Do You Suffer from Pelvic Pain that Limits Your Daily Activities?

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic Pain is described as pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum and is considered to be chronic when symptoms have been present for more than six months. The pain may be described as aching or burning in the area of the perineum or abdomen.

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can be caused by problems such as pelvic joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance within the muscles of the pelvic floor, trunk, and/or pelvis, incoordination in the muscles related to bowel and bladder function, tender points in the muscles of the pelvic floor, pressure in one or more nerves in the pelvis, an weakness in the muscles of the pelvis and pelvic floor. Pelvic pain can also be related to the presence of scar tissue after abdominal or pelvic surgery. There can be organic disease processes related to pelvic pain as well; therefore, it is important to consult your physician to fully determine the cause of your pain.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

Symptoms of pelvic pain, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, may include: pain in the hip or buttock, pain in the tailbone, limited sitting tolerance, pain in the joints of the pelvis, pain with sexual intercourse, tender points in the muscles of the abdomen, reduced range of motion in the hips and lumbar spine, urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence, painful bowel movements, constipation and/or straining with bowel movements.


How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalance in muscle groups, and nerve entrapment – all potential signs of pelvic pain. Physical therapists trained specifically in the area of pelvic health can identify the possible generators of pelvic pain and develop a treatment plan specific to the patient suffering from pelvic pain. A physical therapist trained in this area my utilize hands on techniques to address muscle tightness or targeted exercises to improve muscle strength and reduce faulty patterns of muscle recruitment. Other treatment strategies may include biofeedback, retraining of incoordinated muscles, postural training, and strengthening of the abdominal core muscles.

Physical Therapy techniques for joint and soft tissue dysfunction may include:

• Exercise
• Education
• Manual techniques
• Modalities, including: ultrasound, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and heat or cold.
  These techniques are part of a physical therapist program designed to reduce tightness, dysfunction, weakness, and pain in the pelvis.
  
  At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our pelvic physical therapy team has completed extensive training in pelvic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association’s section on Women’s Health. Our therapists utilize a variety of techniques as well as education to ensure each patient’s needs are addressed. All pelvic floor treatments are conducted one-on –one in a private setting.
  
  If you feel you may benefit from this service and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.

You're invited to make a difference in the life of an individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

What are Autism Action Groups?
Autism action groups are initiated, developed and supported by
Commonwealth Autism Service. Group participants include self-advocates, parents, educators, private and public service providers and other concerned individuals. Currently, there are six Autism Action Groups:

• The Central Virginia Autism Action Group
• The Greater Roanoke Valley Autism Action Group
• The Piedmont Autism Action Group
• The Cumberland Autism Action Group
• The New River Valley Autism Action Group
• Southwest Virginia Autism Action Group

The Northern Virginia Communities of Practice is joining with Commonwealth Autism Service to start a local Autism Action Group. If you are interested, or would like more information, and/or want to be part of this group, please come to our meeting:

September 2, 2009.

2 to 4 pm

Sycamore Room B

Fauquier Health

500 Hospital Drive

Warrenton, VA 20186

Drive up Carriage House Lane by the Warrenton Police Dept., turn right on Veteran's Drive, then turn left up the hill toward the main entrance. Turn right into the Bistro parking lot. Enter through the doors under the teal and gray awning at the Bistro entrance. Take the stairs or the elevator up one level. When you are looking at the "art wall" turn right and go to the end of the hallway to Sycamore Room B.

Fauquier Health hosts Pediatric Social Skills Camp

Thank you to everyone who participated in our week-long Pediatric Social Skills Camp! There were 21 participants in two groups, each participating one hour daily, Monday through Friday. The program was planned and supervised by Fauquier Health Rehabilitation Services personnel:

• Heather Smith, Speech Language Pathologist
• Alicia Lutman, Occupational Therapist
• Sherrie Beres, Occupational Therapist
• Kristine Trimble, Physical Therapist
  

Activities included:

• Introductions
• Taking turns
• Asking for what you need
• Sharing
• Measuring your feelings
• Following instructions and schedules
• Working together as a team
• Show and Tell
• Recognizing others for their accomplishments
  

The children had a great time and made new friends while learning appropriate social interaction skills. Information was shared with parents on the last day of camp to assist children in carryover of these skills at home and in the community.
Thanks again to all our participants. We hope you had fun while learning some useful new skills!

New Pediatric Occupational Therapist joins our team!

We are proud to announce Sherrie Beres, occupational therapist, will be joining our team on July 6th.

Sherrie received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2004. Her employment history includes work in Fairfax county schools as well as the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. She has served as a Clinical Instructor for occupational therapy students as well as a Lead Therapist, supervising others. Until recently, she has been living in Tempe, Arizona. She is originally from our area, and is now returning to be near her family.

Sherrie’s message to children & parents…

I grew up in Centreville Virginia, where my family remains to this day. I am the youngest of four girls. My family has now expanded and I have 7 nieces and nephews who I love dearly.
I married my high school sweetheart and we have an Australian cattle dog that we enjoy running with, taking long walks with, and hiking with daily. His favorite tricks are giving high fives and rolling over.
I also enjoy cooking and spending time outside in the sunshine. I have been living in Arizona for the past 5 years and I am looking forward to making Virginia my home and being back near my family.
I went into OT in hopes of working with children. I began working with children in positions such as summer jobs in therapeutic recreation, substitute teaching, babysitting during family support groups and as an OT in the school system. Now with my new position of pediatric outpatient OT at Fauquier Health, I am truly looking forward to building a relationship with each child and family and working with my new team to teach and learn the skills needed for every child to have a more independent future. I look forward to meeting and working each one of you.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational & speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you feel your child may benefit from rehabilitation services & have questions, please feel free to give us a call at 540-316-2680, or click on the button below to submit your inquiry via email.

Like poetry to our ears!

At Fauquier Health we develop close relationships with our patients as we work together to help them achieve the goals most important to them. We answer their questions and address any concerns they may have during the journey to recovery. We depend on feedback from our clients to help us guide them to their maximum potential. Occasionally, we have a client who is particularly eloquent in expressing their feelings. Such is the case of Mr. Michaele Jones, who wrote the following poem...

This question, merits time and consideration,
So, I'd like to thank the whole organization.
I've had pleasurable contact with all I contest,
Starting with the warm up smiles at the front desk.

Thanks to the ones who broke me down bending things
Making me feel child like, ready to scream.
Shouting, back straight, bend here,
Providing security, eliminating fear.

Right now I'll concentrate on Linda the most,
Who's abuse is second to none on the east coast.
Quickly, I'll point out just a thing or two,
of the many helpful things you do.

You helped me, when all I felt was down.
The many days I wore a frown,
You gave me back my hands, that's true,
Though you worked a brother, till his knuckles turn blue.

You controlled the times I would over demand
You ruled with a smile, with a gentle hand.
At home, I'd do what you told me to do
Subconsciously plotting to get back at you.

It is hard to express my appreciation,
For your Drill Sergeant commitment, dedication.
Elbows straight, fingers too.
In my nightmares, you're saying, "I'm watching you."

At the end of the day, all I can do,
Is say, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you!
(No luck with the beer dispenser?)

Interjections:
Mr. Jones thought the only way we could improve our services would be to place a beer dispenser in the reception area!
Linda Wise is Mr. Jones's occupational therapist.

Thank you, Mr. Jones! We are proud and honored to serve you!

McKenzie Spine Program at Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT explains rationale

of the McKenzie method to Kevin Turney.

Back and neck pain are very common in the general population. The annual incidence of low back pain in the general adult population is 18.6%, and the total cost of low back pain exceeds $100 billion per year in the United States according to studies. Another study reports that about 1/3 of the population will experience neck pain during a six or twelve month period, and the lifetime prevalence of neck pain is 66.7%.

The McKenize Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a unique method used all over the world for examining patients with back, neck, and extremity problems and pain. It is an approach that uses a philosophy of active patient involvement and education. The McKenzie method uses a unique examination that provides the patient with a mechanical diagnosis which drives an appropriate individualized treatment plan. The McKenzie method is not merely extension exercises. It is a comprehensive, well researched approach to the spine that when followed appropriately has been found to have very successful outcomes.

This method has been found to be cost and time effective because it does not rely on expensive tests and it promotes the body’s potential to heal itself through appropriate directional movements prescribed by your physical therapist. The emphasis on active patient involvement limits the number of visits needed to the clinic. Research studies have shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (ex. X-rays, MRI) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify those who will respond to conservative mechanical therapy. The McKenzie method is a safe, reliable, and valid method when performed by appropriately trained physical therapists.

Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is the only facility in the Piedmont area to have three certified MDT physical therapists. Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, Bruce Edwards III, PT, cert. MDT, and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, cert, MDT were credentialed by the McKenzie Institute International in August 2007 and specialize in spine physical therapy. Certification includes extensive postgraduate courses on spine assessment and treatment with successful completion of an international credentialing examination. Our outpatient department also has 5 other physical therapists currently in the process of becoming MDT certified and have received extensive training in this method. More information regarding the McKenzie method can be found at http://www.mckenziemdt.org

If you feel you may benefit from our spine service, and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask your therapist a question.

May 11-17th is National Women's Health Week

What is a Women's Health PT?

Women's Health PTs are physical therapists who have advanced training and experience in assessing and treating specialized conditions including pelvic pain, pain and dysfunctions in pregnancy, incontinence and others. This training is obtained as post-graduate continuing education in specific areas.

Regina Davis, PT, Karrie Giger DPT, and Kristen Pierce, DPT, of Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, are the most extensively trained physical therapists in Women's Health in the Warrenton, Virginia area. They are currently pursuing certification in Pelvic Physical Therapy through the Women's Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

If you feel you may benefit from Women's Health physical therapy and would like to learn more, please call 540-316-2680 and ask to speak to Regina, Karrie or Kristen.

We understand it may be difficult or uncomfortable to discuss some Women's Health issues initially. If you would prefer to ask a question anonymously, please click on the button below. You will receive an email response within 24 business hours.