via small cameras inserted through the abdomen in order to be diagnosed. Current treatments to assist in reducing symptoms for endometriosis include hormonal birth control and surgery via excision or ablation. Other treatment modalities such as acupuncture, modifications to diet and exercise, yoga, meditation and mindfulness practice, self care routines, and pelvic floor PT may be helpful in management of pelvic pain from endometriosis. Communicating with your doctor and other providers of your health care team allow for the best plan to be created based on what your specific needs are.
Endometrial tissue is unique in that it is receptive to normal cyclical hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle and bleeds and sheds every month. This process works just as designed when this tissue is inside of the uterus and has a way to exit our body through the vagina. When endometrial tissue is found in areas outside the uterus, however, it cannot be eliminated which can create irritation and inflammation to the surrounding tissues or organs. Over time, this can create scar tissue or adhesions throughout the abdominal cavity, causing pain and inflammation.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include painful, debilitating periods. Not just gentle cramping that makes you reach for a heating pad or your nearest ibuprofen, but unable to get out of bed, go to work, or engage with family or friends type of pain. Heavy bleeding or clotting, fatigue, excessive abdominal bloating, painful bowel movements, constipation, painful sex or bladder urgency and frequency or infertility are also potential symptoms for endometriosis.
Women who have endometriosis may wait anywhere on average from 6-11 years from first symptoms to final diagnosis. Diagnosis can be challenging as surgery is currently considered the gold standard, meaning physicians must look at the tissue via small cameras inserted through the abdomen in order to be diagnosed. Current treatments to assist in reducing symptoms for endometriosis include hormonal birth control and surgery via excision or ablation. Other treatment modalities such as acupuncture, modifications to diet and exercise, yoga, meditation and mindfulness practice, self care routines, and pelvic floor PT may be helpful in management of pelvic pain from endometriosis. Communicating with your doctor and other providers of your health care team allow for the best plan to be created based on what your specific needs are.
SPT Spotlight
Amethyst Guerrero
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Amethyst received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. While in school, she received the Outstanding Physical Therapy Student of the Year Award.
Amethyst became interested in pelvic health from growing up in an openly communicative and matriarchal family; she realized many women needed help and didn't know where to find it. She completed a 3 month internship with Sullivan Physical Therapy where she gained further inspiration and knowledge to treat pelvic floor conditions. She is eager to build an open line of communication, provide evidence based practice, and make treatment sessions directly relatable to patient values.
Amethyst is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. She has taken continuing education classes to expand her knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy, diagnoses and treatments.
Amethyst is from Corpus Christi, Texas and misses reading and running on the beach. She enjoys eating new foods, camping, country western dancing, and game nights with family.
Amethyst became interested in pelvic health from growing up in an openly communicative and matriarchal family; she realized many women needed help and didn't know where to find it. She completed a 3 month internship with Sullivan Physical Therapy where she gained further inspiration and knowledge to treat pelvic floor conditions. She is eager to build an open line of communication, provide evidence based practice, and make treatment sessions directly relatable to patient values.
Amethyst is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. She has taken continuing education classes to expand her knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy, diagnoses and treatments.
Amethyst is from Corpus Christi, Texas and misses reading and running on the beach. She enjoys eating new foods, camping, country western dancing, and game nights with family.
Best of the Best
The Austin American Statesman is having the Best of the Best Awards for 2019. These awards celebrate and recognize the best our community has to offer. Nominations will be accepted between May 25 and June 10, 2019 as the first part of the competition.
It's easy to do. Simply choose Beauty and Health, make your nomination for the best physical therapist, and fill in your email address. Continue and complete the registration form. You MUST register in order to nominate.
The top companies that receive the most nominations in each category will advance to the voting round that will run in June/July.
Last year, Christina McGee and Kimberlee Sullivan were named as two of the top three Best of the Best Physical Therapists in the Austin Community. We would love your vote again for your favorite physical therapist and physical therapy clinic.
It's easy to do. Simply choose Beauty and Health, make your nomination for the best physical therapist, and fill in your email address. Continue and complete the registration form. You MUST register in order to nominate.
The top companies that receive the most nominations in each category will advance to the voting round that will run in June/July.
Last year, Christina McGee and Kimberlee Sullivan were named as two of the top three Best of the Best Physical Therapists in the Austin Community. We would love your vote again for your favorite physical therapist and physical therapy clinic.
Thank you for your vote.
In the News
The Doctors welcome Shelby Hadden, who struggled with vaginismus, a condition involving a muscle spasm in the pelvic floor muscles. This health issue stopped her from ever having sex until she was in her early 20s. She made a film “Tightly Wound,” about her experience dealing with the condition and shares how she was able to treat and move past her pelvic pain.
For the video please click here.
For the video please click here.
Pumping At Work is Not a Conference Call
At Sullivan Physical Therapy we take pride in helping new moms return to their best physical health after giving birth. Ushering a new life into this world isn't easy on a woman's body. Physical therapy to bring a mom back to normal functioning and alignment allows her to be there for her family in all the ways they need her.
We were delighted recently to see Austin mom, Erin Lawler, share about another major physical challenge new mothers face as they return to the working world: the need to pump. Erin's essay in Scary Mommy candidly explores her own experiences as a working and pumping mom and encourages moms and dads to "bring their whole selves" to work.
Read Erin's essay Pumping is Not a Conference Call and join the conversation on Facebook.
We were delighted recently to see Austin mom, Erin Lawler, share about another major physical challenge new mothers face as they return to the working world: the need to pump. Erin's essay in Scary Mommy candidly explores her own experiences as a working and pumping mom and encourages moms and dads to "bring their whole selves" to work.
Read Erin's essay Pumping is Not a Conference Call and join the conversation on Facebook.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
On May 3, Kimberlee Sullivan was invited by the Women’s Health Specialty Council to participate in the 2019 Women’s Health Specialty Exam Standard Setting meeting at the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On May 3, Christina McGee spoke to MOPS- mothers of preschoolers in South Austin at Bethany Lutheran Church on common pelvic floor concerns during pregnancy and postpartum.
On May 4 and 5, Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka taught their Diving into the Pelvic Floor class in Alaska. This was a weekend long introductory to pelvic floor PT course. It is geared towards physical therapists and PT students with little to no experience in pelvic floor PT and have a desire to pursue the field.
On May 19, Christina McGee presented to Austin holistic health resources for women group.
On May 23, Sullivan Physical Therapy was named a finalist for the Austin Chamber of Commerce's A-List Awards.
On May 3, Christina McGee spoke to MOPS- mothers of preschoolers in South Austin at Bethany Lutheran Church on common pelvic floor concerns during pregnancy and postpartum.
On May 4 and 5, Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka taught their Diving into the Pelvic Floor class in Alaska. This was a weekend long introductory to pelvic floor PT course. It is geared towards physical therapists and PT students with little to no experience in pelvic floor PT and have a desire to pursue the field.
On May 19, Christina McGee presented to Austin holistic health resources for women group.
On May 23, Sullivan Physical Therapy was named a finalist for the Austin Chamber of Commerce's A-List Awards.
Upcoming Dates
June 2
Christina McGee will be training Barre3 Teachers on topics related to pregnancy/postpartum musculoskeletal considerations in exercise.
June 3
Get your calendars ready...the physical therapists' schedules will be open on June 1 for July, August, and September.
June 4
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
June 8
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759
RSVP prior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
June 20
Rachel Madera will be presenting at GALS monthly meeting at 7:30 pm
Christina McGee will be training Barre3 Teachers on topics related to pregnancy/postpartum musculoskeletal considerations in exercise.
June 3
Get your calendars ready...the physical therapists' schedules will be open on June 1 for July, August, and September.
June 4
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
June 8
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759
RSVP prior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
June 20
Rachel Madera will be presenting at GALS monthly meeting at 7:30 pm
PT Below the Waist
Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka are co-hosts of Sullivan Physical Therapy's podcast called "PT: Below the Waist", a patient oriented podcast discussing topics related to pelvic floor physical therapy and how it addresses bladder, bowel, and sexual function issues. The podcast features two pelvic floor physical therapists casually conversing about their experiences and thoughts towards pelvic floor related issues.
Every few weeks, they will be posting podcasts about different diagnoses, tips/recommendations to address symptoms, and interviews with medical professionals. Subscribe to their podcast on iTunes, follow them on Twitter @PTBelowTheWaist, and like them on FaceBook. Leave comments and questions on their email: PTBelowTheWaist@gmail.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy encourages you to listen to their podcasts and get enlightened about "Better Pee, Better Poo, Better Sex".
To listen to our latest podcast please click here.
Every few weeks, they will be posting podcasts about different diagnoses, tips/recommendations to address symptoms, and interviews with medical professionals. Subscribe to their podcast on iTunes, follow them on Twitter @PTBelowTheWaist, and like them on FaceBook. Leave comments and questions on their email: PTBelowTheWaist@gmail.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy encourages you to listen to their podcasts and get enlightened about "Better Pee, Better Poo, Better Sex".
To listen to our latest podcast please click here.
Sullivan Physical Therapy & Austin Area Birthing Center
Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy is standard in some other countries, with health systems recognizing that preventative care during the crucial healing period following delivery can save women from future suffering and save the system hundreds of thousands of dollars in medications and surgeries farther down the line. Problems such as incontinence, prolapse, scar pain, diastasis recti, back or hip pain, and pain with intercourse can be addressed and eliminated or even prevented all together with a post partum evaluation and recommendations or exercises from a pelvic floor physical therapist trained in postpartum health. To this point, these services are rarely offered in the United States.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is excited to partner with Austin Area Birthing Center in creating this type of whole- person care for clients. Christina McGee PT, DPT, will be on site at Austin Area Birthing Center South Wednesdays and Thursdays to provide physical therapy evaluations and treatments to pregnant and postpartum AABC clients to maximize health and healing and allow patients to get back to activities safely following delivery. At this time, the only insurance accepted at AABC is Blue Cross Blue Shield, however we will give you a receipt for you to submit to your insurance companies.
Please contact Sullivan Physical Therapy to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment or email christina@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is excited to partner with Austin Area Birthing Center in creating this type of whole- person care for clients. Christina McGee PT, DPT, will be on site at Austin Area Birthing Center South Wednesdays and Thursdays to provide physical therapy evaluations and treatments to pregnant and postpartum AABC clients to maximize health and healing and allow patients to get back to activities safely following delivery. At this time, the only insurance accepted at AABC is Blue Cross Blue Shield, however we will give you a receipt for you to submit to your insurance companies.
Please contact Sullivan Physical Therapy to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment or email christina@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
