There’s a lot to absorb when you become pregnant. You have a whole new person growing inside of you, and with that the excitement of what they’ll look like — and what kind of mother you’ll be — to this brand new human. And of course, there are a lot of physical changes that women undergo. From morning sickness to foods that seem unpalatable (or highly desirable), our bodies seem to have a mind of their own when pregnant. Along with gaining a healthy amount of weight and planning on what birth will look like for you, there are also residual effects. One of them that can come with motherhood but can also affect other people is called diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
This condition occurs with the dramatic change in belly structure that happens when women become pregnant. The abdominal walls separate, leading the belly to stick out more. Who else does this affect and how can you deal with it? This graphic explains it.
If you are unsure of whether or not you have diastasis recti talk to your OB-GYN or physical therapist and ask them to evaluate your core. If you do have abdominal separation, a physical therapy program can give you all of the tools you need to bring the muscles back together.
Physical therapy programs for diastasis recti patients may include:
Core stabilization and postural strengthening
An abdominal brace to provide support and reduce pain
An exercise program designed to stretch overly tightened muscles
Education and training on how to lift and carry your baby as your abdomen recovers
This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout November 2024. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!
1. Helix 3D for Running Gait Analysis in Physical Therapy
When it comes to physical therapy, understanding a patient’s movement is crucial for crafting effective treatment plans. Advances in technology have brought sophisticated tools to the table, with Helix 3D being at the forefront for running gait analysis. This cutting-edge tool has revolutionized the way clinicians understand biomechanics, helping both athletes and everyday individuals get back on their feet and perform at their best. What is Helix 3D? Helix 3D is a highly advanced motion analysis system designed to provide a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of human movement… Read more
2. 5 Effective Exercises for Tennis Elbow
Written by Ability Rehabilitation, an outpatient physical therapy practice throughout Central, FL.
Repetitive activities like playing racket sports or engaging in certain occupations like painting, carpentry, and plumbing often exacerbate this condition. The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and a burning sensation on the outer side of the elbow, along with weakened grip strength. These symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen over several weeks or months. The good news is that over 95% of tennis elbow cases can be successfully treated with conservative measures. If you’re looking for effective exercises to alleviate tennis elbow symptoms and regain strength in your elbow, Ability Rehabilitation can offer you five exercises specifically designed to target tennis elbow… Read more
3. Understanding Incontinence: Causes, Types, and Treatments
Written by Sol Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy group located throughout Tucson, AZ
Many people with incontinence may feel isolated and avoid social situations. They often find themselves constantly monitoring fluid intake and planning outings around restroom availability. Simple tasks like traveling, attending events, or exercising may require careful consideration and planning… Read more
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News November 2024 edition.
Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!
Having a baby can make every day feel very special, but can also make life very busy, very quickly, leading many mothers to care for themselves as a low priority, especially when it comes to postpartum rehab. During pregnancy, as your belly grows and your baby grows, maintaining good posture becomes more of a challenge as well as many other things.
Physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum periodscan address spinal and pelvic joint dysfunction, help you learn guided exercises that can become tools to address muscle weakness and imbalance and provide guidance for everyday tasks that may be difficult during pregnancy.
The most common pregnancy issues that physical therapists strive to treat are pelvic health-related issues. These issues occur because the pelvic floor muscles can become weakened or even damaged during pregnancy. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you learn how to retrain everyday muscles vital for function, such as using Kegels, and other strengthening exercises.
Common symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are:
Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, lower back, or tailbone
Here are some other ways physical therapy can help pregnant or newborn mothers:
Postural Retraining – changes in posture may occur throughout pregnancy. PTs can even give guidance on postures for postpartum activities such as breastfeeding and lifting a baby
Rebuilding Core Strength – safely rebuild and regain core strength, depending on how the delivery was done, either C-section or vaginal delivery, the core section will be affected by giving birth
Scar Mobility – recovering from scar adhesions or tissueadhesions can result from surgical procedures and can be treated through massage therapy and targeted exercises
Safely reintegrate activities – whether running, swimming or any other activities that you were enjoying before becoming pregnant
Getting a Pelvic Floor Evaluation
If you’re interested in postpartum rehabilitation, ask your doctor to refer you to a pelvic floor physical therapist, at around six weeks postpartum for a vaginal birth or eight weeks if you had a C-section, or earlier if you’re experiencing any pain or issues treated by a physical therapist. Postpartum rehab is important to seek out sooner rather than later. Many women notice aches and pains that start during pregnancy or after pregnancy that if left untreated or unidentified, can become a bigger problem later in life. Postpartum issues are easier to treat in the earliest stages rather than waiting and becoming chronic, long-standing conditions. A physical therapist can help you learn muscle-strengthening strategies and how to safely return to your activities and enjoy your new life!
The word cancer is a scary one. Even though we all hope that it never becomes part of our lifetime of trials, more often than not, we know someone that has had, or is currently dealing with cancer. It is a testament to the medical community that so many women are able to wear the pink ribbon as a sign of triumph and pride, but we still mourn with those that wear it as a sign of remembrance and loss. More than once, while talking with women that have begun treatment for breast cancer, the topic of whether or not to have a mastectomy has come up. It’s not a decision taken lightly, often one with multiple concerns about what happens after surgery. Will the cancer be gone for good? Will it hurt? How long will it take to recover? A physical therapy post-mastectomy program can help address these issues.
Physical Therapy can’t answer all of those questions, but one thing a physical therapy post-mastectomy program can do is aid in the overall recovery process by focusing on regaining strength and increasing the range of motion in your shoulder and arm. Early intervention by a physical therapist can help women regain full function following mastectomy surgery, regardless of whether or not a woman has had reconstruction. Rehabilitation is always tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Not every patient experiences the same recovery, and as such physical therapists are prepared to help patients experiencing a multitude of symptoms – some have been highlighted below.
Size, location, and the type of mastectomy are important considerations when choosing a type of treatment. Exercises to maintain shoulder range of motion and arm mobility may be prescribed as early as 24 hours after surgery. These exercises are important in restoring strength and promoting good circulation. As rehabilitation progresses these exercises may be modified to meet new goals.
Physical Therapy after Surgery
After mastectomy surgery, patients may experience tightness around the surgical site. This is caused by scar tissue formation. The result can be very dense tissue under the incision, which is painful and can restrict the range of motion. The restricted range of motion puts a woman at risk for a painful condition known as frozen shoulder. Early treatment by a physical therapist can help reduce the pain and help regain functional range of motion and strength.
Numbness and/or nerve sensitivity at the surgical site can develop post-mastectomy. Manual therapy can help restore sensation and relieve nerve pain. In severe cases, a chronic condition known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome may develop. This is caused by scar tissue impinging on nerves. Physical therapy can be very effective at releasing scar tissue and reducing nerve-related pain.
Axillary node dissection can lead to a condition known as cording or axillary web syndrome. Cording presents as a moderate to painful tightening, which appears as “cords” emanating from the armpit and extending down the arm. Cording significantly restricts the range of motion and arm function. Manual therapy and therapeutic stretching help to resolve this condition quickly.
Radiation treatment after mastectomy surgery can exacerbate posture and range of motion problems, causing fibrosis and skin tightness. Manual therapy can remediate these issues and may prevent them from ever becoming a problem.
The Benefits of Exercise and Physical Therapy post-mastectomy treatment programs can differ greatly as seen above, but there are a few benefits that all patients can benefit from:
Improved shoulder range of motion
Improved shoulder strength
Improved functional mobility
Improved posture
Decreased pain at the surgical site
Decreased edema on the affected side
Improved sensation at the surgical site
Meeting with a physical therapist before surgery can help you feel more at ease and more confident in your overall recovery goals. It’s never too early to ask questions! To find a physical therapy clinic near you click here.
For more information on cancer-related physical therapy programs click here:
This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout February 2024. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!
1. Pelvic Floor Therapy: Your Key to a Healthy and Empowered Life
Let’s talk about your pelvic floor muscles. Picture a hammock-like structure at the bottom of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, uterus, and rectum, and helping maintain continence. These muscles are key players in controlling urinary and fecal continence, supporting your pelvic organs, and enhancing intimacy… Read more
2. Pinched Nerve in the Neck? Start Treating with 2 Exercises
Written by JACO Rehab an outpatient physical therapy practice with 4 locations on Oahu, HI.
Sometimes neck stiffness, arm weakness, or feelings of pins and needles down your arm can be signs of a “pinched nerve” from the neck. This injury is common but annoying, often irritated by simple day-to-day activities. This can include: Looking over your shoulder while driving, gazing up at the birds in the sky, or sleeping in the “wrong” position… Read more
3. Discover Smarter Pain Relief with Dry Needling
Written by Wright Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy group with locations throughout the state of Idaho.
Dry needling is an increasingly popular treatment option for individuals dealing with chronic pain, offering a myriad of benefits. Some advantages of incorporating dry needling into your pain management plan includes Pain Relief: Dry needling aids in effectively reducing both localized and referred pain by releasing tight trigger points and muscle bands. Improved Mobility: By targeting specific muscles, dry needling assists in enhancing muscle function and increasing the range of motion, making daily activities smoother and more enjoyable… Read more
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News February 2024 edition.
Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!
This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout January 2024. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!
Ankles, the unsung heroes of mobility, often bear the brunt of our daily activities. Ankle injuries are common, whether it’s a misstep on uneven ground or a sudden twist. However, distinguishing between a sprain or a fracture is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Today, we’ll delve into the key differences between ankle sprains and fractures… Read more
2. Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFR): Enhancing Strength, Hypertrophy, and Power
Written by Mishock Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice with clinics throughout Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Counties.
In Part I of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR), we reviewed the history of the technique and the evidence of its use during physical therapy and rehabilitation when returning from injury or orthopedic surgery. Whether an individual is focusing on recovering from an injury or training to enhance sports performance, BFR can optimize strength, endurance, motor control, and power. In this article, I will review the physiological mechanisms behind BFR… Read more
Your ribs play a protective role, shielding your lungs and chest cavity from impact. Yet these forces may be sharp enough to break a rib or two, resulting in pain and breathing difficulties. Recovery following a broken rib often involves strengthening the area and addressing breathing concerns. Learn what to expect from physical therapy… Read more
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News January 2024 edition.
Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!
This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout November 2023. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!
In the US, nearly 40% of women are affected by urinary incontinence- otherwise known as involuntary bladder leakage, or overactive bladder (OAB). Even though so many women suffer with this issue, few admit to dealing with it and believe nothing can be done. Multiple factors are linked to incontinence. Pregnancy & delivery- with risk increasing with each child. Aging- women after menopause are more likely to develop urinary incontinence… Read more
2. What is a DPT
Written by Carolina Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice with clinics in Columbia, Charleston, Sumter, and Rock Hill, SC.
Have you ever wondered what the letters after your physical therapist’s name mean? You might have come across an earlier blog post of ours about Physical Therapy credentials, detailing what DPT, PT, or PTA stand for and explaining the significance of a physical therapist’s credentials. This post serves as a continuation because the field of physical therapy is continually evolving! … Read more
EVER WONDER WHY FALL PREVENTION IS SUCH A BIG DEAL?
Fall prevention becomes increasingly crucial as we age, especially for those 65 and above. According to the CDC, an alarming average of 36 million falls occur each year among this age group, affecting a staggering 1 in 4 people… Read more
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News November 2023 edition.
Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a LOT of changes. Some things, you’ve likely heard from your friends and family. You’ve prepared yourself as best you can and you’re ready for it. Other things may not have made it into the conversation and you’re left wondering if it’s normal. That’s where we come in. Diastasis Recti is a fancy term for Abdominal Separation. Your baby needs a place to grow and your body accommodates. Diastasis Recti affects about 60% of expecting/post-partum women and typically fixes itself within 8 weeks after delivery. For women still struggling with symptoms six months after childbirth, you’re not alone, and physical therapy can help.
A tell-tell sign of diastasis recti can be a bulge in the center of the stomach, which can be easier to see when your abdominal muscles are in use. This bulge can be worsened by activities that activate the abdominal muscles such as:
Sneezing
Coughing
Lifting objects
Another common symptom of diastasis recti is lower back pain, as this is because your abdominal muscles also support your lower back and as they become separated, they won’t perform as well as they should, causing your lower back muscles to be in pain.
An abdominal brace to provide support and reduce pain.
An exercise program designed to stretch overly tightened muscles.
Education and training on how to lift and carry your baby as your abdomen recovers.
If you are unsure whether you have diastasis recti, talk to your OB-GYN or physical therapist and ask them to evaluate your core muscles. If you do have an abdominal separation, a physical therapy program can give you all the tools necessary that you will need to bring your abdominal muscles back together.
This time in PT News we recap what our clinics have been posting throughout October 2023. We are excited to bring you current physical therapy-based posts featuring published articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!
To celebrate and honor everyone touched by breast cancer, one of our team members bravely shares her journey, including her family’s battles with cancer, genetic testing, and preventive measures against breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. She also walks us through some of her struggles along her journey and how her care team helped advocate for her when she felt like she wanted to give up… Read more
2. Physical Therapy and Osteoarthritis
Written by Mishock Physical Therapy an outpatient physical therapy practice in PA with locations throughout Montgomery, Berks, and Chester Counties.
EXERCISE IS AS GOOD AS NSAIDS IN RELIEVING PAIN FROM OSTEOARTHRITIS! Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and the leading cause of pain in older people. OA often begins by age 40 and can worsen as we age with twenty-four percent (24.6%) of all adults, or 58.5 million people, having arthritis. (Katz, JAMA 2021) For those 65 years or older, half (50.4%) reported being diagnosed with arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion. (CDC, Arthritis 2022)… Read more
3. You Can Have a Quicker Recovery After Surgery With Pre-Hab!
Written by Wright Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with multiple locations throughout Idaho.
Participating in pre-hab therapies has several advantages. It can help the body heal faster and avoid injuries, all while speeding up recovery time. Pre-hab can be divided into two categories: Pre-hab for injury prevention and pre-hab for surgical recovery are two different types of pre-hab… Read more
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the PT News October 2023 edition.
Find these locations and others to start feeling better today!
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, we’re getting personal and sharing stories from women we work with and love, who have gone through their own health journey with breast cancer or conditions related to breast cancer. Each story and experience is different. We hope these stories help push someone who may be on the fence regarding mammograms and care, to be proactive about their health, advocate for early detection, and support those who may be going through similar journeys.
Esperanza’s (Hope’s) Story: Breast Cancer Survivor (Getting a Positive Diagnosis)
At 48 years old, right before I was supposed to go in for my yearly mammogram, I started suffering from night sweats. I went to see my doctor about my fever, and he just prescribed me Tylenol, but I continued to have high fevers at night, and I would wake up the next morning with my sheets saturated with sweat. I decided to visit a gynecologist and told him about the other doctor who prescribed me Tylenol. He promptly told me that this issue would not be fixed with just Tylenol. I also told him that I noticed a lump in my right breast.
He ordered some blood tests and a biopsy of the mass in my breast. A couple of days later, the doctor called me saying, “I would not have liked to give you this news, but I must tell you that the tests came back positive for cancer. Don’t worry, I will arrange everything for you to be seen at M.D. Anderson in Houston, and I will pay close attention to everything they do for you in the cancer center.”
Starting Breast Cancer Treatment
I was scheduled to be seen just a week later at M.D. Anderson and had surgery to remove my right breast. The oncologist told me that the cancer I had was very aggressive and the team even had to remove parts of the tendons around my shoulder. I decided to go ahead with the chemotherapy treatments just three weeks after the surgery. My gynecologist then offered to give me a letter for a leave of disability, but I refused it and said I would ask for it when I really needed it.
When I would go to my chemotherapy treatments, I had severe nausea and vomited many times. I wasn’t eating very well, and the smell of food made me nauseous. Even the smell of Coke made me nauseous, which had been a huge vice of mine for some time. But after the treatment over the weekend, some of the nausea would wear off, I would come home and go to work during the week.
Dealing with Complications
I had 10 or 11 chemo sessions. After the entire treatment, one morning after I woke up and looked in the mirror, I noticed I was covered with bruises all over my body and blood that seeped out of my eyes and ears that had dried overnight. That same day, I was already scheduled to see another oncologist to run some tests. When I came to the office, my doctor was perplexed and quickly put me in a wheelchair to run several tests. I ended up staying at the cancer center for a full month.
They gave me blood transfusions because my blood platelets kept decreasing. I did not have the strength to even lift my arms! The doctors told me that I would need blood from either a sibling or from one of my children, so it was decided that it would be my son Ivan who would donate. After I was given transfusions, the specialists told me that it was successful and my platelets were rising, but after three days, my platelet levels went down again.
There were specialists from other hospitals who came to suggest other medications and treatments, but none of them were successful. Then they decided to perform a spinal tap, where they took fluid from my spinal cord. The needles they used were gigantic and they had to do the test several times. Even though they gave me anesthesia, I felt everything. The next morning, I woke up with blood coming from the sites they had punctured me with the spinal tap. They ran more tests and told me that they had to remove my spleen. After that, my health seemed to get better over time.
Looking Back
When I was a little girl, I was sick all the time. I had the same symptoms I had back then, with the fevers, the bruises & the blood clots; but when I became a woman and had my first menstrual cycle, everything went away, and I suppose, helped to regulate the things going on in my body. The town doctors could never figure out what was wrong with me when I was a little girl. I always thought I would have problems later in life when I no longer menstruated, which came to be true.
I had begun my perimenopause stage when I began suffering night sweats and was given the cancer diagnosis. As an adult, I became very disciplined about keeping a journal and writing down any symptoms and how I felt that day. I was also very on top of scheduling my doctor’s visits and exams.
I am very thankful I have been in remission for over 30 years now and no longer have to see my oncologist but has become a lifelong friend. I will always remember the friends I made during my chemo treatments in the cancer center who unfortunately did not make it. As a breast cancer survivor, I believe it is very important to look after your health because it is one of the most important things in life aside from your family.
Ending This Series
These stories are just a small glimpse into the diverse and complex world of breast cancer. They emphasize that awareness, early detection, support, and education are our strongest allies in the face of this challenging diagnosis. If you or a loved one have questions about breast cancer speak to your care provider. Additionally, there are many organizations like Susan G. Komen that do a great job pushing for awareness and research.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the holistic recovery process for breast cancer patients. Following breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, individuals often experience physical challenges, including reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and pain. Physical therapists help patients regain their mobility, reduce post-operative complications, manage lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, and address these issues by designing customized exercise programs that aim to improve strength, flexibility, and overall physical function. By tailoring their approach to the specific needs and limitations of each patient, physical therapists are instrumental in aiding breast cancer survivors on their journey toward improved health and a better quality of life.
