Excel PT: Pelvic Health

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YOUR PELVIC HEALTH: EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY

MAY IS PELVIC PAIN AWARENESS MONTH!

We all know that exercise has many health benefits, but many women are unsure of how to approach exercise when they become pregnant. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during, and after pregnancy.” (continued inside)

By Michelle Fritz, PT, DPT Excel PT - Blue Bell

INSIDE : • Your Pelvic Health: Exercise During Pregnancy • Patient Success Spotlight

• Complimentary Screening • And More!

866-883-9235 www.excelphysicaltherapy.com [email protected]

HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter

YOUR PELVIC HEALTH: EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY

MAY IS PELVIC PAIN AWARENESS MONTH!

INSIDE :

• Conditions That Can Benefit From Pelvic Health PT • Complimentary Screening

• Patient Success Spotlight • And More!

pregnancy. An evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist can assist in treatment of mid and low back pain, as well as pelvic pains associated with pregnancy. At Excel, we are able to spend 1 hour sessions one-on-one with our patients which allows us to focus on each patient’s individual needs and ensure safe completion of exercise. Pelvic health physical therapists have specialized training in pregnancy and post-partum related conditions, so we can also provide education on laboring positions, pelvic recovery following a vaginal or cesarean birth and appropriate peripartum and post-partum exercises. It is also encouraged that a woman return to physical therapy 6 weeks post-delivery to reduce diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) as well as to work on pelvic floor, core and back muscle strength, and posture. If you are pregnant or post-partum and would like to learn more about appropriate exercise, contact your OBGYN and ask for a referral for a pelvic health physical therapist. References: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015). ACOG committee opinion no. 650: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 126(6), e135-42. Doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001214 U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2018). Physical activity guidelines for americans 2nd ed. https://health.gov/paguidelines

(continued from outside)

In the absence of any medical or obstetric complication or contraindication, physical activity during pregnancy is safe and encouraged. Benefits of exercise during pregnancy include lower incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension (preeclampsia), as well as reduction of depressive disorders in the post-

Michelle Fritz, PT, DPT Excel PT - Blue Bell

partum period. There are also benefits for the fetus that include lower incidence of preterm birth, lower incidence of cesarean birth and lower incidence of lower birth weight babies. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Examples of exercises that have been extensively studied to be safe and beneficial during pregnancy are walking, stationary cycling, aerobic exercises, dancing, resistance exercises, stretching exercises, and water aerobics. A pelvic health physical therapist can assist in establishing safe exercise parameters throughout the stages of pregnancy and post-partum. Many pregnant women can develop orthopedic conditions during pregnancy secondary to weight gain, reduced balance and ligamentous laxity. More than 60% of pregnant women experience low back pain during their

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Specialties Offered

Other Conditions That Can Benefit From Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

• Manual Therapy – ART & Graston Techniques • McKenzie Method • Pelvic Health • Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehab • TMD (Temperalmandibular Dysfunction)

• Balance & Vestibular Rehab • Concussion Rehab Program • Functional Movement Screens (FMS) • LSVT Big Therapy • Lymphedema Treatment

• Vulvodynia

• Coccydynia

• Vaginismus

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Common Conditions We Treat

• Dyspareunia

• Hernia

Dizziness & Concussions

• Endometriosis

• Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery

Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

• Pregnancy

• Interstitial Cystitis

Back Pain

Elbow & Arm Pain Hand & Wrist Pain

• Post-partum (Vaginal or Cesarean delivery)

• Chronic Prostatitis

Hip Pain

• IBS / Crohn’s / Ulcerative Colitis

• Overactive Bladder

Knee Pain/ Arthritis

• Bladder Pain Syndrome

• Pudendal Neuralgia

• Erectile Dysfunction

Please visit www.excelphysicaltherapy.com/services for more information

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY excelphysicaltherapy.com 866-88-EXCEL EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY- NEWTOWN! NOW OPEN! 17 Blacksmi th Rd, Sui te 116 Newtown, PA 18940 CALL TODAY! (2 15) 383-3133

Alexis Dispenziere, PT, DPT Assistant Clinic Director, Excel Physical Therapy - Society Hill FEATURED PHYSICAL THERAPIST

1. How did you decide to become a physical therapist and what mot ivates you to work wi th patients? In the outpatient clinic setting, I love teaching someone ways to find autonomy over their body, creating custom exercises to improve motor patterns. I supplement my pelvic floor focus by restoring postural stability and coordination. These techniques

back pain. I incorporated breathing techniques and coordination training with pelvic floor recruitment. After two weeks of treatment, this patient expressed that her incontinence had improved after struggling with symptoms for over 5 years! This experience felt like a sign that it was the right move to pursue my therapeutic interest in the pelvis. 4. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be an owl. They are unassuming but see everything. Flying is a definite perk. 5. If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why? My patients have dubbed me the “enthusiastic torturer.” I stand by that. I will present exercises that are complex and seemingly impossible, yet my patients will successfully perform the task as I smile and root them on from the floor right next to them (most of the time squeezing my own butt and abs for moral support). 6. What do you like to do in your off time, outside the clinic? I can be found at the yoga studio or the latest brewery in the city on any given weekend. Vacations usually consist of hiking/ camping or exploring another city’s culture. I will always accept suggestions for hiking trails or restaurants (local too!).

cross over with non-pelvic rehab patients, helping prevent injury and improve movement efficiency. The joy my patients express when they come in/leave feeling better is priceless. We also have fun dancing and laughing in the clinic’s back corner. 2. In your words, what makes Excel Physical Therapy different from other physical therapy clinics? Excel allows each therapist to treat from their own perspective, supporting new ideas and collaboration. The emphasis on educational growth to benefit the patient is not seen in many places. It is one of the few companies that truly pushes best practices.

3. What was your most memorable patient experience? Prior to accepting pelvic rehab patients, I was treating someone for low

Patient Success Spotlight

NOW OFFERING COMPLIMENTARY SCREENINGS!

“...I returned to PT and have continued to improve my strength and reduce my pain...”

“While pregnant with twins, I saw Michelle for pelvic and hip pain. Having 2 toddlers at home whi le pregnant with twins definitely had its challenges, and Michelle was able to modify my sessions based on my needs which were ever-changing. The insights she provided benefited me in

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becoming more mindful with my movements and allowed me to remain active with my daughters during my last trimester. This was my third delivery and probably the best one because I was able to apply the techniques I learned! 6 weeks post-partum, I returned to PT and have continued to improve my strength and reduce my pain so that I now feel healthy and strong again!” - J.C.

Your complimentary pain assessment may be conducted via telephone or TeleHealth