Pelvic Health Resource Round-Up November & December 2023
Explore 15 hand-picked pelvic health resources that made the news in November and December, 2023.
#1 Photobiomodulation therapy: A revolutionary approach to myofascial pelvic pain
Neeraj Kohli, MD, Director of Boston Urogyn, shares his thoughts on SoLá Pelvic Therapy in the Contemporary OB/GYN Journal. Key takeaways from the article include:
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) can be a challenging condition to diagnose and manage.
Up to 85% of women with CPP also experience tight pelvic muscles, a symptom of hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, which may be a significant contributor to their pain symptoms.
The diagnosis of myofascial pelvic pain is predominantly clinical based on presenting symptoms and exam findings of pelvic floor trigger points.
Traditional therapies are associated with variable results, poor adherence, and lack of follow-up.
Photobiomodulation is emerging as a safe and effective therapy for many musculoskeletal disorders including myofascial pain.
#2 New research: Treating chronic pelvic pain without drugs
The University at Buffalo's Jeffrey M. Lackner has received $3.3 million from the NIH for a five-year study on drug-free behavioral treatments for chronic pelvic pain. The goal of the trial is to assess the benefits of two non-drug behavioral treatments to determine why they work and which patients are most likely to benefit.
Use these tips to provide a whole-patient support program for those living with daily pain.
#3 15 Tips for a healthy bladder
This article from the National Institute on Aging provides key tips to help patients maintain a healthy bladder:
Use the bathroom often and when needed.
Be in a relaxed position while urinating.
Take enough time to fully empty the bladder when urinating.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
Urinate after sex.
Do pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat healthy, fiber-rich foods.
Drink enough fluids, especially water.
Limit alcohol and caffeine.
Take steps to avoid constipation.
Do not smoke.
Understand the side effects of your medication.
#4 Myofascial pelvic pain: A neglected component of chronic pelvic pain
Explore how myofascial pelvic pain contributes to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Discover the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, including emerging therapies that offer promising results and provide safe and effective relief for this complex and debilitating condition.
#5 Battling endometriosis during pregnancy
Jessica Ruxton discusses her personal journey overcoming the challenges of endometriosis during pregnancy. She details her symptoms and experience during each trimester and how these intersected with her endometriosis diagnosis.
#6 Supporting women’s pelvic health in the workplace is a win for everyone
Pelvic floor disorders can disrupt every facet of life. See how advocates are rallying for greater accessibility to pelvic floor care in the workplace to improve quality of life and work productivity.
#7 Bindi Irwin’s journey to pelvic pain relief
The daughter of Steve Irwin – aka The Crocodile Hunter – shares her 10-year struggle with severe pelvic pain before eventually being diagnosed with endometriosis. Bindi Irwin’s story emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.
#8 Why endometriosis is so painful and common in women all over the world
This article from the National World News provides a review of endometriosis and describes why it causes such significant pelvic pain. See why endometriosis is challenging to diagnose, and possible treatments for this debilitating condition.
#9 New report reveals that nearly 50% of Australian women experienced pelvic pain in the past five years.
A new report reveals that nearly half of Australian women have experienced pelvic pain in the last five years. Pelvic pain impacted daily activities for 28% of Australian women, led to work or study leave for 45%, and mental and emotional well-being was affected for one in three women. The report, a national first, calls for proactive screening by health professionals and a public awareness campaign to address the prevalence and impact of pelvic pain in Australian women. The findings, released just ahead of Women’s Health Week, highlight the urgent need for targeted research into the effects of pelvic pain on specific populations, emphasizing the broader call for improved health outcomes and awareness.
#10 Chronic pelvic pain affects up to 26% of women – new research brings us closer to better treatment options.
Explore potential breakthroughs addressing this prevalent yet poorly understood condition.
#11 Where is your pelvic floor and why does keeping it strong matter?
Discover the role of pelvic floor muscles in various bodily functions, learn about common conditions related to muscle weakness, and learn how to strengthen these critical muscles.
#12 5 Prenatal exercises to try during pregnancy
Review five at-home pregnancy workouts including:
Pelvic floor exercise and 360 breathing
Internal/external rotation
Clamshell/diamond
Inverted knee lifts
Straight leg pulse side
#13 Pelvic floor dysfunction from the Cleveland Clinic
Get a high-level review of pelvic floor dysfunction including symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment options.
#14 Common causes of severe pelvic pain
Review common causes of stabbing pelvic pain including appendicitis, kidney stones, menstrual pain, ovulation, pregnancy-related changes, and gynecologic conditions. Learn about the impact of this pain on daily function and emotional well-being.
#15 From incontinence to unusual period pain
Bronwyn Edney, a senior physiotherapist in Western Sydney, Australia, underscores the importance of women being informed about their own health. Edney suggests women strive to understand when discomfort is normal and when it signals a potential health issue.
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