October 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
Jamille Niewiara
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Jamille Niewiara received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. During her last clinical rotation, Jamille had a 3 month internship at Sullivan Physical Therapy. She gained interest and knowledge working in women’s and men’s health conditions and has since continued working at Sullivan Physical Therapy after receiving her doctorate.
Jamille is a member of the Texas Chapter and Women's Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. She is currently one of the few physical therapists in the Austin with her Women's Health Clinical Specialist Certification (WCS). Jamille is very passionate about teaching. She is the co-host of the podcast: PT Below The Waist, and discusses how pelvic floor physical therapy can help treat bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Jamille also co-instructs an introductory pelvic floor course called "Diving into the Pelvic Floor" for those interested in pursuing a career in pelvic floor physical therapy.
Jamille is passionate about treating patients with pelvic floor conditions and providing them with the tools and support they need to improve their overall well being. She strives to make her patients feel comfortable and assure patients they are in the right place to address their symptoms.
Jamille currently lives in North Austin with her husband, dog, and daughter. She loves to go to the movies, travel, host board game nights, and spend time with family.
Jamille is a member of the Texas Chapter and Women's Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. She is currently one of the few physical therapists in the Austin with her Women's Health Clinical Specialist Certification (WCS). Jamille is very passionate about teaching. She is the co-host of the podcast: PT Below The Waist, and discusses how pelvic floor physical therapy can help treat bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Jamille also co-instructs an introductory pelvic floor course called "Diving into the Pelvic Floor" for those interested in pursuing a career in pelvic floor physical therapy.
Jamille is passionate about treating patients with pelvic floor conditions and providing them with the tools and support they need to improve their overall well being. She strives to make her patients feel comfortable and assure patients they are in the right place to address their symptoms.
Jamille currently lives in North Austin with her husband, dog, and daughter. She loves to go to the movies, travel, host board game nights, and spend time with family.
Best of the Best
On September 11, The Austin American Statesman held it's annual gala for the Best of the Best Awards. We want to thank everyone who voted for Sullivan Physical Therapy as the Best of the Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Austin. It is an honor to be a part of the Greater Austin Community and we love working with our patients.
Guest Writer
Check out the Seniorific which is a news outlet for boomers, seniors and caregivers. Lauren Steele, PT, DPT will be a guest writer for the month of October as we celebrate Physical Therapy month. Topics that she will be writing about are:
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
On Monday, September 9th, Amethyst presented at Dell Children's Medical Center to provide education to Dr. Monge and her staff regarding how pelvic floor physical therapy can assist in treatment children and adolescents who may be experiencing pelvic pain and constipation.
Lauren Steele and Amethyst attended the Austin American Statesman Best of the Best Awards on Tuesday September 10th. Our clinic received the award for "Best Physical Therapist." We appreciate this honor!
On September 13, Amethyst Guerrero and Christina McGee attended the Austin Birth Awards, where Sullivan Physical Therapy was nominated for "Best Postpartum Fitness". Thank you for all of the support!
Amethyst presented at the monthly meeting on Saturday, September 14th for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Austin Support Group. Topics included how bowel, bladder and sexual function are affected by multiple sclerosis diagnosis and what can be done to help.
On September 22, Anissa Akrout and Lauren Steele presented for a webinar called Addressing Pain Naturally. They discussed common diagnoses and treatments that we utilize at Sullivan Physical Therapy. The talk was recorded and will be added to Sullivan's website soon.
On September 30, Lauren Steele presented at the Austin Area Birthing Center about pelvic floor physical therapy.
Lauren Steele and Amethyst attended the Austin American Statesman Best of the Best Awards on Tuesday September 10th. Our clinic received the award for "Best Physical Therapist." We appreciate this honor!
On September 13, Amethyst Guerrero and Christina McGee attended the Austin Birth Awards, where Sullivan Physical Therapy was nominated for "Best Postpartum Fitness". Thank you for all of the support!
Amethyst presented at the monthly meeting on Saturday, September 14th for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Austin Support Group. Topics included how bowel, bladder and sexual function are affected by multiple sclerosis diagnosis and what can be done to help.
On September 22, Anissa Akrout and Lauren Steele presented for a webinar called Addressing Pain Naturally. They discussed common diagnoses and treatments that we utilize at Sullivan Physical Therapy. The talk was recorded and will be added to Sullivan's website soon.
On September 30, Lauren Steele presented at the Austin Area Birthing Center about pelvic floor physical therapy.
Upcoming Dates
October 1
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
October 3
Anissa Akrout will be speaking at the North Austin Mom's Club at 7pm at
Malone Specialty Coffee Roastery at Cafe Chow Town
14735 Bratton Lane, Suite 210
She will be discussing incontinence, preventing prolpase, enjoying sex after baby and general health tips.
October 7
The physical therapists have an inservice where they will be learning more about dermatological concerns regarding the pelvic floor. They will be meeting with Dr. Jennifer Aranda.
October 7
Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka will be presenting an introduction to pelvic floor physical therapy lecture to the second year PTA students at Austin Community College.
October 12
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
October 24
Kimberlee Sullivan will be lecturing at Texas Woman's University on Women's Health Physical Therapy to the first year physical therapy students.
October 31
Halloween is one Sullivan Physical Therapy's favorite holidays.
This year we have a very special fitness theme.
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
October 3
Anissa Akrout will be speaking at the North Austin Mom's Club at 7pm at
Malone Specialty Coffee Roastery at Cafe Chow Town
14735 Bratton Lane, Suite 210
She will be discussing incontinence, preventing prolpase, enjoying sex after baby and general health tips.
October 7
The physical therapists have an inservice where they will be learning more about dermatological concerns regarding the pelvic floor. They will be meeting with Dr. Jennifer Aranda.
October 7
Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka will be presenting an introduction to pelvic floor physical therapy lecture to the second year PTA students at Austin Community College.
October 12
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
October 24
Kimberlee Sullivan will be lecturing at Texas Woman's University on Women's Health Physical Therapy to the first year physical therapy students.
October 31
Halloween is one Sullivan Physical Therapy's favorite holidays.
This year we have a very special fitness theme.
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 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 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.
