October 2018 Newsletter
Holistic Approach to Interstitial Cystitis
Interstital Cystitis can seem like a scary diagnosis at the urology office, especially if you then go home and google it all night. Online blogs, forums, and articles will tell you that you will never be able to eat the things you want to eat, you will be in pain all your life, and it is untreatable. Here’s the scoop. It IS treatable and you can manage the symptoms with the right steps. It will not always be easy and there is a lot of trial and error, however, it is very possible to lead a healthy life with IC given the proper guidance.
Intestitial Cystitis, according to the American Urological Association, is defined as “An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes”. Often patients will have symptoms of bladder pain, increased day time and night time urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, and burning urethral pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy has shown to help release the muscular tension that is likely contributing to symptoms via myofasical release, connective tissue manipulation, education on body mechanics and posture, and providing stretches as a home exercise program. Pelvic floor physical therapists can also educate patients on common bladder irritants. These are common food and drinks that can trigger symptoms of increased urgency, frequency, pain, and leakage. While physical therapists would love to take the credit in helping patients feel 100% better, it is a multidisciplinary approach. We often refer patients to urologists, nutritionists, mental health therapists, and other medical providers to address the patient as a whole person.
Aside from physical therapy, there are other medical interventions patients can research about as other options to address their symptoms. There are oral medications, bladder instillations, hydrodistention, intra-bladder botox, electrical stimulation, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections that can address IC symptoms. Keep in mind, many of these options can have side effects and do not always work for everyone. In fact, some of these interventions can flare symptoms and make patients feel worse. It is always best to consult with your physician on whether any of these options are appropriate for you. There are also complementary treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, and mental therapy that can supplement the stress and pain that is associated with this condition. It is always best to consult with a nutritionist and determine food sensitivities that can trigger IC symptoms. The bottom line is that IC is not a death sentence. There are plenty of options to explore. Discuss with your physician and pelvic floor physical therapists your questions and concerns.
Intestitial Cystitis, according to the American Urological Association, is defined as “An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes”. Often patients will have symptoms of bladder pain, increased day time and night time urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, and burning urethral pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy has shown to help release the muscular tension that is likely contributing to symptoms via myofasical release, connective tissue manipulation, education on body mechanics and posture, and providing stretches as a home exercise program. Pelvic floor physical therapists can also educate patients on common bladder irritants. These are common food and drinks that can trigger symptoms of increased urgency, frequency, pain, and leakage. While physical therapists would love to take the credit in helping patients feel 100% better, it is a multidisciplinary approach. We often refer patients to urologists, nutritionists, mental health therapists, and other medical providers to address the patient as a whole person.
Aside from physical therapy, there are other medical interventions patients can research about as other options to address their symptoms. There are oral medications, bladder instillations, hydrodistention, intra-bladder botox, electrical stimulation, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections that can address IC symptoms. Keep in mind, many of these options can have side effects and do not always work for everyone. In fact, some of these interventions can flare symptoms and make patients feel worse. It is always best to consult with your physician on whether any of these options are appropriate for you. There are also complementary treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, and mental therapy that can supplement the stress and pain that is associated with this condition. It is always best to consult with a nutritionist and determine food sensitivities that can trigger IC symptoms. The bottom line is that IC is not a death sentence. There are plenty of options to explore. Discuss with your physician and pelvic floor physical therapists your questions and concerns.
Online Bill Pay
We now offer an online payment portal for you to make your payments safely and quickly!
Please visit www.sullivanphysicaltherapy.com/payments.html.
For more information please email:
Holly@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
Please visit www.sullivanphysicaltherapy.com/payments.html.
For more information please email:
Holly@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
SPT Spotlight
Becky Maidansky, Physical Therapist
Becky received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University in Pittsburgh and after taking a couple years off to teach English as a second language abroad, she returned to Temple University for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Becky became interested in pelvic health while working in sports therapy clinics, noticing that while many patients with back pain or chronic pain would get relief, but some would still have some discomfort. After seeing her patients improve with pelvic floor physical therapy, she decided to pursue a position with Sullivan Physical Therapy. She knows that pain can become a driver in one's life, and hopes to help her patient's take back control over their own lives. She wants to help her patients live the best life that they can.
Becky is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and enjoys hiking, bouldering, exploring the greater Austin area, traveling, and watching baby animal videos online.
Becky became interested in pelvic health while working in sports therapy clinics, noticing that while many patients with back pain or chronic pain would get relief, but some would still have some discomfort. After seeing her patients improve with pelvic floor physical therapy, she decided to pursue a position with Sullivan Physical Therapy. She knows that pain can become a driver in one's life, and hopes to help her patient's take back control over their own lives. She wants to help her patients live the best life that they can.
Becky is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and enjoys hiking, bouldering, exploring the greater Austin area, traveling, and watching baby animal videos online.
For more information please email:
becky@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
becky@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
2018 Best of the Best
Sullivan Physical Therapy was honored to have 2 physical therapists, Christina McGee and Kimberlee Sullivan, named as 2 of the top 3 physical therapists in Austin by the American Statesman. Congratulations to Kimberlee Sullivan, Austin American Statesman's Best of the Best Physical Therapist! Thank you to Lauren Steele for standing in for Christina as she was unable to attend the awards gala.
For more information please email:
kimberlee@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
kimberlee@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
Upcoming Dates
October 1 - November 5
Mondays in October and November there will be a yoga series for optimal pelvic health called Yoga for your Pelvic Floor. This will be held at Pure Light Chiropractic and Wellness. $250 for all six classes. For more information please email Dr. Sandi at hello@drsandi.com or call/text her at 901-233-3564.
October 2
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 13
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 17
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be celebrating 13 years of being a part of the Austin Area Community.
October 18
Jamie Guyden, MD, from Evolve Integrative Care will be presenting to the physical therapists over the impact of bioenergetics on healing at the pelvic level.
October 21
Rachel Madera, PT will be hosting a Pelvic Floor Workshop at Pilates South Austin on October 21 at 11:30 am.
Mondays in October and November there will be a yoga series for optimal pelvic health called Yoga for your Pelvic Floor. This will be held at Pure Light Chiropractic and Wellness. $250 for all six classes. For more information please email Dr. Sandi at hello@drsandi.com or call/text her at 901-233-3564.
October 2
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 13
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 17
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be celebrating 13 years of being a part of the Austin Area Community.
October 18
Jamie Guyden, MD, from Evolve Integrative Care will be presenting to the physical therapists over the impact of bioenergetics on healing at the pelvic level.
October 21
Rachel Madera, PT will be hosting a Pelvic Floor Workshop at Pilates South Austin on October 21 at 11:30 am.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
The physical therapy team was busy in September. Here are some highlights:
- Christina McGee hosted 2 padsicle parties at Austin Area Birthing Center, in which participants made padsicles in preparation for postpartum healing and discussed common pregnancy and postpartum pelvic floor diagnoses.
- Christina McGee and Rachel Madeira attended "Trauma Informed Care for Birth and Postpartum Professionals" on September 15.
- Christina McGee met with Dr. Grady Bruce of Urology Austin to discuss current care options for prolapse diagnoses.
- On September 28, Jessica Chastka and Amethyst Guerrero attended Bed Post Confessions. They hosted a boot and discussed pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Amethyst Guerrero and Lauren Steele represented Sullivan Physical Therapy at the South Austin Mom & Baby Expo on September 30.
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.
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.
To watch the movie please click here.
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:
To watch the movie please click here.
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:
Animatou International Animated Film Festival - Geneva, Switzerland
October 5, 2018 - October 13, 2018
Tacoma Film Festival - Tacoma, Washington
October 9th, 2018, 8:45 PM, "Lady Parts" Block
FIGO World Congress of Gynecology & Obstetrics - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
October 14, 2018 - October 19, 2018
New Orleans Film Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana
October 20, 2018, 1:00 PM, CAC Warehouse
October 25, 2018, 4:00 PM, CAC Warehouse
Twin Cities Film Festival - Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 24, 2018, 7:10 PM, "Passionate Voices" Block
Filmets Badalona Film Festival - Barcelona, Spain
October 19, 2018 - October 28, 2018
For more information:
www.tightlywoundfilm.com
October 5, 2018 - October 13, 2018
Tacoma Film Festival - Tacoma, Washington
October 9th, 2018, 8:45 PM, "Lady Parts" Block
FIGO World Congress of Gynecology & Obstetrics - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
October 14, 2018 - October 19, 2018
New Orleans Film Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana
October 20, 2018, 1:00 PM, CAC Warehouse
October 25, 2018, 4:00 PM, CAC Warehouse
Twin Cities Film Festival - Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 24, 2018, 7:10 PM, "Passionate Voices" Block
Filmets Badalona Film Festival - Barcelona, Spain
October 19, 2018 - October 28, 2018
For more information:
www.tightlywoundfilm.com
