August 2018 Newsletter
Chronic Pain and Meditation
Chronic pain is defined as fluctuating or consistent pain lasting more than 12 weeks, limiting tolerance to activities and negatively affecting quality of life. The toll, emotionally and financially, on those affected by chronic pain is immense. While pain can be managed pharmacologically or therapeutically, meditation has been shown to be significantly effective in improving physical and social function as well as decreasing pain scores in those suffering from pain conditions caused by cancer, interstitial cystitis, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies and unknown sources.
In a study focusing specifically on those suffering from multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy, a weekly 90 min meditation class showed astounding results. After 8 weeks, study participants showed significantly decreased pain, improved self reported physical and mental health, as well as improved vitality and tolerance physical activity.1 Investigating meditation’s affect on emotional pain is equally as impressive, with meditation equally as effective as pharmacotherapy at decreasing likelihood of relapsing depression and anxiety.2 Meditation has even been shown to increase antibodies to influenza, and lower stress related hormones in the blood.
So, how does one begin meditating? If you have tried it, you know how hard it can be. Just like with any form of exercise, getting started is difficult. While there are many forms of meditation, most forms involve focusing our attention to control mental activity.
While reading and learning about meditation will help you develop techniques that work for you, a quiet room is all you need to get started. Find a quiet space, sit in a comfortable position, and set a timer for 5, 10, 15 minutes. In my experience, the first time you try, 5 minutes is a lifetime. Start easy, and breathe. Focus on how your breath feels leaving the tip of your nose, and then entering it. Counting your breath is another option for beginnings. Count one on your breath in, and two on your breath out. This can help quiet your mind, and focus your thoughts.
Remember, you cannot be bad at this. Be kind to yourself.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882962/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21135325
In a study focusing specifically on those suffering from multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy, a weekly 90 min meditation class showed astounding results. After 8 weeks, study participants showed significantly decreased pain, improved self reported physical and mental health, as well as improved vitality and tolerance physical activity.1 Investigating meditation’s affect on emotional pain is equally as impressive, with meditation equally as effective as pharmacotherapy at decreasing likelihood of relapsing depression and anxiety.2 Meditation has even been shown to increase antibodies to influenza, and lower stress related hormones in the blood.
So, how does one begin meditating? If you have tried it, you know how hard it can be. Just like with any form of exercise, getting started is difficult. While there are many forms of meditation, most forms involve focusing our attention to control mental activity.
While reading and learning about meditation will help you develop techniques that work for you, a quiet room is all you need to get started. Find a quiet space, sit in a comfortable position, and set a timer for 5, 10, 15 minutes. In my experience, the first time you try, 5 minutes is a lifetime. Start easy, and breathe. Focus on how your breath feels leaving the tip of your nose, and then entering it. Counting your breath is another option for beginnings. Count one on your breath in, and two on your breath out. This can help quiet your mind, and focus your thoughts.
Remember, you cannot be bad at this. Be kind to yourself.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882962/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21135325
Best of the Best
Thank you for taking the time to vote for Sullivan Physical Therapy as one of the Austin American Statesman's Best of the Best.
Two of our physical therapists were named finalists and top five physical therapists in Austin.
Congratulations Christina McGee and Kimberlee Sullivan!
We would love your vote again to move us from finalist to the Best of the Best.
Even if your physical therapist is not listed we believe a vote for one of us increases
the Austin Community's awareness of pelvic floor physical therapy.
Please click here to vote.
Physical Therapy is in the Beauty and Health Category.
Two of our physical therapists were named finalists and top five physical therapists in Austin.
Congratulations Christina McGee and Kimberlee Sullivan!
We would love your vote again to move us from finalist to the Best of the Best.
Even if your physical therapist is not listed we believe a vote for one of us increases
the Austin Community's awareness of pelvic floor physical therapy.
Please click here to vote.
Physical Therapy is in the Beauty and Health Category.
SPT Spotlight
Lauren Miracle, Office Manager
Lauren Miracle is a proud born and raised Texan. She graduated from Texas State University- San Marcos in December of 2009 with a Bachelors of Health and Wellness Promotion. Lauren sought a position where she could help people improve their health to the fullest potential. Initially seeking to become a health educator, Lauren facilitated classes to help people quite smoking while working for a large healthcare system. It was then that Lauren found her calling in leadership and process improvement. Now she works on the administrative side to streamline operations, scheduling, and billing practices to help as many people as possible acquire treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Lauren started with Sullivan Physical Therapy in August of 2012 as Patient Care Coordinator and advanced to the role of Office Manager in November of 2014. Lauren works hard to greet every patient with a smile, often by name, and overall to ensure that you have a pleasant experience at Sullivan Physical Therapy.
Lauren has a very close relationship with her family and in her spare time enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.
Lauren started with Sullivan Physical Therapy in August of 2012 as Patient Care Coordinator and advanced to the role of Office Manager in November of 2014. Lauren works hard to greet every patient with a smile, often by name, and overall to ensure that you have a pleasant experience at Sullivan Physical Therapy.
Lauren has a very close relationship with her family and in her spare time enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.
Upcoming Dates
August 3
Amethyst, Anissa and Lauren will be attending the American Physical Therapy Association Credential Clinical Instructor Program sponsored by the University of St. Augustine in Dallas, Texas. They will be learning how to facilitate safe and encouraging clinical learning situations as they prepare to teach physical therapy students in the coming months.
August 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
August 11
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759 RSVP rior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
Amethyst, Anissa and Lauren will be attending the American Physical Therapy Association Credential Clinical Instructor Program sponsored by the University of St. Augustine in Dallas, Texas. They will be learning how to facilitate safe and encouraging clinical learning situations as they prepare to teach physical therapy students in the coming months.
August 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
August 11
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759 RSVP rior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
On July 12th, Amethyst and Jessica presented at the Wilco Prostate Support Group. They discussed how pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage symptoms following surgery and radiation.
Christina McGee met with BirthBabyBody- a group of birth experts of which she is a contributing member, that has a collective goal of increasing education and creating community on topics surrounding pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. For more information please visit: www.birthbabybody.com/ Christina McGee will be recording a short online course with BirthBabyBody, available for access, on the topic of painful intercourse with specific focus on painful sex following childbirth.
On July 19th, Amy Nelson, ND, at People's Pharmacy presented to the physical therapists. She discussed diagnoses related to the gastrointestinal system and educated us on more holistic, natural treatment options. This is part of the physical therapists continuing education. We invite medical professionals thoughout the Austin Community to come speak to the therapy team.
On July 27th, Christina McGee and Rachel Madera presented a course on safe postpartum return to exercise at Austin Area Birthing Center South. Topics included general considerations and safe progression following during the postpartum time as well as common diagnoses that may be impacted by exercise, including diastasis recti, prolapse, urinary leakage, and pelvic pain.
On July 30th, Christina McGee presented a talk to Austin Parents of Multiples to discuss various "common, not normal" physical complaints that can occur postpartum, especially in the special population of multiples pregnancies.
Christina McGee met with BirthBabyBody- a group of birth experts of which she is a contributing member, that has a collective goal of increasing education and creating community on topics surrounding pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. For more information please visit: www.birthbabybody.com/ Christina McGee will be recording a short online course with BirthBabyBody, available for access, on the topic of painful intercourse with specific focus on painful sex following childbirth.
On July 19th, Amy Nelson, ND, at People's Pharmacy presented to the physical therapists. She discussed diagnoses related to the gastrointestinal system and educated us on more holistic, natural treatment options. This is part of the physical therapists continuing education. We invite medical professionals thoughout the Austin Community to come speak to the therapy team.
On July 27th, Christina McGee and Rachel Madera presented a course on safe postpartum return to exercise at Austin Area Birthing Center South. Topics included general considerations and safe progression following during the postpartum time as well as common diagnoses that may be impacted by exercise, including diastasis recti, prolapse, urinary leakage, and pelvic pain.
On July 30th, Christina McGee presented a talk to Austin Parents of Multiples to discuss various "common, not normal" physical complaints that can occur postpartum, especially in the special population of multiples pregnancies.
PT Below the Waist
Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka are co-hosts of their a 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 their 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 their 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.
Tightly Wound
Tightly Wound is a 10-minute animated film that follows Shelby’s experience with vaginismus; a pelvic floor condition characterized by involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles that tighten the vaginal entrance, causing pain, penetration problems, and inability to have intercourse. It chronicles the various ways it has affected her life – how health professionals have failed her, men have rejected her, and shame, anger, and hatred have plagued her body. Tightly Wound is based on Shelby's essay that was published in BUST Magazine in the Oct/Nov 2016 issue.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is an executive producer of the film and we are proud to announce the film has been selected for the following film festivals:
Sullivan Physical Therapy is an executive producer of the film and we are proud to announce the film has been selected for the following film festivals:
Anima Mundi Festival
Sao Paulo, Brazil
August 1, 2018 - August 5, 2018
Filmets Bardelona Film Festival
Barcelona, Spain
October 19, 2018 - October 28, 2018
Please watch the trailer:
https://vimeo.com/188456092
For more information:
www.tightlywoundfilm.com
Sao Paulo, Brazil
August 1, 2018 - August 5, 2018
Filmets Bardelona Film Festival
Barcelona, Spain
October 19, 2018 - October 28, 2018
Please watch the trailer:
https://vimeo.com/188456092
For more information:
www.tightlywoundfilm.com
