September 2021 Newsletter
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Over 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that impact their daily life and function. Each year, over 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is why early screening and detection are so important! The prostate is a walnut sized organ found in men between the bladder and penis that produces fluid that protects sperm when ejaculation occurs. The urethra runs right through it, which is important to take notice of. If the prostate becomes enlarged (BPH), it can start to grow compressing the urethra and making urinary function a little more difficult. Think of the urethra like a garden hose, and if you kink the hose or start to squeeze it, less liquid is going to be able to escape. BPH is more likely in men ages 50 and older, causing increased urinary frequency, urgency and needing to get up at night to empty.
Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can be a driver for pelvic pain and chronic infections in some men. Prostatitis can be broken down into 4 major categories: chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic bacterial prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Pelvic floor muscle tension can be a cause of nonbacterial prostatitis, causing muscle or nerve irritation and symptoms common to that of a UTI, yet negative cultures when tested.
Prostate cancer is another diagnosis involving the prostate, and can also impact the pelvic floor. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, yet doesn’t seem to get that much attention. Digital rectal exams can detect size changes to the prostate, as well as PSA levels with blood work. Early detection is key, so make sure to ask your doctor when you should start screening, keeping in mind any family history, your ethnic background, and diet and smoking history. For those who undergo prostate removal, urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction are common side effects following surgery. Many factors are at play, but typically men can see an improvement in urinary leakage with consistent pelvic floor strengthening within 3-6 months after surgery.
For more information, we recommend looking at www.ustoo.org.
Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can be a driver for pelvic pain and chronic infections in some men. Prostatitis can be broken down into 4 major categories: chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic bacterial prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Pelvic floor muscle tension can be a cause of nonbacterial prostatitis, causing muscle or nerve irritation and symptoms common to that of a UTI, yet negative cultures when tested.
Prostate cancer is another diagnosis involving the prostate, and can also impact the pelvic floor. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, yet doesn’t seem to get that much attention. Digital rectal exams can detect size changes to the prostate, as well as PSA levels with blood work. Early detection is key, so make sure to ask your doctor when you should start screening, keeping in mind any family history, your ethnic background, and diet and smoking history. For those who undergo prostate removal, urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction are common side effects following surgery. Many factors are at play, but typically men can see an improvement in urinary leakage with consistent pelvic floor strengthening within 3-6 months after surgery.
For more information, we recommend looking at www.ustoo.org.
SPT Spotlight
Georgia Kramer
Patient Care Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinator
Georgia graduated from California State University, Chico in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health. Her focus was on education and international health. She grew up in Northern California and moved to Texas after college graduation.
Georgia enjoys helping people. She worked with children for several years and has experience working in direct patient care as well as the administrative side of healthcare. She is excited to grow with Sullivan Physical Therapy and bring her knowledge and understanding to the team.
Georgia enjoys cooking, exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.
Georgia enjoys helping people. She worked with children for several years and has experience working in direct patient care as well as the administrative side of healthcare. She is excited to grow with Sullivan Physical Therapy and bring her knowledge and understanding to the team.
Georgia enjoys cooking, exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.
Kimberlee Sullivan named Healthcare Hero
Congratulations to Kimberlee Sullivan who was named Austin's Healthcare Hero by the Austin American Statesman. The Healthcare Heroes project is dedicated to the healthcare professionals who are working with passion, purpose, and determination to improve people's lives in the Austin community.
Kimberlee was nominated by one of her patients who said:
I would be lost without Kim Sullivan. There is truly no one like her. I suffer from a pain condition in my bladder. She has been the single healthcare provider who has changed my life. Besides her caring bedside manner, she has talent and is intelligent. If she does not have the answer she will find the person who does. I have a heart condition which required me to take extra precautions with exposure to COVID. Kim offered to come on the weekends when no one was at the clinic so I would not be exposed. I am grateful there are physical therapists like Kim.
If you know of a healthcare hero that you would like to nominate, please click on this link.
Kimberlee was nominated by one of her patients who said:
I would be lost without Kim Sullivan. There is truly no one like her. I suffer from a pain condition in my bladder. She has been the single healthcare provider who has changed my life. Besides her caring bedside manner, she has talent and is intelligent. If she does not have the answer she will find the person who does. I have a heart condition which required me to take extra precautions with exposure to COVID. Kim offered to come on the weekends when no one was at the clinic so I would not be exposed. I am grateful there are physical therapists like Kim.
If you know of a healthcare hero that you would like to nominate, please click on this link.
Research Corner
Biotensegrity Focused Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Nonrandomized Prospective Clinical Case Series
Effect of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) Biofeedback on Improving Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Individuals With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
Efficacy of a Core Strengthening Program for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Postpartum Women: A Prospective Observational Study
Hip and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With and Without Urgency and Frequency-Predominant Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Movement Impairments in Women With and Without Urinary Urgency/Frequency
Nurses' Perspectives of the Need for Physical Therapy Services During an Acute Postpartum Stay: A Focus Group
Voiding Dysfunction in Interstitial Cystitis Patients and the Relation to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Effect of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) Biofeedback on Improving Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Individuals With Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
Efficacy of a Core Strengthening Program for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Postpartum Women: A Prospective Observational Study
Hip and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women With and Without Urgency and Frequency-Predominant Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Movement Impairments in Women With and Without Urinary Urgency/Frequency
Nurses' Perspectives of the Need for Physical Therapy Services During an Acute Postpartum Stay: A Focus Group
Voiding Dysfunction in Interstitial Cystitis Patients and the Relation to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Shift the Paradigm with Us
- Do you feel confident speaking about pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD)?
- Are you satisfied with the quality of your sex life?
- Are you comfortable discussing aspects of sexuality and intimacy with your partner(s)?
- Speak up and share your journey. The reward...advocating for pelvic floor awareness and treatment while helping others to not suffer alone.
Over the next 3 months, a free self-paced guidebook will be developed for people with PFD and clinicians to help lead others in how to enhance sexual satisfaction and improve their quality of life.
This quick, confidential survey will help us cover all of your concerns as we produce this free resource.
Each module will cover:
- Understanding Pelvic Pain associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), postpartum care, men’s advocacy, and transgender surgery aftercare
- Understanding Your Treatment Options
- Helpful Strategies to Enhance Quality of Life and Improve Function
- Call To Action in Your Community
Will you help us shift this paradigm too? If these questions resonate with you, please consider filling out a short survey to help inform others with pelvic pain.
For further questions contact our doctoral candidate, Alexandra Ballard, who will be helping Sullivan Physical Therapy in the development of this masterclass.
We would love to hear from you.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
- On August 10, the staff of Sullivan Physical Therapy worked with Marcia Silverberg. The workshop was on providing feedback and setting goals.
- We are hosting an Occupational Therapy Doctorial Student, Alexandra Ballard, from St. Augustine University in Austin. She will be working through November on her capstone project in Women's Health.
- Congratulations to Kimberlee Sullivan! She received her recertification as a board certified Women's Health Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. By maintaining their specialist certification, certified specialists indicate that they are committed to clinical excellence and the development of knowledge and skills in their chosen specialty.
- Congratulations to Lauren Steele for being one of the top three physical therapists in Austin. We find out on September 16 if she wins Best of the Best. Please wish her luck!
For more information please contact Angela Dobinsky:
angelad@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
angelad@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
Online Yoga Classes
AYURVEDA and ASANA, Sundays 9:00-10:20 am CST
Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means LIFE and “Veda” the divine or ‘essence’ of knowledge. Originating in India, Ayurveda is an ancient holistic health modality that aims to bring balance to a person’s body, mind and spirit through many methods including — but not limited to — routines, nutrition, sound, nature, astrology and exercise.
This class offers an extraordinary perspective of bringing balance to yogis by incorporating Ayurvedic principles with the Sundance's alignment based style of yoga. Ayurveda recognizes the uniqueness of every person: body type, mental constitution, life experiences, etc. Class is structured to offer a flow that factor’s various influences, such as the day’s weather or energetic impacts, into the meditation, pranayama and asana sequence. Modifications are offered to accommodate individuals' physical form (things such as dosha, age, or limitations) and level of ability (beginner to advanced).
Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga, Sundays 10:30-11:50 am CSTThe journey through any pregnancy creates many changes in the body for a woman. Prenatal yoga helps to provide the tools needed to manage the physical aches, mental worries, and emotional overloads. Regardless of your pre-pregnancy yoga experience, prenatal will offer a variety of modifications to suit all levels.
The foundation of a prenatal class is breathwork (pranayama) and movement through poses (vinyasa). Pranayama techniques will encourage connectedness to self and baby. Pranayama also helps regulate anxiety through calming the central nervous system, which can be incorporated into all areas of life. The vinyasas are grounded in the understanding of what is safe for pregnancy, helpful in keeping the body flexible, reducing aches and swelling thus lessening pregnancy pains. Through a regular prenatal yoga practice, preparation for a calm mindful labor and delivery can aid in lowering risk of complications or stress.
After the birth of your child and the release of doctor’s care, returning to the mat will support the postpartum body. Coming back to the familiarity of prenatal class during the first year is welcomed, giving some much-needed self-care to new mothers while partners or family can bond with the baby.
As long as your physician believes that physical activity is safe for you, come join the Sundance community, reap the benefits of a nurturing yet challenging exercise and find additional support with other mothers.
About the instructor: Monica Gutierrez is a Domestic Engineer, overseeing her household of two elementary aged homeschooled children, husband and a dog. She is trained in the Anusara lineage with 200-hr certification and also children’s Kidding Around Yoga (KAY). Having experienced the profound changes of Ayurvedic protocol in her own family, Monica studied to become an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Monica has a special interest in prenatal, postpartum, infertility and special needs but loves to help anyone committed to their own well-being and health.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR ZOOM CLASS1. Go to the Sundance Yoga Studio website. https://www.sundanceyoga.com
2. Scroll down on the main page and fill out the waiver. https://www.sundanceyoga.com/new-yoga-students/new-student-waiver---required.html
3. Create a Mind-Body account and find SUNDANCE YOGA Studio Friendswood location. https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/launch
4. Make payments and sign up for classes at least 1-hr prior to start time via Mind-Body. Pricing for zoom classes https://www.sundanceyoga.com/pricing.html
5. Monica will email you a zoom link for the class from her MarpeNamaste@gmail.com account
Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means LIFE and “Veda” the divine or ‘essence’ of knowledge. Originating in India, Ayurveda is an ancient holistic health modality that aims to bring balance to a person’s body, mind and spirit through many methods including — but not limited to — routines, nutrition, sound, nature, astrology and exercise.
This class offers an extraordinary perspective of bringing balance to yogis by incorporating Ayurvedic principles with the Sundance's alignment based style of yoga. Ayurveda recognizes the uniqueness of every person: body type, mental constitution, life experiences, etc. Class is structured to offer a flow that factor’s various influences, such as the day’s weather or energetic impacts, into the meditation, pranayama and asana sequence. Modifications are offered to accommodate individuals' physical form (things such as dosha, age, or limitations) and level of ability (beginner to advanced).
Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga, Sundays 10:30-11:50 am CSTThe journey through any pregnancy creates many changes in the body for a woman. Prenatal yoga helps to provide the tools needed to manage the physical aches, mental worries, and emotional overloads. Regardless of your pre-pregnancy yoga experience, prenatal will offer a variety of modifications to suit all levels.
The foundation of a prenatal class is breathwork (pranayama) and movement through poses (vinyasa). Pranayama techniques will encourage connectedness to self and baby. Pranayama also helps regulate anxiety through calming the central nervous system, which can be incorporated into all areas of life. The vinyasas are grounded in the understanding of what is safe for pregnancy, helpful in keeping the body flexible, reducing aches and swelling thus lessening pregnancy pains. Through a regular prenatal yoga practice, preparation for a calm mindful labor and delivery can aid in lowering risk of complications or stress.
After the birth of your child and the release of doctor’s care, returning to the mat will support the postpartum body. Coming back to the familiarity of prenatal class during the first year is welcomed, giving some much-needed self-care to new mothers while partners or family can bond with the baby.
As long as your physician believes that physical activity is safe for you, come join the Sundance community, reap the benefits of a nurturing yet challenging exercise and find additional support with other mothers.
About the instructor: Monica Gutierrez is a Domestic Engineer, overseeing her household of two elementary aged homeschooled children, husband and a dog. She is trained in the Anusara lineage with 200-hr certification and also children’s Kidding Around Yoga (KAY). Having experienced the profound changes of Ayurvedic protocol in her own family, Monica studied to become an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. Monica has a special interest in prenatal, postpartum, infertility and special needs but loves to help anyone committed to their own well-being and health.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR ZOOM CLASS1. Go to the Sundance Yoga Studio website. https://www.sundanceyoga.com
2. Scroll down on the main page and fill out the waiver. https://www.sundanceyoga.com/new-yoga-students/new-student-waiver---required.html
3. Create a Mind-Body account and find SUNDANCE YOGA Studio Friendswood location. https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/launch
4. Make payments and sign up for classes at least 1-hr prior to start time via Mind-Body. Pricing for zoom classes https://www.sundanceyoga.com/pricing.html
5. Monica will email you a zoom link for the class from her MarpeNamaste@gmail.com account
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