Pelvic Floor – Buffalo Pelvic Health and Acupuncture Clinic

Softwave: for Faster Healing & Pain-Free Living

Admin on August 15, 2025

Softwave Therapy is a unique form of treatment that uses shockwaves to encourage the body’s natural healing response. This form of therapy has been researched and developed since the 1950s. The treatment itself is fast, pain-free, and brings results quickly! Softwave TRT is the machine we use at BPHAC, and it is the top-of-the-line technology when it comes to Shockwaves and ESWT.

“SoftWave is currently the only company that offers broad focused true shock wave technology in their devices. The therapy provided by a SoftWaveTRT device has a wider and deeper therapeutic energy zone than other ESWT devices on the market. This results in greater healing as the energy is spread over a vastly larger and deeper area.” –https://softwavetrt.com/faq/

Check out Softwave TRT’s website, full of info, here!

How does it work on a scientific level?

The applicator device generates a large positive pressure wave followed by a negative pressure wave. The tissues in your body react to this stimulus with a biochemical reaction, and sends signals to your cells. The resulting biological response is: Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), inflammatory modulation, stimulation of tissue regeneration.

In more direct words; sending shockwaves into soft-tissue that is injured, scarred, contains adhesions, or is painful/inflamed helps the body jumpstart its own natural healing process, on the cellular level. More blood flow and less inflammation lead to less pain!

This specific machine is impressive because the specialized applicator offers a true shockwave – not all machines or similar therapies on the market do this. It also has a wider and deeper range for affecting the tissue, increasing your healing. You can dive into the nitty gritty science of it at Softwave’s website here! https://softwavetrt.com/softwave-technology/

What can it treat?

Lots of things! We use Softwave in the clinic daily to treat shoulder and back pain, foot/knee pain, arthritis and bursitis, chronic pelvic pain and erectile dysfunction, and more. A more complete list can be found at our website here

If you really want a deep dive, the published research on Softwave is extensive and exciting! See below- we love perusing this page in our down time 🙂

Research!

Some of our favorite in-clinic Softwave Win moments…

“Great provider. Very knowledgeable. Add some shocks to other problem spots. Feeling good. Shockwave therapy is good for a wide variety of ailments.” -Keith

“Got me out of intense pain within 24 hours! Softwave with Nicole was quick and pain-free- not sensationless, but not painful. I was experiencing neck pain and headaches that would not give up, no matter what I tried. A session of Softwave and one full day later, I feel 100% better. Nicole walked me through her process every bit of the way and made sure I was comfortable and knew what to expect for the whole treatment.” -Lindsey

“Can I give 6 stars??!” -Dave

What an average session looks like:

Softwave sessions at BPHAC are quick and easy! If you’re running on a busy schedule, this is an ideal way to address pain in a shorter time frame. Coming in for a follow up, you’ll spend the first few minutes chatting with your practitioner about how you’ve been feeling recently since your last session. Be sure to notify them of all that you’ve noticed, good and bad!

If we’re focusing on pelvic health, or an area of the body that requires an outfit-change, the practitioner will leave the room and give you a moment to undress and cover up with a freshly laundered sheet. If it’s a body part that is a little more accessible, like a wrist or a foot, we will probably dive right into treatment after checking in and reassessing.

An ultrasound gel is applied to the area being treated, and your practitioner will move the applicator around the treatment area as the machine produces the shockwave pulses. Your practitioner will be sure to ask you for updates as we move along the tissue- some areas feel a bit like “hot spots”, and we may adjust the intensity of the machine if it feels like too much, or stay on that spot a bit longer, comfort level depending. Either way, you and your practitioner will be in communication the whole time about the intensity level and how things are feeling. A usual Softwave Follow Up at BPHAC is 1500 “shocks” worth of treatment. Erectile Dysfunction treatment sessions are a pinch longer, administering 3000 shocks.

Combining Care

Due to the ease and effectiveness of Softwave Therapy, it is a great addition and supplement to other healing modalities. There is a good reason our acupuncturists and physical therapists here love it! Oftentimes pain can be the main barrier that prevents us from getting better. Pain is a symptom, not the root cause of dysfunction. Softwave treatments take away the barrier of pain, so our practitioners can fix the root problem. Oftentimes, patients leave a Softwave session feeling immediate pain relief.

If Softwave is something you’d like to add into your acupuncture or PT appointment, we do offer combo sessions, so you can get both treatments in one visit.

Most people walk away from the first session feeling the results. Generally, patients are seen weekly for 4-6 weeks to ensure best outcomes and lasting progress, then are put on a “maintenance” or “as-needed” follow up plan.

Doesn’t Shockwave hurt?

While not sensationless, Shockwave treatment should not be painful. Communicate to your practitioner if a certain level of intensity feels like too much for you- we can easily adjust the level of the machine, to ensure best results and a pain-free experience. Some mild discomfort or soreness shortly after treatment may occur, but most just experience a mild tapping or snapping sensation on the skin during treatment. https://softwavetrt.com/does-shockwave-therapy-hurt/

Getting the most out of your recovery:

Be sure to communicate to your practitioner what you are feeling during treatment. If you notice any changes in sensation, or if you’d like the intensity adjusted- this is all important information for your provider to ensure you get the best treatment.

While you can return right away to your daily routine after a softwave appointment, it is recommended to avoid high-impact activities for a day or two to the area after treatment.

And, as always, make sure you have your follow up booked according to your practitioner’s guidance! Much like acupuncture or physical therapy, waiting too long in between appointments can often hinder the progress previously made. These approaches are cumulative, and we aim to get you to that “maintenance” or “as-needed” phase of healing as soon as possible.

Call or text our office at 716-803-4352 to inquire and see what options are available to you! This therapy is accessible and well suited to almost everyone, and is an incredible way to tackle pain quickly, safely, and effectively.

Beyond the Pelvic Floor: How Acupuncture and Integrative Care Support Healing

Admin on August 13, 2025

Our favorite thing to do at BPHAC? Helping you feel great in your body again!

Our next favorite thing? When our acupuncturists and physical therapists can collaborate on your care, bringing you results from multiple areas of expertise.

Many of our patients benefit from the multidisciplinary nature of our clinic by having an acupuncturist, physical therapist, and massage therapist on our team. We are strong believers in the benefits of having more than one pair of eyes on an issue, and multiple tools in your toolbox.

Combining acupuncture and physical therapy care can be exactly what is needed to address pain, whether something long term & stubborn, or something new that has just reared its head. These approaches combined also work wonders for prenatal and postpartum care; from helping you conceive and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, to preparing for labor/delivery and healing post-birth.

Acupuncture: The Basics

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese/East Asian medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Traditionally, these points correspond to pathways and meridians in the body through which energy flows. Stimulating certain points along these pathways helps Qi, or the body’s natural energy, to restore and flow properly.

A more modern understanding of acupuncture takes into account the affect that stimulating these points and nerves in the body has a deep affect on the nervous system; bringing the body from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest” which allows the body’s natural healing to occur, while also improving blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation, and cueing the brain to release endorphins.

While not totally free of sensation, acupuncture does not hurt. In fact, most people fall asleep on the table, and find the experience incredibly calming. The needles are thinner than a strand of hair and very flexible. The initial insertion feels like a fast and gentle pinch, which quickly fades. Acupuncture is safe and side-effect free, making it a great choice for those looking for a more natural way to regulate pain, stress, and improve their health.

Patients usually retain needles on the table anywhere from 30-50 minutes in a session. Additional elements like infrared heat, cupping, moxibustion, gua-sha, or herbs may be included in your session as well. Because acupuncture is a cumulative process, we encourage weekly treatments for your first 3-4 sessions. Some patients see immediate relief, while others need several sessions before feeling lasting results. After your first few, the frequency of sessions usually starts to space out farther apart. The cadence and frequency of treatments necessary will be determined between you and your practitioner, depending on what you are treating and how you are progressing.

Click for a study of Acupuncture & Chronic Pain

Acupuncture & Pelvic Health

For those seeking care for pelvic floor related issues, acupuncture is an incredible option as well. We treat these things together daily in our clinic! Because of its ability to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, acupuncture can help to get patients out of pain by treating the tissue, nerves, and nervous system, before starting to focus on strengthening and muscle coordination or muscle retraining with a physical therapist.

Acupuncture can help to regulate your body’s nervous system and hormonal health, all of which assists in the treatment of pain, muscle tension, menopause/perimenopause, urinary issues, digestion and constipation issues, pain with penetration and erectile dysfunction, and more.

Acupuncture can help you in your fertility journey, support you through pregnancy pains and morning sickness, help ease anxiety and postpartum depression, and even help flip breech babies and induce labor. Meanwhile, your pelvic floor physical therapist can help ensure you have the exercises, stretches and breathing techniques to ease you into a healthy birth, then help your body heal and strengthen after delivery.

Acupuncture & The Rest of You 🙂

In addition to pelvic health, having an acupuncturist on your team can make a world of difference for your health. Acupuncture can treat virtually every part of the body; so if your pelvic floor pain and incontinence issues resolve, but next you’re hit with seasonal allergies or stress-related headaches, you know exactly who to call next.

Together, your acupuncturist and your physical therapist can help address pain and postural imbalances that may be contributing to your chronic neck, back, and hip discomfort. Not to mention headaches, jaw pain, shoulders, knees and toes, too 🙂

Our practitioners deeply understand how the whole body is interconnected and works together, not as separate parts, and bring that level of understanding to every treatment.

For a more complete list of what Acupuncture can treat, click here!

How does this work? What do I book first? Am I seen by both doctors at once?

We require all patients new to our clinic to be seen first for an Initial Assessment. If you’re not sure if acupuncture, physical therapy, or Softwave is the best place to start for you, please reach out to inquire! Our office staff will consult with our providers to try and find the best starting point for you.

If you’re really not sure, oftentimes we highly recommend first coming in for a course of acupuncture treatments. Because acupuncture works internally and so directly with the nervous system, it is an great starting point for a vast array of issues, and has the benefit of being able to treat multiple concerns at once.

If your practitioner at BPHAC refers you to acupuncture or physical therapy to begin working from a different approach, we will set you up with another Initial Assessment to start within this new discipline. The Initial Visit for each unique discipline is an important step in transferring and collaborating on care. It allows your New Doc to have ample time to go through all your history, progress, and goals, while diving into this new aspect of your treatment without being rushed.

Appointments at BPHAC are always 1:1 between you and the practitioner you are seeing. Because each treatment plan is as unique as the individual receiving it, sometimes collaborative care looks like a person alternating back and forth between seeing their acupuncturist and their physical therapist.

It can also look like seeing an acupuncturist for several sessions before switching over to focus on physical therapy for a few visits (or vice versa, of course). It may also just look like your practitioner consulting with one of their colleagues who specializes in another area on your case, with your permission.

Either way, your practitioner will always make use of the fact that at BPHAC, we have the benefit of multiple approaches and specializations under one roof, bringing you the best care possible.

Taking Charge of Your Recovery – Lifestyle Tips for Pelvic Health

Admin on August 13, 2025

Something we want all of our patients to understand when it comes to healing: try as we might, it isn’t linear!

Life will ebb and flow, along with its many stressors. With this, progression in your healing may ebb and flow as well. We are here to support you through those changes, restructure your treatment plan when things need a little TLC, and make sure you have the resources to care for yourself at home in between visits. Here are our go to resources for tending to your wellness,

Stay regular with your prescribed exercises and movement practices with The Portal!

Our digital library is an ideal, one-stop learning and reference guide for all things health. The Portal is full of the basics and the next steps: progressions, exercise and yoga routines for all levels, breathing practices to manage anxiety and address pelvic floor issues, livestream talks on all things wellness, and more.

Enter The Portal

Ask questions of your provider

Both during, and in between your follow up sessions- we are here for you, and educating you as best we can is our ideal day. If you aren’t sure about a certain movement or breathing technique, or if you want advice on supplements or diet- let us know. Reach out to the office and our office staff will check in for you, or reach out directly to your practitioner’s email. We will do our best to get the answers to your questions to you ASAP, in between our daily clinic tasks!

A free gift for you; our Breathwork & Mindfulness Workshop

Much of the way we treat you and make progress here at BPHAC centers around treating your nervous system. This in depth, hour long Introduction to Breathwork & Mindfulness led by Toni Haugen L.Ac is just one of the many educational reference videos we have on The Portal. Our gift to you!

Give it a watch, and take these practices and approaches along with you the next time things are starting to feel like too much, or you need to carve out a little peace for yourself. Regulating your nervous system may not be the the whole solution, but these practices are a large stepping stone in the right direction, and a big piece of the healing-journey pie! Watch below:

Have your next follow up treatment on the books, according to your treatment plan.

For some people this means weekly, especially for your first few visits. If you’re on a maintenance plan, this may be every 3-4 weeks, once a season, or even once a year. This recommended timing is set by your practitioner and you, depending on what you are working through and where you are at in your treatment.

We often say, follow up appointments are where the real magic is at- keeping your care consistent and preventative, rather than trying to solve problems before they become larger and more ingrained. If life plans shift, or the game plan changes, we can always adjust; but best to have your ideal appointment time set and waiting for you by the time you need it! <3

Ready to get started? We can’t wait to help!

Understanding Pelvic Health: The Hidden Key to Your Comfort & Confidence

Admin on August 13, 2025

Why should I care about my pelvic floor?

The simple answer is; your pelvic floor is a part of YOU, and you deserve optimal health & wellbeing!

The more nuanced answer is that the pelvic floor plays a much larger role in our bodies and daily life than we may initially think. Weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor can lead to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, highlighting the importance of maintaining its strength and function. It can also play a large role in things like back, neck, hip, and even jaw pain. This interconnected view of the body is where our practitioners thrive, helping you treat your symptoms and get back to feeling joy in your body.

Everyone has a pelvic floor. We can help you give it the care and attention it deserves.

What exactly is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Everyone has a pelvic floor and these muscles play a crucial role in posture, controlling urinary and bowel functions, as well as sexual health in all genders.

Signs that it’s time to get help from a Pelvic Floor Specialist:

You’re noticing incontinence issues, or increased urgency
Painful urination or leakage, or inability to fully empty your bladder
There is pain or discomfort anywhere in the pelvic region
You’re noticing pain with sex, or changes to libido
Issues with painful periods, scar tissue, hemorrhoids, etc.
Painful bowel movements or constipation
Lower abdominal pain
Prolapse or diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
Trouble getting or maintaining an erection, or trouble with reaching orgasm
You had a baby (either vaginal birth or cesarian), or are going to have a baby

We understand how personal and life altering these struggles can be. They can feel like anything from confusing annoyances, or massive, life changing issues, or anything in between. Our pelvic floor specialists want you to know that you are not broken, and that help is absolutely possible. We’re here to support and educate you about your body, in a shame-free environment that values your privacy.

Stress is NO JOKE. A holistic approach to your care is important!

Our clinicians work within the biopsychosocial model, meaning we approach pain and dysfunction as symptoms of many factors within our lives. Our providers take a kind and caring approach to help you reach your goals. We take into account things like mental and emotional health and life stressors when considering and treating your physical health as well, and we understand the profound effect that stress can have on our bodies.

Your nervous system is a massive part of your life and health, and your treatment at BPHAC will always prioritize this!

Our practitioners have years of experience with specialized training in the most modern approaches to care. We value collaboration, meaning that your doctor will always work in tandem with your other healthcare providers, offer up resources, and consult with the specialized expertise of their colleagues working alongside them under our own roof.

Help for all these concerns and more can be found at BPHAC.

We can’t wait to support you! Our physical therapists and acupuncturists are accepting new patients, and can’t wait to help craft a treatment plan specific for you.

Become an established patient today. You can always email us at info@bphac.com, or give us a call/text at 716-325-0427 with any and all questions.

Book online for Physical Therapy here!

Meet BPHAC: Your Partner in Pelvic Health & Whole-Body Wellness

Admin on August 12, 2025

If we haven’t met yet, we’re Buffalo Pelvic Health and Acupuncture Clinic.

…or BPHAC [bee-fak] for short 🙂

We are a team of acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and overall-helpers and problem solvers. We take a holistic (physical, mental, social) and collaborative approach to healthcare – prioritizing inclusivity and compassion, to help our patients have a better quality of life.

Our founders, Toni Haugen (L.Ac, MSW) and Kathleen Ross (PT DPT), created BPHAC with the vision to create a new standard of care – one focused on treating the whole person, and starting from a place of compassion. Our mission is to help people understand and address the underlying causes of their symptoms, in order to empower a more successful path to healing.

We treat with a variety of modalities, including; acupuncture / East Asian Medicine, physical therapy (both orthopedic and pelvic floor), Softwave (Shockwave) Therapy, massage therapy, and more.

What makes BPHAC different from other healthcare providers?

Honestly, we think it’s lots of things 😉 but most of it boils down to…

Personalized: Everyone’s experiences are unique and we work with you to develop a custom plan to best address your individual needs and lifestyle.
Holistic: We take an integrated approach to wellness that accounts for the functioning of our minds, bodies, and environments.
Compassionate: This is a new approach to healthcare where nothing is dismissed, concerns are respected, and everyone is welcome.

Why the big focus on Pelvic Health?

Our physical therapists are skilled experts not only in orthopedic health, but also the function and specifics of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Everyone has a pelvic floor, and these muscles play a crucial role in posture, controlling urinary and bowel functions, as well as sexual health in all folks!

Understanding this part of our bodies is an integral part of supporting your whole health. Our practitioners are experts in helping to educate and treat you in a shame-free, trauma-informed, and supportive environment.

While we specialize in the pelvic floor and are experts in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, we also absolutely treat the whole body! Rest assured, you can come to us for support on any issue you are facing.

What sorts of things do you treat?

Long story short; everything! Because our clinic is able to work with all functional disorders (this means anything is not emergency medicine!) we are here not only to treat your pain, but to maintain your health. We are a general care practice that will see you continuously, in order to keep you in good health and manage problems as they arise. We treat people of all ages, and at all stages of life.

Chronic and Acute Pain, anywhere in the body
Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Stress & Anxiety
Sexual Health & Wellness
Pelvic Pain & Dysfunction
Oncology/Cancer Treatment Support

See more of what we treat here!

Our Process

Step 1

We listen to your story, diagnose, and evaluate

Step 2

We treat your pain & make progress, giving resources along the way

Step 3

We make a plan for future care and moving forward

What can I expect during my visits?

No matter if you’re coming in for an acupuncture or a physical therapy initial assessment, your first appointment starts with a practitioner who will listen to your story and your concerns to best understand your individual needs.

We take a very personalized approach to treatment and will craft a custom plan that addresses your specific symptoms, diagnostics, lifestyle and goals. Treatment begins at the first session as well, after a thorough exam/consultation.

For pelvic floor physical therapy, treatments will include a discussion between you and your practitioner about your struggles, symptoms, and goals, and an assessment of the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles intravaginally or intrarectally (with patient’s consent), or externally using an assessment of movement, abdominal mechanics and breathing. Your practitioner will provide some combination of various exercises & breathwork coaching, manual therapies, activity modification, and at-home movement prescription best suited to your lifestyle and needs.

Acupuncture appointments include a thorough consultation and discussion of symptoms, concerns, goals and any recent life changes. Your practitioner will get you settled comfortably for your treatment session, inserting very thin, sterile stainless steel needles into specific points throughout the body. Different combinations of points have different effects, but in general, the needles stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Your practitioner may also incorporate infrared heat, cupping, gua-sha, moxibustion, posture/breathwork exercises, or herbal medicine into your session as well.

As your life and progress shifts, your practitioner will update you on the best timing for when to follow up with them next, and provide at-home resources for continued care.

Ready to get started?

Book online here, or call 716-325-0427

Understanding Constipation and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Admin on January 7, 2025

Understanding Constipation and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Constipation is more than just infrequent bowel movements—it’s a condition that often includes straining, hard stools, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. While diet, hydration, and exercise are crucial for bowel health, many people overlook the role of their pelvic floor muscles in this common issue.

How Does the Pelvic Floor Affect Constipation?

Your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in controlling bowel movements. If these muscles are too tight (hypertonic) or uncoordinated, they can make it difficult to relax and pass stool. This is known as dyssynergic defecation, a common but often overlooked cause of constipation.

How Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a tailored approach to relieving constipation:

Muscle Relaxation: Therapists use manual techniques to release tight pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback: Learn to coordinate your pelvic muscles properly during bowel movements.
Education and Strategies: Discover better bowel habits, posture, and breathing techniques for easier elimination.

Takeaway

If constipation is affecting your daily life, pelvic floor therapy may provide the relief you need. A trained therapist can help restore proper muscle function, improving both your comfort and bowel health.

Don’t let constipation hold you back—take the first step toward feeling better today!

Get help with managing constipation. Start treatment today with one of our compassionate and skilled practitioners. Book online here!

Learn more about how pelvic floor therapy works and what it can treat here

Why Does Sex Hurt? Exploring the Causes of Painful Intercourse and How to Find Relief

Admin on January 7, 2025

Why Does Sex Hurt? Exploring the Causes of Painful Intercourse and How to Find Relief

Sex is often seen as an act of connection and pleasure, but for many people, it can be a source of discomfort or pain. This condition, known as dyspareunia, affects people of all genders and can be caused by a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. If sex is painful for you, know that you’re not alone—and that solutions are available.

Common Causes of Pain with Sex

Pain during sex can be broadly categorized into physical and psychological causes, though the two are often interrelated.

1. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in sexual function. If these muscles are too tight (hypertonic), weak, or uncoordinated, they may cause pain during penetration or deep thrusting. Conditions such as vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms) and pelvic floor myalgia are common contributors.

2. Hormonal Changes

Low estrogen levels, often seen during menopause, postpartum, or while using certain hormonal contraceptives, can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls (vaginal atrophy). These changes can make penetration uncomfortable or painful.

3. Infections and Inflammation

Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections can cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort.
Conditions like vulvodynia (chronic pain in the vulva) or vestibulodynia (pain at the vaginal opening) can result in burning or stinging sensations during sex.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic pain. Deep pain during intercourse, particularly with deep penetration, is a hallmark symptom.

5. Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC can cause pelvic discomfort and pain during sex due to bladder irritation.

6. Scarring and Trauma

Scar tissue from surgeries (e.g., cesarean sections, hysterectomies), childbirth tears, or pelvic injuries can reduce flexibility in the pelvic area, leading to pain during sexual activity.

7. Psychological and Emotional Factors

Emotions significantly influence the body’s response to sexual activity. Anxiety, past trauma, fear of pain, or relationship stress can lead to tension in the pelvic muscles, exacerbating pain. Psychological factors may also reduce arousal and lubrication, further contributing to discomfort.

8. Other Medical Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or chronic constipation may increase pelvic floor tension and discomfort.
Neurological conditions like pudendal neuralgia can cause pain or burning sensations in the pelvic region.

Seeking Help for Painful Sex

It’s essential to address pain during sex, as it can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider

A gynecologist, urologist, or primary care physician can help diagnose underlying medical conditions contributing to pain.

2. Pelvic Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in assessing and treating issues related to pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue, and posture that may be causing pain. Treatment often includes:

Manual therapy to release muscle tension.
Exercises to improve strength and coordination.
Education on relaxation and breathing techniques.

3. Lubrication and Moisturizers

Using high-quality lubricants during sex or vaginal moisturizers for daily use can help reduce friction and dryness.

4. Counseling or Therapy

If emotional or psychological factors play a role, therapy can help address past trauma, anxiety, or relational concerns. Sex therapists or counselors trained in intimacy issues can be particularly helpful.

5. Medical Treatments

Depending on the cause, treatments may include hormonal therapies, medications for infections or inflammation, or procedures to address specific conditions like endometriosis.

Takeaway

Pain during sex is not something you have to endure or ignore. While it may feel isolating, it’s a common issue with many possible causes and treatments. Understanding your body and seeking professional support are crucial first steps in finding relief and reclaiming intimacy.

If you’re experiencing pain with sex, reach out to a trusted healthcare provider or pelvic physical therapist. You deserve a fulfilling and pain-free sex life, and help is available.

Need Guidance?
If pain during sex is affecting your life, contact our pelvic physical therapists to assess, diagnose and treat your sexual health.

Sex shouldn’t hurt! Start treatment today with one of our compassionate and skilled pelvic floor therapists. Book online here!

Learn more about how pelvic floor physical therapy works and what it can treat here

Understanding the Overlap Between Back Pain and Urinary Issues: How Pelvic Physical Therapists Bridge the Gap

Admin on January 7, 2025

Understanding the Overlap Between Back Pain and Urinary Issues: How Pelvic Physical Therapists Bridge the Gap

Back pain and urinary issues often seem like unrelated concerns. Back pain may conjure thoughts of strained muscles or herniated discs, while urinary issues may point to bladder or pelvic dysfunction. However, these two conditions frequently intersect due to the body’s complex musculoskeletal and nervous system connections. Pelvic physical therapists (PTs), who are also trained as orthopedic PTs, are uniquely equipped to address this overlap.

The Connection Between Back Pain and Urinary Dysfunction

The pelvis and spine share critical anatomical and functional relationships. The pelvic floor muscles, which play a key role in urinary control, are intricately linked to the lumbar spine, sacrum, and hip joints. When one area is dysfunctional, it can directly or indirectly impact the other.

Here are some common scenarios:

Nerve Involvement: The lumbar and sacral spinal nerves (particularly the pudendal nerve) control pelvic floor function. A herniated disc or lumbar stenosis may compress these nerves, causing both back pain and urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, or leakage.
Muscle Imbalances: Chronic low back pain often leads to compensatory muscle patterns, which can overburden or weaken the pelvic floor. This may result in incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
Postural Changes: Poor posture, whether from prolonged sitting or injury, can misalign the pelvis and lumbar spine. This alignment issue can stress the bladder or pelvic floor muscles, creating urinary symptoms.
Stress and Tension: Stress-related conditions such as pelvic floor hypertonicity can manifest as both low back pain and bladder discomfort, as the pelvic floor muscles are in constant overdrive.

The Role of Pelvic Physical Therapists in Treating the Overlap

Pelvic PTs are uniquely qualified because they are also trained in orthopedic physical therapy principles. This dual expertise enables them to assess and treat both the musculoskeletal and visceral aspects of pain and dysfunction.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Pelvic PTs take a holistic approach to understand the root cause of your symptoms. They assess:

Spinal mobility and alignment
Pelvic floor muscle function (strength, endurance, and coordination)
Posture and gait patterns
Core stability and breathing mechanics

Tailored Treatment Plans

Treatment often involves a combination of techniques, such as:

Manual Therapy: To release tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and address fascial restrictions.
Pelvic Floor Training: Strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor as needed to restore balance.
Core Stabilization Exercises: Targeting deep abdominal and back muscles to support the spine and pelvis.
Neuromuscular Re-education: Retraining the brain and body to work together more effectively.
Behavioral Modifications: Guidance on bladder habits, posture, and ergonomics to prevent recurrence.

Why Choose a Pelvic PT for Back and Urinary Issues?

While many orthopedic PTs can treat back pain, not all are trained to address the nuanced relationship between the pelvis and urinary system. Pelvic PTs bridge this gap, offering a unique skill set that can address both conditions simultaneously, reducing the time to recovery and improving overall quality of life.

If you’re experiencing back pain with urinary symptoms, you don’t have to manage them separately. A pelvic PT can provide the specialized care you need to uncover the connections and restore your health holistically.

Ready to take the next step?
If you’re dealing with overlapping back pain and urinary concerns, consult our pelvic physical therapists to regain control of your body and comfort in your life.

Get Started with a Pelvic Floor Specialist Today

The Truth about Kegels

Admin on January 7, 2025

The Truth about Kegels

Kegels have long been touted as the go-to exercise for pelvic floor health, especially for people dealing with issues like incontinence or postpartum recovery. While they can help isolate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, Kegels alone often fall short of delivering true functional benefits.

Why? Because our bodies don’t operate in isolation. For your pelvic floor to function optimally, it needs to work in harmony with your entire core and adapt to the dynamic movements of daily life. Without this integration, Kegels can become an exercise in futility.

The Problem with Kegels

Lack of Functional Application:
Kegels focus on contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles, but this movement rarely mirrors real-life demands. Your pelvic floor isn’t just called upon when you’re sitting still; it’s working when you lift, squat, walk, and breathe.
Over-Isolation of Muscles:
By isolating the pelvic floor without addressing its relationship with surrounding muscles (like the diaphragm, deep core, and glutes), you risk creating imbalances. Overly tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to dysfunction, just like any other muscle in the body.
Failure to Address Coordination:
The pelvic floor works as part of a team. It should naturally contract and relax in response to movement and changes in intra-abdominal pressure (like when you sneeze or lift something heavy). Kegels don’t train this coordination, which is essential for functional pelvic health.

The Functional Alternative

To truly improve pelvic floor function, exercises must integrate the pelvic floor into whole-body movements. Here’s how:

Link the Pelvic Floor to Breathing:
Your pelvic floor and diaphragm are closely connected. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing can help you engage the pelvic floor naturally during inhalation and exhalation, training it to respond to pressure changes.
Incorporate Functional Movements:
Exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts—when performed with proper alignment and core engagement—naturally involve the pelvic floor. These moves train the pelvic floor to support your body during the activities you perform daily.
Focus on Stability and Coordination:
Exercises like bird dogs, bridges, and planks can help integrate the pelvic floor into larger movement patterns, ensuring it works cohesively with other muscles.

Final Thoughts

Kegels aren’t inherently bad—they’re just not the whole story. Isolating the pelvic floor can be a useful first step for some, especially in early stages of rehab. But if you want lasting results and improved function, you need to think bigger.

Train your pelvic floor to move and respond as part of a coordinated system, and you’ll not only strengthen this critical muscle group but also improve your overall movement and quality of life.

Say goodbye to endless Kegels and hello to functional movement for true pelvic floor health!

Book online today to learn all about the pelvic floor’s connection to the rest of your body

Your care and wellbeing matters. Learn more about Pelvic Floor care at BPHAC here!

What is Desire Discrepancy, and What Can I Do About It?

Admin on January 7, 2025

What is Desire Discrepancy, and What Can I Do About It?

Desire discrepancy is a common challenge many couples face—it happens when partners have different levels of sexual desire. More often than not, my female patients complain that they feel as if they are broken because they do not want to have sex with their partners. They often describe that they feel as though they “should” be more into sex and feel tremendous amounts of shame for their lack of interest.

News flash for all of y’all: we may assume that this is a female-specific problem. This is not true. Desire discrepancy can occur in any relationship by any particular person. Same-sex and queer couples can present this issue. Likewise, there are plenty of men with lower libidos than their female partner.

Desires naturally ebb and flow. Many factors feed into our sex life even though we associate most of sex with our genitals. Our stressors, lifestyle, hormonal changes, children, sleep cycles and general health can all tremendously impact how we relate to our sexuality.

The bottom line here that we all really need to understand a couple of things:

What value does sex bring into our lives? Is it a release? Physical touch? Intimacy? Reflecting on what sex means to you and being vulnerable enough to have that conversation with your partner is the first step in conquering this issue. The real challenge here is that SHAME wants to fault your desires and needs.
Good, giving, game of Dan Savage rules when it comes to our sexuality. We have to be willing to at least entertain or explore our partner’s needs in regards to our sexuality in a judgement free space.
SEX WILL CHANGE! This is inevitable. Our hormones change, our bodies change, we age. There are facts. Understanding 1 & 2 will keep these conversations open and make sexuality something that can be adaptable through the lifespan.

At its core, desire discrepancy isn’t about “fixing” anyone. Instead, it’s about understanding the unique factors that influence desire, such as stress, emotional connection, and physical well-being. One powerful tool to navigate this difference is mindfulness.

How Mindfulness Can Help

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, can shift the way couples approach desire and intimacy. Here’s how:

Managing Stress: Stress is a major libido killer. Mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided meditation help calm the nervous system, creating space for desire to re-emerge naturally. Arousal needs us to be in a parasympathetic state. By managing our stressors through mindfulness, we can actually be in a state to be present.
Improves Emotional Connection: Mindfulness fosters nonjudgmental awareness, allowing partners to listen and empathize with each other’s feelings about intimacy without defensiveness or shame.
Enhances Body Awareness: Practices like body scans or mindful touch can help individuals reconnect with their own sensations and desires, paving the way for deeper intimacy. I agree that disembodiment is a beautiful coping mechanism from time to time but we need to be inside of our bodies to experience pleasure.
Builds Communication Skills: When couples approach conversations about their desires and their shame with mindfulness, they can express needs and even boundaries with more ease which fosters mutual understanding.

Mindfulness Exercise to Try

The 5-Minute Connection Practice:

Sit facing your partner.
Spend one minute making eye contact without speaking. Notice your breath and your partner’s presence. Do not feel bad if this is awkward. Notice the feelings or thoughts and let them come and go.
Take turns sharing one sentence about how you’re feeling in the moment. Listen fully without interrupting or problem-solving. You are allowed to feel great, terrible or anywhere in between.
End by thanking each other for the connection.

This simple practice (even if you laugh the entire time) can help you feel more attuned to your partner and create a foundation for open dialogue about your pleasures, desires or just feelings in general. .

Desire discrepancy doesn’t have to create lasting distance between partners. Oftentimes, it can become a point to connect and evolve as a couple. With mindfulness exercises that are self-guided or partnered, you can turn it into an opportunity for growth, understanding, and deeper intimacy.

Curious about learning more? Book a sexuality counseling session with Dr. Kathleen. Call today!

Want to learn more about the effect of stress on the body? Click here!