By Emily Tran, AMFT By definition, mental health relates to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave in everyday life. But what really is mental health? For many of us, mental health might be seen only as a clinical concept; however, it is far deeper and much more personal. It is the underlying …
How Your Muscles Create the Ultimate Crescendo
The Orgasm Orchestra: Designed by PHRC and explained by Dr. Maria Uloko A little bit about Dr. Uloko before we dive into this blog…Dr. Maria Uloko is a board-certified urologist, researcher, and educator, internationally recognized for her work in sexual health, vulvar anatomy, and disparities in care. She is one of only seven experts globally trained in comprehensive sexual …
How Pelvic Pain Patients Can Help Change the System
By Keena Batti Keena Batti is a Los Angeles Chapter Campaign Leader of Tight Lipped. Stephanie Prendergast is a member of the Tight Lipped Speakers Bureau. When I was 19, I wanted to start taking birth control. When I visited my gynecologist, he cataloged the many ways birth control would benefit me. He also warned of blood clots, but …
2024: A Year in Review
By Emily Tran Hello 2025, farewell 2024! It’s been another year full of changes for Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center. With the start of the new year, we would like to acknowledge all of the changes that have occurred both virtually and in person. Last year….. Social Media Expansion and Engagement With our ever increasing audience, we wanted …
Surf Therapy as an Approach to Chronic Pain Management
A Novel Approach using Blue Mind Science By Tracey Chester, LMFT, CCTP Founder and Director of the Pain Trauma Institute In the summer and fall of 2023 an innovative study was born, “Project Stoke” (Surfing Therapy with the Ocean and Kinesthetic Engineering). Project Stoke is a collaboration between the Pain Trauma Institute (PTI) and USC’s Department of Biokinesiology and …
10 Things I Wish I Was Taught About My Period
By PHRC Admin Team Menstruation. The word alone can bring a lot of emotions – confusion, embarrassment, relief, or sometimes just plain annoyance. Despite the fact that it’s a natural part of life for many people, there’s still so much we aren’t taught about our periods and menstrual cycles. Here are ten things I wish I was taught about my …
A Media Mosaic: Articles and Podcasts featuring PHRC
By PHRC Admin Over the course of the years here at Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center, we have had numerous opportunities to collaborate with other professionals in the field. This blog is a compilation of the various articles, podcasts and resources we wanted to put in one place for you to be able to check out! Article Reviews ‘Just …
Neuropathic Pain in Pelvis: Q&A
By PHRC Team Several different nerves that supply the pelvis can cause neuropathic pain (nerve pain). We’re going to review a bit of what is involved with neuropathic pain, how to treat neuropathic pain, and follow up with all the questions we received on the topic! The pudendal nerve is probably the most common nerve that causes neuropathic pain …
Prioritizing Mental Health: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
By Emily Tran In the realm of chronic pain management, the intricate link between physical suffering and mental well-being cannot be overstated. Mental health counselors specializing in chronic pain populations often emphasize that chronic pain is more than a physical condition; it deeply impacts one’s mental health, potentially leading to or worsening conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress. …
Embracing IBS Awareness Month: A Pelvic Floor PT Perspective
By PHRC Admin Every April, the world recognizes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. This global healthcare event aims to shine a spotlight on this common but often misunderstood condition. As pelvic floor physical therapists, understanding the intricate relationship between IBS and pelvic health is crucial. What is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects …
A Guide to Menstrual Products
By PHRC Admin Menstruation is a natural part of life for most. However, navigating the world of menstrual products can be a daunting task, given the variety of options available today. This guide aims to break down the different types of menstrual products on the market, their benefits, and why you might choose one over another. Traditional Disposable Products …
The Link Between Pelvic Floor Muscles and Sexual Satisfaction
By PHRC Admin The human body is an intricate masterpiece, and within its depths lies a source of immense pleasure and connection: the pelvic floor muscles. Often overlooked or underestimated, these muscles play a vital role in sexual arousal and orgasm. In this blog post, we will explore the wonders of the pelvic floor muscles and how understanding and harnessing …
An Unsettling Reality Exposed by “The Retrievals” Podcast
By PHRC Admin & Co-Author Cecilia Plaza, J.D Have you listened to The Retrievals podcast series? In a world where pain is subjective, women often find themselves marginalized, dismissed, and even ignored when it comes to their own experiences of pain. This issue has recently been brought to light through a thought-provoking podcast called “The Retrievals,” hosted by Susan …
Understanding Chronic Pain: A Journey Through Unseen Struggles
By PHRC Admin In a world where we’re accustomed to physical discomfort being temporary, it’s hard to imagine what living with chronic pain feels like. It’s not just an ongoing ache or discomfort. It’s a complex, multifaceted experience that can seep into every aspect of life, making even the simplest tasks daunting. Explaining chronic pain to someone who hasn’t experienced …
Everyday Activities Supported by Pelvic Floor Muscles
The Unsung Heroes: Everyday Activities Supported by Pelvic Floor Muscles By PHRC Admin While often overlooked, the pelvic floor muscles are unsung heroes that play a vital role in supporting everyday activities. These muscles, located at the base of the pelvis, provide structural support to our internal organs and facilitate essential functions. In this blog post, we will explore …
2024: The Year of the (Pelvic Floor) Dragon
By PHRC Admin Welcome 2024, goodbye 2023! It’s been another year full of changes for Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center. With the start of the new year, we would like to acknowledge all of the changes that have occurred both virtually and in person. Last year….. PHRC Walnut Creek moved into a bigger, better space! PHRC Ohio opened …
As The Pelvis Turns: Top Blogs of 2023
By PHRC Admin Team As we find ourselves on the cusp of a new year, it’s time to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and revisit the top blogs of 2023. This year has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with insightful discussions, enlightening discoveries, and inspiring stories from all across the globe. So, let’s wrap up the year …
Symptoms of Perimenopause
By Stephanie Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder, PHRC Los Angeles Perimenopause and menopause are finally getting more attention & we’re grateful this is finally happening because people in these phases of life are struggling with TREATABLE symptoms. People think of perimenopause as a time marked by irregular periods but much more than that is happening. It can begin as early …
Demystifying Pelvic Floor Disorders
By PHRC Admin Pelvic floor disorders are a group of medical conditions that affect millions worldwide. Despite their prevalence, these disorders often remain undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of awareness and social stigma. In this blog post, we will summarize key information from an article by Today’s Woman that our cofounder, Stephanie Prendergast was interviewed for. We …
Success Story: Exploring the Clinical Presentation of CPPS
By Lauren Rogne, PT, DPT, PHRC San Francisco The case of the mysterious pelvic pain – Exploring the clinical presentation of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) Background Ben is a 35 year old with sudden onset of urinary tract-like infection symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency, pain and burning. He visited his doctor, and his urinalysis came back negative …
Tarlov Cysts: Everything You Need to Know
By Stephanie A. Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder, PHRC Los Angeles What are Tarlov Cysts? Tarlov cysts (a.k.a. perineural cysts) are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs found near the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal canal, most commonly in the sacral spine area (the lower back and tailbone). While it is not known exactly what causes these cysts, they have …