In honor of National Physical Therapy Month (October), CTS and the American Physical Therapy Association encourage you to learn about the many benefits of physical therapy.

Maximize your movement. Participate in your recovery.
Avoid opioids. Avoid surgery. Choose physical therapy!



We here at CTS work together with a number of healthcare practitioners from various backgrounds, but notable among them are urologists, urogynecologists, and gynecologists. Often, we hear patients say to us something along these lines: "I was sent here by a uro-gyne-whatchamacallit... I'm not sure exactly what kind of doctor I saw, actually." It's important for patient and therapist alike to understand what each of these different specialties emphasize in order to provide and receive optimal care.

Urology (sometimes known as genitourinary surgery) is the division of medicine that focuses on disease of the male and female urinary systems as well as the male reproductive organs.

These specialists will treat issues related to the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and in the case of males, the testicles. Some of the common problems urologists see include erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, kidney disease, enlarged prostate, interstitial cystitis, urethral stricture, urological oncology (cancer) or bladder prolapse. Urologists graduate from medical school, then participate in a urology residency, lasting a minimum of five years. Some urologists will do additional post-residency training in a one to two year long fellowship in order to become board-certified. Residency training focuses on both surgical and medical treatment of diseases.

Gynecology is the medical specialty pertaining to the female reproductive system (uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries) and breasts.

This specialty often overlaps with obstetrics, which emphasizes pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum issues. The majority of gynecologists are also obstetricians. Some of the common problems gynecologists treat are endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, female infertility, menstrual issues, uterine fibroids, gynecological oncology (cancer), sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual dysfunction. They also can treat complications related to pregnancy, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Gynecologists graduate from medical school, then participate in a gynecology residency, lasting a minimum of four years. Gynecologists are board-certified and also have the option of pursuing a fellowship to further their education. Gynecologists may provide surgical and/or medical treatment.

Urogynecology is a relatively new subspecialty combining both of the above fields.

This subspecialty is sometimes known as female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Physicians in this field are either OB/GYNs or urologists who go on to complete an additional two to three fellowship in urogynecology. These physicians focus on surgical and medical treatment of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse, fecal and urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and chronic pelvic pain.

As you can see, there is a lot of crossover between these fields! Physical therapists work in conjunction with all of these subspecialties to address the muscular and fascial restrictions that accompany pelvic floor disorders. With a solid understanding of the hormonal, musculoskeletal, visceral, and lifestyle (including diet and fluid intake) contributions to pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapists, physicians, and patients can work together to empower the whole person and make informed choices about their healthcare needs.
Jessica Swartz, PT, DPT
One of my clients starts every session with a joke. I think he's on to something. After all, laughter is the best medicine and there's research to prove it.

Physiologically, laughter can help counteract stress, depression, and pain. Laughter decreases serum levels of cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone, and 3,4 dihydrophenylacetic acid. This is indicative of a reversal of stress in the body. It can also increase dopamine and serotonin activity, counteracting depression.

Endorphins, the feel good neurochemicals released in the brain during laughter, play a crucial role in pain management.

Skipped your pilates class at CTS last week? Make up for it with a good ole laugh session. It takes a lot of muscle activity to laugh! Anybody who has had to nurse sore cheeks and burning abdominal muscles can attest to this.

I spend a lot of time instructing my clients on breathing. Laughter is created through strong exhalations and forceful contractions of the diaphragm, ridding the lungs of residual air and resulting in the lungs being filled with fresh, oxygenated air. Having trouble mastering the diaphragmatic breath? Laughing may be a great place to start.

Here's a great joke to try on a friend:

What do you call a nosey pepper?
JalapeƱo business!

I guarantee you will get a laugh. While it may only be a pity laugh, there is still good news here: your body doesn't know the difference between fake laughter and real laughter. Your corny joke is still creating all of the physiological responses caused by genuine laughter.

If corny jokes aren't your thing then maybe laughter yoga is for you. You won't find yourself doing any sun salutations or OMing in this yoga class. Instead, laughter yoga classes are 45 minutes of forced or real belly laughing as you do playful exercises and maybe put your head on a stranger's belly. I tried it out for you. The first 5 minutes of the laughter yoga class consisted of looking my partner in the eye as we shook hands and laughed. What started out as awkward titter soon became a genuine laugh.

Are you looking to improve mental health, strengthen muscles, or decrease pain? As they say....laughter is the best medicine.
Anne Shea, PT, DPT

OIL SPOTLIGHT - Copaiba Oil

An exceptional addition to the resinous oils doTERRA offers, Copaiba is extracted from copaiba trees in the Amazon rainforest. The essential oil is steam distilled from the copaiba oleoresin, a substance made up of resin and essential oils. The collection process of the oleoresin is unique among essential oils-it is tapped from the tree in a similar way to how maple trees are for their syrup. The oleoresin is then steam distilled to produce the essential oil.

Copaiba's main chemical component is beta-caryophyllene, a chemical similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis that may protect nerve cells and have benefits for the cardiovascular and immune systems. Read More

 

Copaiba is a versatile oil. See our favorite ways to use Copaiba below:
  • Keep your skin clear and clean while reducing the appearance of blemishes by adding Copaiba to your toner or by applying it directly to skin before applying moisturizer.
  • Copaiba blends well with Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, or Ylang Ylang. Using any of these oils that appeal to you, create your own personal fragrance in a roller bottle, and then fill the rest of the bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
  • Most of the body can benefit from Copaiba-it supports the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and immune system.* To take advantage of these benefits for any of these systems, add one to two drops to water, juice, or make your own tea using warm water and honey.
  • When you're facing a stressful day ahead or feeling worried, diffusing Copaiba's woody scent can help calm any anxious feelings you may be experiencing.
  • Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to take advantage of the antioxidants-the substance that stops potential damage to your cells from oxidation.*
  • Use in a calming bath by adding two to three drops to body wash before mixing it in the water.
Did you know?
  • The Amazon rainforest represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests. doTERRA is proud to partner with a large network of copaiba harvesters that sustainably collect their oleoresin and ensure that the trees will be around for years to come.
  • Copaiba trees can grow to more than 100 feet tall.


Please visit www.mydoterra.com/elizabethleeds to purchase

 

 

Interested in oils, but don't know where to start? Schedule a FREE 20 minute appointment to discuss your specific issues and how this natural solution can help. Email Kristin at kristin@comprehensivetherapy.com to schedule your free appointment today!




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