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"Fibromyalgia is bad, but with (Marnie's) help it can be maintained to an extent- tolerable. What's not to like about someone who can help you?" Sharon. Fibromyalgia-Chronic Pain

"I would love for other women to know that this kind of care is available for their pain. Each visit worked towards reducing the pain until I was no longer having it. What a joy to know this didn't require surgery.  Anita. Pelvic Pain

"After a few weeks of therapy and training my pain levels began to greatly improve! ...Understanding the frustration and needs of her patients makes Marnie a number one PT in her field of expertise. I am forever thankful for her." Angela Pelvic Pain-IC

"It helped to talk to someone who really understood that the pain and soreness I had was real and there was a reason for it. For the first time I really understood what was causing it and there was something I could do about it." Karen. Pelvic Pain-IC

"When you think that the therapy is too simple or easy is when it is working the most. Shannon. Neck-Dizziness

"Go before you get really bad and then relief happens sooner." Tim.  Back Pain

"Until I began therapy with Marnie, I did not fully understand my condition(s) and what to do to improve it. She not only provided me with a caring environment for treatment, but provided me knowledge and information to be able to try to work on issues at home."  Dawn.  Pelvic Pain

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Tuesday
Apr272010

*How to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s)

The National Institute of Health recommends the following tips to preventing urinary tract infections.

  1. Drink lots of water to flush your system
  2. Do not try to hold urine for long periods of time
  3. Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading fecal bacteria to your urinary tract
  4. Avoid use of douches, feminine hygiene sprays or perfumed soaps

It may also help to do showers instead of baths.  Cranberry juice and cotton panties may also be beneficial. 

Signs of a UTI include burning with urination, frequent urination, pain in the lower belly, urine that smells bad or is dark, and fever.  If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider. 

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/urinary_tract_infections.cfm

 



AuthorClemens Physical Therapy, PLLC | Comments Off |
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DateTuesday, April 27, 2010 at 4:26PM
Friday
Apr232010

*Tailbone (Coccyx) pain

The medical term for the tailbone is coccyx and tailbone pain is called coccygodynia.  The coccyx is the tip of a larger bone called the sacrum which is at the bottom end of the spine.  Pain in this region often comes from a trauma such as a fall or childbirth, but not always.  Symptoms may include pain with sitting, bowel movements, walking, feeling like you are sitting on a ball, and pain with intercourse.

Your medical provider can evaluate you situation and order appropriate tests and medications.  X-rays, MRI's and CAT scan may be used to help diagnose the problem.  Physical Therapy can help if the problem is related to the muscles and joints.  There are many muscles that attach to the coccyx and spasm and tightness can be worked on with gentle manual therapy treatments.  A home program is also beneficial in the long term success of treatment. 

AuthorClemens Physical Therapy, PLLC | Comments Off |
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DateFriday, April 23, 2010 at 5:22PM
Wednesday
Apr212010

* What does it mean when my bladder  "falls"?

All your pelvic organs are designed to be held up in place by a combination of pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue and ligament strength.  Sometimes in women, due to aging (darn that gravity), childbirth, repetitive heavy lifting, high impact activities and such, the organ support system looses holding capacity and the organs can “fall” or drop into the vaginal canal.  Imagine that piece of elastic in your favorite pants that looses its snappy spring over time only to cause you to have droopy drawers. 

While the bladder is the most common organ to fall, any pelvic organ can drop. Falling of the bladder it is called a cystocele, the rectum is a rectocele, the uterus is a uterocele, and intestines are an enterocele.  Collectively, any dropped pelvic organ is called pelvic organ prolapse or POP for short. 

Most people are not aware they have a prolapse early on.  The organs remain in the vaginal cavity.  Over time, it may actually protrude outside the body.  Fortunately, while this doesn’t sound good, most women have no pain and few symptoms with a prolapse.  If caught early they respond very well to conservative physical therapy including pelvic floor muscle training.  If this fails, surgery can be used to lift and tuck the organ back in place. 

AuthorClemens Physical Therapy, PLLC | Comments Off |
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DateWednesday, April 21, 2010 at 10:59AM
Thursday
Feb112010

* Early PT Reduces Breast Surgery Complications

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that women who participated in early physical therapy could prevent and/or reduce the risk of developing lymphedema following breast surgery. Following axillary (under arm) lymph node dissection, lymphedema is the most significant complication. Up to 71% of women are affected by lymphedema within 12 months of surgery, resulting in swelling of the arm, cosmetic disfigurement, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Physical therapy consisted of massage, scar tissue mobility, specific exercise, and education. The researchers found that of 116 women who completed the study, only 18 (16%) developed secondary lymphedema after one year. The results of the study indicated that “early physical therapy could be an effective intervention in the prevention of secondary lymphedema in women for at least 1 year after surgery for breast cancer involving dissection of axillary lymph nodes.”

At Clemens Physical Therapy, we provide free screening before and after breast cancer surgery. This consists of measuring and comparing the size of the arms to determine if there are any changes. This is an indication of developing lymphedema. Steps can then be taken to prevent complications.

Jennifer Key MPT

Torres LM, Yuste Sanchez MJ, Zapico GA, Prieto MD, Mayoral dM, Cerezo TE, Minayo ME. Effectiveness of early physiotherapy to prevent lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer: randomised, single blinded, clinical trial. BMJ 2010; 340:b5396.

AuthorClemens Physical Therapy, PLLC | Comments Off |
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DateThursday, February 11, 2010 at 4:31PM
Sunday
Nov012009

*West Virginians Don’t Get Enough Sleep

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led a study to find out the amount of sleep people reported getting state by state.  West Virginia ranked at the top of sleep-deprived states with a number that was double the national rate.  That suggests that 1 in 5 West Virginians do not get adequate sleep.  They also found that women get less sleep than men. 

Why is sleep important?  Lack of sleep affects a lot of things from mood to weight.  Links have been found to poor blood sugar control, increased risk of diabetes, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression.

Make a point to get 7-8 hours of shut-eye.  It is some of the best “health insurance” you can have.

 
AuthorClemens Physical Therapy, PLLC | Comments Off |
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DateSunday, November 1, 2009 at 8:41PM
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