September 2019 Newsletter
Complete Bladder Emptying
Emptying your bladder shouldn’t be difficult, right? It’s a skill that our body, like breathing, doesn’t need to learn; it just happens from the time we are born. But what happens when this skill, which is so ingrained into our unconscious behavior and innate need, suddenly becomes different, difficult or even painful.
Incomplete bladder emptying can cause us physical and emotional discomfort. It can feel unsatisfying, uncomfortable, and draw all of our attention to our bladder. It can interrupt our lives, having to get up from our desk more often and thus taking more time to complete a task, interrupt our favorite movie, or even limit how far of a run we wish to go on due to fear of not having a restroom near by.
If this sounds like you, no need to worry or cause any more pain or suffering, as there are some strategies you can try to help assist in feeling that relieving “empty” feeling, as well as physically emptying most of the urine out of your bladder.
Regardless of how long your symptoms have been hanging around, other comorbidities, and your diagnosis, these techniques are generally safe and appropriate to use, regardless of what may be the root cause of your symptoms.
The first thing you can try doesn’t take much effort at all. Deep breathing is a tool that comes in handy in so many situations, but essential for us to be and feel relaxed. Taking deep breaths through the belly, feeling the belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale, allows the pelvic floor to relax. This is essential during and after you void to ensure your pelvic floor is as relaxed as possible. Sitting on the toilet correctly can also assist in complete voids. Use a small stool or trashcan to prop your feet on, and try to avoid hovering, standing, or crouching on the toilet (men, I’m talking to you, too!). You can bring your elbows to your knees to lean forward, or even press on the bladder gently after you feel finished to make sure nothing else comes out. You can even stand and sit back down, or rock front/back or side to side after finishing to give your bladder every opportunity to empty.
If you are still having difficulty emptying, in addition to these techniques above, pelvic floor PT may help to gentle release tension and/or restriction around the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor that may be the culprit to your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about pelvic floor PT to see if these techniques are right for you.
Incomplete bladder emptying can cause us physical and emotional discomfort. It can feel unsatisfying, uncomfortable, and draw all of our attention to our bladder. It can interrupt our lives, having to get up from our desk more often and thus taking more time to complete a task, interrupt our favorite movie, or even limit how far of a run we wish to go on due to fear of not having a restroom near by.
If this sounds like you, no need to worry or cause any more pain or suffering, as there are some strategies you can try to help assist in feeling that relieving “empty” feeling, as well as physically emptying most of the urine out of your bladder.
Regardless of how long your symptoms have been hanging around, other comorbidities, and your diagnosis, these techniques are generally safe and appropriate to use, regardless of what may be the root cause of your symptoms.
The first thing you can try doesn’t take much effort at all. Deep breathing is a tool that comes in handy in so many situations, but essential for us to be and feel relaxed. Taking deep breaths through the belly, feeling the belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale, allows the pelvic floor to relax. This is essential during and after you void to ensure your pelvic floor is as relaxed as possible. Sitting on the toilet correctly can also assist in complete voids. Use a small stool or trashcan to prop your feet on, and try to avoid hovering, standing, or crouching on the toilet (men, I’m talking to you, too!). You can bring your elbows to your knees to lean forward, or even press on the bladder gently after you feel finished to make sure nothing else comes out. You can even stand and sit back down, or rock front/back or side to side after finishing to give your bladder every opportunity to empty.
If you are still having difficulty emptying, in addition to these techniques above, pelvic floor PT may help to gentle release tension and/or restriction around the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor that may be the culprit to your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about pelvic floor PT to see if these techniques are right for you.
SPT Spotlight
Krista Hartig
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Krista graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2006. She then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, graduating in 2009.
She practiced in Las Vegas for 7 years focusing primarily in outpatient orthopedics and pediatrics. In 2016 she moved south to Georgia where she worked at an Army hospital helping soldiers return to duty. It was in this setting that Krista became interested in pelvic floor physical therapy after seeing first hand how much pelvic health affected her patients' quality of life. She was inspired to pursue further education in pelvic floor physical therapy to broaden her knowledge base and enhance her treatment skills to best help her patient population.
Krista is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as their Section on Women's Health. She has been trained in trigger point dry needling, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and battlefield acupuncture. Krista is a firm believe that patient education is a large key to patient success. She is a dedicated and passionate physical therapist with a goal to see each one of her patients succeed.
Krista and her family recently moved to Marble Falls. Her significant other is a native Texan and Krista is excited to finally call Texas home. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, playing with her dog and making memories with her family.
She practiced in Las Vegas for 7 years focusing primarily in outpatient orthopedics and pediatrics. In 2016 she moved south to Georgia where she worked at an Army hospital helping soldiers return to duty. It was in this setting that Krista became interested in pelvic floor physical therapy after seeing first hand how much pelvic health affected her patients' quality of life. She was inspired to pursue further education in pelvic floor physical therapy to broaden her knowledge base and enhance her treatment skills to best help her patient population.
Krista is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as their Section on Women's Health. She has been trained in trigger point dry needling, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and battlefield acupuncture. Krista is a firm believe that patient education is a large key to patient success. She is a dedicated and passionate physical therapist with a goal to see each one of her patients succeed.
Krista and her family recently moved to Marble Falls. Her significant other is a native Texan and Krista is excited to finally call Texas home. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, playing with her dog and making memories with her family.
Research Rundown
Older patients benefit from goal-oriented physical therapy
Older patients in skilled nursing facilities for rehabilitation showed improved outcomes from goal-oriented physical and occupational therapy that focused on specific goals and motivational messages, according to a study published in JAMA Open Network. "We found that when you engage and motivate people, they do better," said lead author Eric J. Lenze.
Exercise training mitigates bariatric surgery-induced bone loss
Researchers evaluated data from 70 women with severe obesity following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and found that those who had undergone supervised exercise training three times a week for six months had significantly reduced bone-mineral density losses at total hip, distal radius and femoral neck, compared with those without exercise training. Findings in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism also showed that RYGB with exercise correlated with remarkable smaller increases in sclerostin, collagen type I C-telopeptide and procollagen type I N-propeptide.
Tech-enhanced nursing intervention studied for pelvic inflammatory disease
A study in JAMA Network Open found that teen and young adult women with pelvic inflammatory disease who underwent a technology-enhanced community health nursing program to support self-management had greater rates of decline in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis positivity. Researchers also found that receipt of CDC-recommended short-term follow-up visits was more likely for those in the intervention group.
Older patients in skilled nursing facilities for rehabilitation showed improved outcomes from goal-oriented physical and occupational therapy that focused on specific goals and motivational messages, according to a study published in JAMA Open Network. "We found that when you engage and motivate people, they do better," said lead author Eric J. Lenze.
Exercise training mitigates bariatric surgery-induced bone loss
Researchers evaluated data from 70 women with severe obesity following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and found that those who had undergone supervised exercise training three times a week for six months had significantly reduced bone-mineral density losses at total hip, distal radius and femoral neck, compared with those without exercise training. Findings in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism also showed that RYGB with exercise correlated with remarkable smaller increases in sclerostin, collagen type I C-telopeptide and procollagen type I N-propeptide.
Tech-enhanced nursing intervention studied for pelvic inflammatory disease
A study in JAMA Network Open found that teen and young adult women with pelvic inflammatory disease who underwent a technology-enhanced community health nursing program to support self-management had greater rates of decline in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis positivity. Researchers also found that receipt of CDC-recommended short-term follow-up visits was more likely for those in the intervention group.
Austin Birth Awards
Every day an average of 38 babies are born in Austin. Birth professionals – including obstetricians, midwives, doulas, therapists, yoga instructors, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and so many more – provide the support that moves families from surviving to thriving. Sometimes they are the first ones to whom we whisper, “I’m pregnant.” They are the ones who catch the babies, holding them briefly as they take their first breath. They support our bodies when we feel we cannot walk another block in the Texas heat. They are the people who witness the transformation of women and men into moms and dads.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is very honored to be a nominee and finalist for Best PreNatal/PostPartum Fitness Provider. We would love your vote for the best. Make sure you scroll to the bottom.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is very honored to be a nominee and finalist for Best PreNatal/PostPartum Fitness Provider. We would love your vote for the best. Make sure you scroll to the bottom.
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
At the beginning of August, Angela Dobinsky had the opportunity to volunteer at Mothers Milk Bank. This is an amazing non-profit organization that supplies donor milk to premature or sick babies.
On August 10, SPT therapists volunteered at Austin Pride, hosting a booth and sharing information about pelvic floor physical therapy.
On August 16, Amethyst met with Traci Perri from Hope for the Journey to learn more about providing appropriate referrals and care for people with a history of sexual trauma and abuse.
Amethyst met with Ericca Long who is a fitness instructor at Baby Boot Camp on August 27th to discuss safe exercise during the post-partum stage.
Jamille and Jessica interviewed Julie Wiebe, a well known orthopedic physical therapist. She has a passion for treating female athletes and addresses their pelvic health as well.
On August 10, SPT therapists volunteered at Austin Pride, hosting a booth and sharing information about pelvic floor physical therapy.
On August 16, Amethyst met with Traci Perri from Hope for the Journey to learn more about providing appropriate referrals and care for people with a history of sexual trauma and abuse.
Amethyst met with Ericca Long who is a fitness instructor at Baby Boot Camp on August 27th to discuss safe exercise during the post-partum stage.
Jamille and Jessica interviewed Julie Wiebe, a well known orthopedic physical therapist. She has a passion for treating female athletes and addresses their pelvic health as well.
Upcoming Dates
September 2
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be closed for Labor Day.
September 3
On September 3, our schedules will be open for appointments in October, November, December and January.
Your therapist's schedule is now open through the end of January. Please connect with one of our Patient Care Coordinators if you need to schedule more appointments. If you are unsure what frequency you should schedule, just ask your physical therapist.
September 3
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
September 14
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
September 14
Amethyst Guerrero is presenting at the MS Society Support Group to discuss how multiple sclerosis influences the pelvic floor.
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be closed for Labor Day.
September 3
On September 3, our schedules will be open for appointments in October, November, December and January.
Your therapist's schedule is now open through the end of January. Please connect with one of our Patient Care Coordinators if you need to schedule more appointments. If you are unsure what frequency you should schedule, just ask your physical therapist.
September 3
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
September 14
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
September 14
Amethyst Guerrero is presenting at the MS Society Support Group to discuss how multiple sclerosis influences the pelvic floor.
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.
