April 2021 Newsletter
Dementia and Pelvic Health
It is hard to see our loved ones grow old: wrinkles framing their face, locks of hair fading to grey, their once quick steps now shuffled. The truth of the matter is, these are some expected normals of aging. What is NOT normal is a once-functioning bladder and bowel now leaking urine or feces. This topic can be much harder to discuss with our loved ones, but communication is imperative to improve the quality of life for our elders. Research shows that urinary incontinence is associated with a higher risk of infection, depression, loneliness and risk of institutionalization. The good news is there are options to help manage bowel and bladder function and mitigate these associated risks.
The first step is bringing up the topic in a simple and direct manner. Ask questions such as, ‘Do you have any difficulty with bladder control?’, or ‘Does urine ever come out when you don’t want it to?’. If you believe this conversation may upset your loved one, try speaking to their health care provider privately, before their next visit. Don’t worry about being using correct medical terminology, just voice your concerns about what your loved one may be experiencing.
Management techniques include influencing toileting behaviors and changing lifestyle habits. Some elders may benefit from being prompted to use the restroom by gentle reminders, such as ‘Would you like to use the toilet?’, since there is a decreased sensation of bladder filling with aging. Additionally, try establishing a routine around when they would be likely to go to the bathroom. For example, the most common times for bowel movements are upon awakening and after meals. Modifying lifestyle habits can include increasing fluid intake between 48-64 oz per day, spacing fluid intake throughout the day, and increasing plain water compared to other fluids. Try limiting beverages with caffeine and carbonation that may be irritating to the bladder.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide in-depth and individualized care to help manage bladder and bowel control. Your loved one may require pelvic floor muscle strengthening, relaxation, or a mix of both, for improved function and control over their bowel and bladder. Therapists can also provide education regarding appropriate voiding schedules, lifestyle modifications and environmental adaptations specific to the patient.
The first step is bringing up the topic in a simple and direct manner. Ask questions such as, ‘Do you have any difficulty with bladder control?’, or ‘Does urine ever come out when you don’t want it to?’. If you believe this conversation may upset your loved one, try speaking to their health care provider privately, before their next visit. Don’t worry about being using correct medical terminology, just voice your concerns about what your loved one may be experiencing.
Management techniques include influencing toileting behaviors and changing lifestyle habits. Some elders may benefit from being prompted to use the restroom by gentle reminders, such as ‘Would you like to use the toilet?’, since there is a decreased sensation of bladder filling with aging. Additionally, try establishing a routine around when they would be likely to go to the bathroom. For example, the most common times for bowel movements are upon awakening and after meals. Modifying lifestyle habits can include increasing fluid intake between 48-64 oz per day, spacing fluid intake throughout the day, and increasing plain water compared to other fluids. Try limiting beverages with caffeine and carbonation that may be irritating to the bladder.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can provide in-depth and individualized care to help manage bladder and bowel control. Your loved one may require pelvic floor muscle strengthening, relaxation, or a mix of both, for improved function and control over their bowel and bladder. Therapists can also provide education regarding appropriate voiding schedules, lifestyle modifications and environmental adaptations specific to the patient.
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please reach out to us at sullivanphysicaltherapy@yahoo.com
SPT Spotlight
Kelsey Turner
Patient Care Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinator
Kelsey graduated from Oregon State University in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health and a Minor in Business Administration. Her focus was on Health Management and Policy. She grew up in Eugene, Oregon but recently relocated to Texas due to her husbands employment. Kelsey enjoys finding ways to help people with their challenges. Prior to leaving Oregon she managed a Low Income, Senior Only, Apartment Building for seven years. It was there that she found how much she enjoys administrative work and how it directly relates to helping others achieve their goals. She is excited to bring her background and skills to Sullivan Physical Therapy's Administrative Team.
Kelsey enjoys attending group exercise classes, hanging out with her husband and walking her two dogs. As the oldest of three, she is very close to her brothers and parents, and loves to spend time with them whenever possible.
Kelsey enjoys attending group exercise classes, hanging out with her husband and walking her two dogs. As the oldest of three, she is very close to her brothers and parents, and loves to spend time with them whenever possible.
Research Roundup
Pudendal Nerve Injuries in Sports and Exercise: A Case Series of Pudendal Neuropathies From Squats. Kasitinon, Donald; Kelly, Brian; Price, Taylor L. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 45(1):3-9, January/March 2021.
Stuck in the Middle With You: Why a Broad-Brush Approach to Defining Central Sensitization Does Not Help Clinicians and Patients Timothée Cayrol, PT, MSc, Jerry Draper-Rodi, DProf, Laurent Fabre, DO, Laurent Pitance, PT, PhD, Emanuel N. van den Broeke, PhD.
The Effects of an Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Pregnant Women. Chiarello, CM, Falzone, LA, McCaslin, KE, Patel MN. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy: Spring 2005. Volume 29- Issue1. 11-16.
Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19
Stuck in the Middle With You: Why a Broad-Brush Approach to Defining Central Sensitization Does Not Help Clinicians and Patients Timothée Cayrol, PT, MSc, Jerry Draper-Rodi, DProf, Laurent Fabre, DO, Laurent Pitance, PT, PhD, Emanuel N. van den Broeke, PhD.
The Effects of an Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Pregnant Women. Chiarello, CM, Falzone, LA, McCaslin, KE, Patel MN. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy: Spring 2005. Volume 29- Issue1. 11-16.
Vaccinating Pregnant and Lactating Patients Against COVID-19
Pelvic Health Yoga
In April, Sima Shalchi, PT, DPT, RYT will be taking over our Instagram to practice yoga. Topics that she will be going over are:
- Breathing
- Chair Yoga
- Head to Toe Stretch
- Yoga before sex
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
- April 1 - Our schedules open for June 1 through September 30, 2021. Please make sure to call or email our office to schedule your appointments for these months.
- April 2 - Rhianna Rose, Patient Care Coordinator, will be leaving Sullivan Physical Therapy. We have enjoyed working with her over the last couple of months and wish her the best in her new position with a law firm.
- April 13 - Dr. Scott Ihrig, DC from Family Chiropractic of Austin will be presenting an in-service to the Physical Therapy Team over posture.
- Christina McGee, site coordinator of clinical education, is in the process of interviewing doctor of physical therapy students with special interest in pelvic floor to complete affiliations with Sullivan Physical Therapy in 2022. Sullivan Physical Therapy attracts students from around the US for specialty training in pelvic floor physical therapy.
- May 1 - Angela Dobinsky will be starting her maternity leave and Kimia Kardan will be helping Angela's patients during this time.
Engage with SPT on Social Media
If you enjoy our monthly newsletter, you will love Sullivan Physical Therapy on social media. We have daily posts that cover all topics Pelvic Health. This is also where we communicate what is going on in the clinic in between newsletters. You can follow us on: If there is ever a topic you would like us to cover, please let us know.
