March 2022 Newsletter
What is Pilonidal Disease?
A pilonidal cyst is a skin sac infection often found in the midline of the natal cleft, more commonly known as the bum crack. This forms from a follicle that becomes infected and creates its infection below the skin. This may create an abnormal lump at the tailbone region. The severity of the infection can vary and impact individuals differently, resulting in mild/occasional discomfort to severe, consistent pain. Many may have heard of the pilonidal cyst condition as “Jeep disease.” This reference came about when war-time soldiers spent long hours sitting in Jeeps and didn’t have access to adequate hygiene. Today, this condition is gender-biased, often only associated with males. Both stigmas are highly untrue as this disease is found in both genders and there are many known risk factors including:
Pilonidal disease may be the cause of your tailbone pain. To make the proper diagnosis, it is best to consult with a colon and rectal surgeon or general surgeon who can identify and treat the condition. Physical therapy can help with your post-surgical care through scar tissue management, address post surgical pain, post-operative strength building, and ensuring proper posture mechanics particularly with sitting tasks.
We are here to be a part of your care team and keep you pain free!
- Family History
- Shape/size/scaliness of body hair
- Size of skin pores in the posterior region
- A high degree of friction in the posterior region due to poor seated posture
- A traumatic injury to the tailbone
- Participation in high impact activities to the tailbone such as horseback riding
- Dept/shape of buttock cleft (often determined by genetics
Pilonidal disease may be the cause of your tailbone pain. To make the proper diagnosis, it is best to consult with a colon and rectal surgeon or general surgeon who can identify and treat the condition. Physical therapy can help with your post-surgical care through scar tissue management, address post surgical pain, post-operative strength building, and ensuring proper posture mechanics particularly with sitting tasks.
We are here to be a part of your care team and keep you pain free!
SPT Spotlight
Ashley Etherton
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Ashley (she/her) earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Intercultural Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University. She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Elon University in North Carolina. While in school, she received the Department of Physical Therapy Education Outstanding Research Award. Ashley continues to be passionate about conducting and sharing research to propel evidence-based practice within the field of physical therapy forward.
Ashley was drawn to pelvic health PT while in graduate school, and she sought opportunities to enhance her knowledge of pelvic conditions and treatment by participating in Elon University’s pro bono clinic under the mentorship of a pelvic physical therapist, taking continuing education courses, and completing a 12-week clinical rotation with Sullivan Physical Therapy. She acknowledges the sensitivity of pelvic-related concerns, and aims to cultivate an environment where all people feel welcomed, valued, heard, and validated.
Particular areas of interest for Ashley include: sexual health, pregnancy/postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction related to neurologic conditions, and LGBTQIA+ health. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and has taken a variety of continuing education courses specific to pelvic health.
Ashley grew up in Wilmore, KY, but has since lived in a variety of states. She loves to stay active outdoors, whether hiking, trail running, camping/backpacking, climbing, paddle boarding, etc.! She also enjoys reading, painting, baking, and perfecting her espresso skills.
Ashley was drawn to pelvic health PT while in graduate school, and she sought opportunities to enhance her knowledge of pelvic conditions and treatment by participating in Elon University’s pro bono clinic under the mentorship of a pelvic physical therapist, taking continuing education courses, and completing a 12-week clinical rotation with Sullivan Physical Therapy. She acknowledges the sensitivity of pelvic-related concerns, and aims to cultivate an environment where all people feel welcomed, valued, heard, and validated.
Particular areas of interest for Ashley include: sexual health, pregnancy/postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction related to neurologic conditions, and LGBTQIA+ health. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and has taken a variety of continuing education courses specific to pelvic health.
Ashley grew up in Wilmore, KY, but has since lived in a variety of states. She loves to stay active outdoors, whether hiking, trail running, camping/backpacking, climbing, paddle boarding, etc.! She also enjoys reading, painting, baking, and perfecting her espresso skills.
Research Roundup
Rehabilitation of the Postpartum Runner: A 4-Phase Approach
Christopher, Shefali Mathur; Gallagher, Sandra; Olson, Amanda; Cichowski, Sara; Deering, Rita E.
Optimizing the Fourth Trimester: A Call for Physical Therapists
Dufour, Sinéad, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):1-2, January/March 2022.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population
Simonds, Adrienne H.; Abraham, Karen; Spitznagle, Theresa, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):E1-E38, January/March 2022.
Executive Summary of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population
Simonds, Adrienne H.; Abraham, Karen; Spitznagle, Theresa, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):3-10, January/March 2022.
Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Differences Between Postpartum Runners and Nulliparous Controls
Christopher, Shefali Mathur; Bauer, Lindsey; Maylone, Rebba; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):11-17, January/March 2022.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Improves Pelvic Floor Symptoms in Women With Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
Kim, Lisa; Weeks, Karen; Geynisman-Tan, Julia, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):18-24, January/March 2022.
Infant Carrying in the United States: A Survey of Current Practices, Physical and Mental Health Benefits, and Challenges of Babywearing
Havens, Kathryn L.; Johnson, Eileen V.; Day, Elizabeth N.; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):25-34, January/March 2022.
Use of Exercise in the Management of Postpartum Diastasis Recti: A Systematic Review
Berg-Poppe, Patti; Hauer, Michaela; Jones, Cassandra; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):35-47, January/March 2022.
Beyond the Musculoskeletal System: Considering Whole-Systems Readiness for Running Postpartum
Donnelly, Gráinne M.; Brockwell, Emma; Rankin, Alan; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):48-56, January/March 2022.
Christopher, Shefali Mathur; Gallagher, Sandra; Olson, Amanda; Cichowski, Sara; Deering, Rita E.
Optimizing the Fourth Trimester: A Call for Physical Therapists
Dufour, Sinéad, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):1-2, January/March 2022.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population
Simonds, Adrienne H.; Abraham, Karen; Spitznagle, Theresa, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):E1-E38, January/March 2022.
Executive Summary of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population
Simonds, Adrienne H.; Abraham, Karen; Spitznagle, Theresa, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):3-10, January/March 2022.
Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Differences Between Postpartum Runners and Nulliparous Controls
Christopher, Shefali Mathur; Bauer, Lindsey; Maylone, Rebba; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):11-17, January/March 2022.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Improves Pelvic Floor Symptoms in Women With Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
Kim, Lisa; Weeks, Karen; Geynisman-Tan, Julia, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):18-24, January/March 2022.
Infant Carrying in the United States: A Survey of Current Practices, Physical and Mental Health Benefits, and Challenges of Babywearing
Havens, Kathryn L.; Johnson, Eileen V.; Day, Elizabeth N.; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):25-34, January/March 2022.
Use of Exercise in the Management of Postpartum Diastasis Recti: A Systematic Review
Berg-Poppe, Patti; Hauer, Michaela; Jones, Cassandra; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):35-47, January/March 2022.
Beyond the Musculoskeletal System: Considering Whole-Systems Readiness for Running Postpartum
Donnelly, Gráinne M.; Brockwell, Emma; Rankin, Alan; Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 46(1):48-56, January/March 2022.
Community Spotlight
Cheryl Reeley, LCSW provides women with effective therapy services specializing in perinatal mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to parenthood. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the most common complication of birth. They affect 1 in 5 women and are often brushed off as the “baby blues.” Cheryl is passionate about educating women and families regarding these issues. Depression and anxiety are common and do not have to be suffered through alone. She can guide you to the right treatment. Cheryl utilizes evidenced based therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy and loves to integrate journaling, mindfulness, and yoga into treatment plans. Clients often report a sense of relief after their first session because they have been seen and heard and know that together we can work through situations such as pregnancy anxiety, life after pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, or a NICU admission. Currently all sessions are virtual which allows for therapy to be more accessible and reduces barriers such as travel time and childcare.
Cheryl has been licensed since 2011 and was previously employed as a medical social worker. During her time in the hospital setting, she provided services to the NICU, OB, L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Pediatrics. In 2013, she and her family moved from central Illinois to Austin and have been enjoying everything Texas has to offer. Cheryl and her husband have three children and two dogs.
Website: www.CherylReeleyLCSW.com
Email: Cheryl@CherylReeleyLCSW.com
Phone: 512-641-9528
Cheryl has been licensed since 2011 and was previously employed as a medical social worker. During her time in the hospital setting, she provided services to the NICU, OB, L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Pediatrics. In 2013, she and her family moved from central Illinois to Austin and have been enjoying everything Texas has to offer. Cheryl and her husband have three children and two dogs.
Website: www.CherylReeleyLCSW.com
Email: Cheryl@CherylReeleyLCSW.com
Phone: 512-641-9528
Return to Running Program
The life of a parent with a newborn can make it challenging to find the time and money to come to appointments weekly. We wanted to create something that would be more cost-effective and time-efficient without impacting the quality of care. We are in the process of creating a self-paced tool for our postpartum population that wants to return to exercise/running safely. We would greatly appreciate you filling out a survey to understand better what could be beneficial for our postpartum population. Thank you for being a part of improving our project.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
- On February 2 through 5, some of the physical therapists attended the Combined Sections Conference for the American Physical Therapy Association. Some of the classes taken were Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Interventions for the Promotion of Pain Self-Management, A 3D View on Pelvic Health: Interactions of the Vocal, Respiratory, and Pelvic Diaphragms, Bodies Remember: The Relationship Between PTSD and Pelvic Pain and Clinical Implications, Dysmenorrhea: Managing the Monster, Returning to the Barbell Postpartum: From Early Postpartum to Weightlifting Belts and Valsalva, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, Representation in Pelvic Health: Experience of Men Treating Pelvic Health, Graded Motor Imagery and Sensory Integration for Patients With Pelvic Pain, Let’s Educate the World About Pelvic Health! How To Develop and Present Community Education, When Sex Hurts: Why Christian Women Experience Higher Rates of Pain and What To Do,Integrative Behavioral Health for Physical Therapists, Optimizing Pelvic Health for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Providing an Opportunity To Thrive and Is There a Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women?
- On February 21, Sima Shalchi, PT, DPT, RYT met with Cheryl Reeley, a therapist in the Austin area, who specializes in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting.
- On February 22, Christina McGee, PT, DPT presented to the Junior League of Austin on common pelvic floor conditions in pregnancy and postpartum.
- On February 24, Kimberlee Sullivan, PT, DPT, BCB-PMD met with Varian Hans who is a nutrionist that has helped several of our patients and staff. Varian specializes in nutrition and coaching to help people live their best lives.
- On February 26 and 27, some of the physical therapists attended a dry needling course on the Pelvis, Lumbar, Hips, and Abdomen.
- Christina McGee PT, DPT will be one of 4 speakers to an array of health science students at Clarke University in Iowa for a day of LGBTQIA+ specific health considerations. Christina will be presenting on clinical applications of knowledge the students are exposed to throughout the day in a presentation titled "Approaches for the LGBTQIA+ patient in pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Our schedules are open through June 3, 2022. If you would like to schedule please call or email us.
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