May 2019 Newsletter
Constipation, Fecal Incontinence and Irritable Bowel
Patients who participate in pelvic floor physical therapy can present with bowel dysfunction which encompasses a myriad of conditions from constipation to the other end of the spectrum being fecal incontinence (FI). As a fairly new pelvic floor physical therapist having worked at Sullivan PT for 1 year and 3 months, I admit that I struggle with resolving bowel issues. I have learned that there is a fine balance that needs to be figured out with regards to gastrointestinal (GI) function, primarily gut health, as well as the musculoskeletal component including addressing any muscle tension and connective tissue restrictions within the pelvic girdle or addressing pelvic floor muscle weakness. I find that one of the main difficulties I have is setting the right expectations in terms of “healing time” as like with any other systems, each person’s body responds differently to physical therapy. For FI, more often than not, the time frame for symptom improvements tends to be a higher duration due to the time it can take for a muscle to get stronger, physiologically speaking.
Since I have struggled with this condition, I took an opportunity to do some research and found a couple of articles which delved into Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as well as FI. In the article I found regarding IBS, patients tend to have tense pelvic floor muscles. An effective PT treatment involves providing education and prescribing exercises to address behavioral aspects that contribute to symptoms such as incorrect toilet posture, prolonged time spent in the toilet, and use of inappropriate cues to trigger need to defecate. This information was provided in the article which was called “Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome” written by Chamara Basnayake, MD. On the other hand, the article regarding FI mentioned that sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and pelvic ligaments can contribute to fecal leakage due to the effect on the nerve which innervates GI organs. This information was provided in the article which was called “Facal urgency and pelvic pain: a case study implicating pudendal nerve entrapment” written by Peter Dornan, PT.
If you have any questions or need more information please talk with your physical therapist or someone on your healthcare team.
Since I have struggled with this condition, I took an opportunity to do some research and found a couple of articles which delved into Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as well as FI. In the article I found regarding IBS, patients tend to have tense pelvic floor muscles. An effective PT treatment involves providing education and prescribing exercises to address behavioral aspects that contribute to symptoms such as incorrect toilet posture, prolonged time spent in the toilet, and use of inappropriate cues to trigger need to defecate. This information was provided in the article which was called “Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome” written by Chamara Basnayake, MD. On the other hand, the article regarding FI mentioned that sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and pelvic ligaments can contribute to fecal leakage due to the effect on the nerve which innervates GI organs. This information was provided in the article which was called “Facal urgency and pelvic pain: a case study implicating pudendal nerve entrapment” written by Peter Dornan, PT.
If you have any questions or need more information please talk with your physical therapist or someone on your healthcare team.
For more information please email:
anissa@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
anissa@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
SPT Spotlight
Crystal Hirst, Patient Care Coordinator
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Montana State University and a certificate in Neurodiagnostic Technology from Laboure College. After growing up in Bellingham, Washington, Crystal spent time in Montana and Boston, most recently arriving in Austin after living in Hawaii for nine years where she worked in medical offices as a Patient Care Coordinator and EEG Technician. She is passionate about health, fitness, and medicine and is looking forward to getting to know the patients at Sullivan Physical Therapy and learning more about pelvic floor treatments.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat, and two dogs as well as dancing, writing, and training for triathlons. Crystal is an Ironman World Championship finisher, Ironman All World Athlete, and nationally certified triathlon coach.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, cat, and two dogs as well as dancing, writing, and training for triathlons. Crystal is an Ironman World Championship finisher, Ironman All World Athlete, and nationally certified triathlon coach.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
- On April 3, Sadie Minkoff, L.Ac., FABORM from Sage Acupuncture was the presenter at the physical therapists' quarterly in-service. She educated the physical therapists on the benefits of acupuncture before and during pregnancy.
- On April 11, Peg Syverson with Appamada came to Sullivan Physical Therapy to teach the staff how to use meditation techniques and guide them through a meditation session. She was part of the staff's commitment to work/life balance and selfcare.
- On April 24, Rachel Madera presented at Special Addition on Pelvic Floor Health to a group of 6-8 pregnant women. We had a great turnout!
- On April 29, Lauren Steele spoke with mothers who are expecting at the Austin Area Birthing Center.
- Jamille and Jessica recently interviewed with Nicole Cozean, PT, DPT, WCS, author of The Interstitial Cystitis Solution and Sadie Minkoff, acupuncurist and clinical director of Sage Acupuncture for their April and May PT Below the Waist Podcast.
Upcoming Dates
May 1
Christina McGee returns from maternity leave. If you are a patient of Christina's and would like to be scheduled please contact our office.
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.
May 3
Christina McGee will be speaking to MOPS- mothers of preschoolers in South Austin at Bethany Lutheran Church on common pelvic floor concerns during pregnancy and postpartum.
May 4-5
Jamille Nierwiara and Jessica Chastka will be teaching their Diving into the Pelvic Floor class in Alaska. This 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.
May 7
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
May 11
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
May 19
Christina McGee will be presenting to Austin holistic health resources for women group.
June 1
Get your calendars ready...the physical therapists' schedules will be open on June 1 for July, August, and September.
Christina McGee returns from maternity leave. If you are a patient of Christina's and would like to be scheduled please contact our office.
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.
May 3
Christina McGee will be speaking to MOPS- mothers of preschoolers in South Austin at Bethany Lutheran Church on common pelvic floor concerns during pregnancy and postpartum.
May 4-5
Jamille Nierwiara and Jessica Chastka will be teaching their Diving into the Pelvic Floor class in Alaska. This 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.
May 7
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
May 11
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
May 19
Christina McGee will be presenting to Austin holistic health resources for women group.
June 1
Get your calendars ready...the physical therapists' schedules will be open on June 1 for July, August, and September.
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 Thursday afternoons 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, insurance will not be accepted for visits performed at AABC.
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 Thursday afternoons 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, insurance will not be accepted for visits performed at AABC.
Please contact Sullivan Physical Therapy to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment or email christina@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
