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We redesigned our web experience with you in mind and we're excited to finally share it with you! CLICK HERE and tell us what you think. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements, like our newest staff member introductions.
It_s a Pain - by Toni Flynn
Persistent or chronic pelvic pain afflicts men and women of all ages. Persistent pelvic pain is defined as "Non-malignant pain perceived in structures related to the pelvis of either men or women, lasting continuously or recurrent for at least 6 months" (Bo 2007). What is challenging is that pelvic pain can occur with or without an injury, therefore making it difficult to identify the etiology of the pain. With persistent pain, one can begin to have pain in surrounding areas, including the abdomen, low back, hips and legs. Individuals may also experience emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, GI upset, symptoms of bowel and bladder dysfunction (including constipation, diarrhea, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, pain with urination or defecation), and even issues with sexual function (examples include pain with vaginal penetration, pain with ejaculation and erectile dysfunction). Lastly, with time, individuals experiencing persistent pain can have biological changes occur in their bodies, making them more sensitive to their pain.
Some of the pelvic pain conditions that are often diagnosed include coccydynia, painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, acute testicular pain, prostatitis and proctalgia.
An individual experiencing persistent pelvic pain is likely to have a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals working with him or her in order to address the individual's symptoms. This team may include one's Primary Care Physician, Ob-Gyn, Urologist, Pain Management, Acupuncturist, Psychologist, and Physical Therapist to name a few.
Your Physical Therapist will evaluate your condition, and is likely to use a variety of interventions in order to best address your specific symptoms. This is likely to include manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point release and joint mobilization to both the pelvic structures and the surrounding areas (such as the spine and hips/lower extremities). They may also utilize biofeedback in order to re-educate the muscles to contract and relax appropriately, general relaxation training and diaphragmatic breathing in order to calm a hypersensitive nervous system which is common in individuals with persistent pain. Physical Therapists often educate their patients on posture and body mechancis, as how we sit, stand and move throughout the day can have a profound effect on the spine, pelvis and pelvic floor. Exercise is also important in order to improve general circulation, to release endorphins in the brain, as well as to stabilize joints, improve mobility and to reduce fear of movement. Lastly, your physical therapist will likely use modalities to promote pain reduction including the use of ice, heat and electrical stimulation.
Persistent/chronic pelvic pain is a very real condition that many people think they have to live with. There are many options available to successfully assess and treat pelvic pain.
It can often be a difficult road, but having a good team is imperative to one's healing. If you, a friend or family member are living with chronic pelvic pain, speak with your healthcare professional about treatment options in order to reduce pain and restore function.
By Toni Flynn, DPT


KISS - Keep It Simple Smartie_ by Crystal Hazelton
Do you ever feel your pains are inexplicable or overwhelmingly complicated?
We see a lot of people with complicated cases at CTS. When there appear to be too many factors contributing to a problem, the first step is to focus on some basic health concepts. This allows layers of problems to be removed so we better see the root of a problem. Addressing basic health also helps your body do what it is really good at doing-healing itself! An undergraduate professor once gave my class advice on essay writing. She said " Keep It Simple Smartie." This holds true with most complicated injuries also. First address basics, then fine tune.
Basic General Health Checklist:
  1. Get good sleep.

  2. Healthful foods: yes, you need food! The fresher, the better. Eat all categories of food. Avoid fast food. Get enough food. If you are unsure how to eat well due to restrictions on your diet, find a professional to help.

  3. Drink plenty of water.

  4. Exercise.

  5. Make time for play/relaxation. Something that *actually* rejuvenates *you*.
Here at CTS we can help address #4 and point you in the right direction if any of the other basics need help. CTS physical therapists are the experts at addressing challenges with exercise. We LOVE solving complicated problems! So, come in and let us do the thinking. We will break the seemingly overwhelming physical problems into smaller more manageable basic goals, so you can return to the activities you love pain free.
 
By Crystal Hazelton, PT, OCS


In This Issue
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Community Education
plays a meaningful role to the members of our CTS family. We strive to do our part to provide top notch education and information. 
Here's how:

Cindy Furey - Teaches at St. Augustine and San Diego State University

Crystal Hazelton - Blogs on pelvic floor with post-partum issues

Mandy Johnston - Teaches core activation at Mesa College PTA program; Presents using Pilates for rehab at San Diego District Chapter Meeting for the APTA

Elizabeth Leeds - Teaches pregnancy/post-partum topics at the YMCA

Maureen Mason-Cover - Clinical trial on Diastasis Recti intervention

Kira Shurtz and Elizabeth Leeds - Treated cast of Broadway's Tony award-winning musical Cabaret

Kristin Evans - Attended Pilates on Tour in Orange County alongside leading Pilates professionals

April Douglas - Teaches at Mesa College


Comprehensive Therapy Services focuses on great traditions to heal, educate and empower patients, family and friends. Take advantage of our programs to help you meet your wellness goals.

  

Take advantage of our Pilates classes and private instruction, Massage and Acupuncture - what a combination to help you meet your health and fitness goals! Check out our class calendar - CLICK HEREĀ»

 

CTS also offers Mindful Meditation with Jim Cahill. During these sessions, Jim will work with you to enhance your physical and emotional well being while teaching you techniques you can use for self practice. For more information, CLICK HEREĀ» 
 
   

As always, the therapists and staff at CTS strive to offer you the best Physical Therapy in town. We promise to provide the most up to date treatment techniques. Let us empower you to make NOW your time to shine!
 

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Offer Expires: December 15, 2016