30 | OCTOBER 31 • 2024
conditions that may be causing the
symptoms. Then the doctor refers
the patient to a pelvic floor physical
therapist for an initial assessment that
may include muscle strength testing
and a review of lifestyle habits such
as diet, exercise, fluid intake and
bathroom routines. Some therapists
ask patients to keep a “bladder diary”
to identify behavioral issues such as
holding urine too long or not drink-
ing enough water.
“It is important to determine
what’s going on first,
”
said Stacey Lash, MPT
WCS, physical ther-
apist and founder of
Pelvic Abdominal
Rehabilitation Physical
Therapy in Huntington
Woods.
A customized treat-
ment plan using a combination of
exercises and other therapeutic tech-
niques is created for each patient.
Whole body movements, such as
lunges, squats and weight-bearing
activities may be used in addition
to Kegels, an internal exercise that
strengthens pelvic floor muscles.
Patients are given a home program
to augment the therapy sessions and
help maintain results.
“Many women don’t know how
to do a proper Kegel. It’s not just a
matter of isolating the muscle but also
learning how to breathe properly,
”
said Lash, who gives educational sem-
inars to various women’s groups. “By
teaching patients these breathing pat-
terns, we’re promoting pelvic health
and reducing the risk of prolapse or
incontinence in the future.
”
Internal manipulation is also part of
the protocol.
“Some women might find it very
invasive. I got over that and reaped
the benefits of the treatment,
” said
Sylvia. “I’m just glad my gynecologist
recommended this instead of drugs
and surgery.
”
Pelvic floor therapy can be benefi-
cial to women of all ages, according
to Kaiser-Blasé, who has referred
patients from 19 to 82 for treatment.
A large percentage of referrals involve
women with pregnancy-related symp-
toms.
Six weeks after giving birth, Susan
M. was suffering from diastasis recti,
pain and pulling at and around the
surgical site, incontinence, consti-
pation and pain during intercourse.
After working with Lash for 10 weeks,
each problem was resolved.
“I started out feeling discouraged
after having an unplanned C-section
and not sure where to start to address
my issues. I came out feeling better
than I’ve felt in a long time,
” she said.
While women make up the major-
ity of her practice, Lash also treats
children for bedwetting or constipa-
tion caused by a pelvic floor disorder.
She also sees men who are recovering
from prostate surgery, which can
weaken the pelvic floor.
Bodzin sees a generational differ-
ence in the way women view medical
issues relating to pelvic floor health.
“It’s a conversation younger peo-
ple are having, which is great. Many
older women don’t know there are
solutions,
” she said, adding that more
medical professionals need to be edu-
cated about the benefits of pelvic floor
therapy.
continued from page 28
Stacey
Lash, MPT
WCS
Stacey Lash,
MPT WCS does
pelvic floor
therapy on a
patient.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Andrea Verier
MA, MS, LMHC, LPC
Florida and Michigan
941.315.8797
AVerierLMHC@gmail.com
ARE YOU READY
TO COLLABORATE &
EMBRACE CHANGE AT
YOUR OWN PACE?
Therapy can help you find balance,
direction, and meaning, while effectively moving
toward goals. I am known for my straight-forward
approach coupled with kindness, and authentic
connection. Together we can evolve your thoughts,
feelings and behavior patterns so you can climb out
of entrenched habits and become more engaged in
positive living!
PERSONALIZED
PSYCHOTHERAPY