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Success Story: Overcoming Perineal and Testicular Pain

In Male Interstitial Cystitis / Nonbacterial Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, Male Pelvic Pain by Amanda Stuart

By Amanda Stuart, DPT, PHRC Los Angeles   Did you know that September is Chronic Pelvic Pain Awareness Month? Whether you have pelvic pain or need to treat pelvic pain, this blog will be following the success of one our patients and their time in pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy. Fact: Research shows that up to 16% of men …

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Understanding Pelvic Venous Disorders: A Common Cause of Pelvic Pain

In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Pain, pudendal neuralgia by Jandra Mueller

By Jandra Mueller, DPT, PHRC Encinitas & Guest Author Julie Baron, DPT, CSCS, PCES Having been a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapists for over twelve years, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have seen this diagnosis; yet, some sources say it is the second leading cause of chronic pelvic pain. Of the patients I …

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Neuropathic Pain in Pelvis: Q&A

In Pelvic Pain, pudendal neuralgia by Emily Tran

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 …

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Neuropathic Pelvic Pain: Beyond Pudendal Neuralgia

In Pelvic Pain, pudendal neuralgia by Stephanie Prendergast

By Stephanie Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder PHRC Pasadena   Many people experiencing burning in their pelvis or pain while sitting may google their symptoms and quickly arrive at a diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia. The pudendal nerve is an important pelvic nerve, however, the ilioinguinal nerve, the obturator nerve and the genitofemoral nerves can also cause pelvic pain and should not be …

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Pelvic Health Products We Love – Part 2

In Pelvic Health, Uncategorized by Jandra Mueller

By Jandra Mueller, DPT, MS, PHRC Encinitas   We are back with an update on so many more cool products and tools to help you along your pelvic health journey. In case you missed it, part one of this series focused on some fun tools to help with improving pleasure and sexual health. Today we will present you with tools …

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Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome and its Impact on Health

In Female Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Health by Amanda Stuart

By Amanda Stuart, PT, DPT, PHRC West Los Angeles   The vagina, like the gut, hosts its own ecosystem of microorganisms, known as the Vaginal Microbiome (VMB).  When there’s a disruption in this ecosystem (dysbiosis), it can lead to various infections affecting genital and reproductive health.  These infections may include bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), cytolytic vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis …

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Common Pelvic Floor Health Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In Bowel Dysfunction, Menopause/Perimenopause, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Pain by Elizabeth Akincilar

By Elizabeth Akincilar, MSPT, Cofounder, PHRC Merrimack The pelvic floor plays a significant role in several crucial functions, including bowel health, sexual function, and balance. However, certain common habits and misconceptions can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. Did you know we were featured in an Insider magazine article? Let’s review these common mistakes and hopefully give you a few ways …

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Success Story! Jackie’s Postpartum Recovery at PHRC

In Pregnancy/Postpartum by Alexa Savitz

By Alexa Savitz, DPT, PHRC Pasadena   Meet Jackie! Jackie, six months postpartum, came to PHRC experiencing heaviness, pressure, muscle spasms around the rectum, and pelvic pain near her right hamstring and sit bone. She had a vacuum-assisted vaginal birth and a Grade Two Perineal Tear. Despite being ‘cleared for activity’ at her six-week check-up, her pain persisted. After consulting …

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Pelvic Health Products We Love – Updates in Products 

In Pelvic Health, Uncategorized by Jandra Mueller

By Jandra Mueller, DPT, MS, PHRC Encinitas   Here at PHRC we regularly discover all sorts of new and cool products that are available for people’s pelvic health needs. I am amazed at some of the products available and that are being developed and am so thankful there are people that are creating these products because they are SOOO helpful! …

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6 Unexpected Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapists

In Bladder Dysfunction, Bowel Dysfunction, Interstitial Cystitis, LGBQT Healthcare Rights, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Health, Pregnancy/Postpartum by Stephanie Prendergast

By Stephanie Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder, PHRC Pasadena   Urinary leaking during sneezing and coughing is common. Constipation affects millions of people. Irritative bladder symptoms plague women at multiple points in their life for a number of reasons, and bother men too. If one stops to think about orthopedic surgeries for broken ankles and shoulder dysfunction, why isn’t pelvic floor physical …

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Success Story! How Josh recovered from Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

In Male Interstitial Cystitis / Nonbacterial Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, Male Pelvic Pain by Cambria Oetken

By Cambria Oetken, PHRC Westlake Village     June is Men’s Health month, and men suffer from pelvic pain too. Research shows that up to 16% of men suffer from Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) at some point in their life. However, we suspect this number is lower than the actual prevalence because it is so commonly misdiagnosed as a …

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Pride Month and Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy Part 2!

In LGBQT Healthcare Rights by Danae Narvaza

Pride Month and Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy Part 2! By Danae Narvaza PT, DPT, PHRC Encinitas Cis-gendered people who have sought help for pelvic floor dysfunction will tell you accessibility and awareness makes finding the right help harder than it should be. June marks Pride Month and to celebrate we want to shed light on another underserved population …

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Pride Month and Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy!

In LGBQT Healthcare Rights, Transgender Pelvic Health by Danae Narvaza

Pride Month and Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy! By Danae Narvaza PT, DPT, PHRC Encinitas Cis-gendered people who have sought help for pelvic floor dysfunction will tell you accessibility and awareness makes finding the right help harder than it should be. June marks Pride Month and to celebrate we want to shed light on another underserved population seeking help: …

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Recognizing Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Pain by Stephanie Prendergast

Recognizing Pelvic Pain Awareness Month By PHRC TEAM May is recognized worldwide as Pelvic Pain Awareness Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about pelvic pain and encourage education, research, and advocacy. Despite the prevalence of this condition, it often remains underdiagnosed and undertreated due to lack of awareness and understanding. The entire team at the Pelvic Health and …

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Stephanie Prendergast is accepting new patients in Pasadena!

In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Health, Uncategorized by Stephanie Prendergast

By Stephanie Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder, PHRC Los Angeles Dear Patients and Colleagues, Change is a constant part of life, and after ten rewarding years in West LA I have made the decision to transition to PHRC’s Pasadena location. I started to fall in love with Pasadena when I opened this location in 2022, though I never imagined we would move …

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You Are Invited to a Vulvar Pain Educational Fundraiser!

In Vulvodynia by Stephanie Prendergast

The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center cordially invites you to an exclusive fundraising and educational event in honor of  Pelvic Pain Awareness Month! We extend our heartfelt invitation to join us in lending support to two vital nonprofit organizations that rely on your generous contributions to sustain their impactful initiatives. One of these organizations is Tight Lipped, a dedicated patient …

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10 Common Behaviors that Can Lead to Pelvic Pain

In Bladder Dysfunction, Bowel Dysfunction, Female Pelvic Pain, Male Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction by Elizabeth Akincilar

By Elizabeth Akincilar, MSPT, Cofounder, PHRC Merrimack   Pelvic pain is a complex condition that can have various causes, including medical conditions, injuries, and certain behaviors. In this blog, we will discuss 10 common behaviors that can potentially lead to pelvic pain(and potentially chronic pelvic pain). It’s important to note that while these behaviors may contribute to pelvic pain, they …

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Prioritizing Mental Health: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

In Female Pelvic Pain, Male Pelvic Pain, Pain, Pelvic Health by Emily Tran

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. …

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Embracing IBS Awareness Month: A Pelvic Floor PT Perspective

In Bowel Dysfunction, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Pelvic Health by Emily Tran

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 and occupational therapistss, understanding the intricate relationship between IBS and pelvic health is crucial.   What is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder …

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Dealing with Clitoral Phimosis

In Female Pelvic Pain by Stephanie Prendergast

By Stephanie Prendergast, MPT, Cofounder, PHRC Los Angeles Clitoral phimosis, while not widely discussed, is a condition that affects many worldwide. It’s characterized by the formation of adhesions or scar tissue that covers the clitoris, causing discomfort, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Understanding and managing this condition can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Contact Us What is …

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A Guide to Menstrual Products

In Female Pelvic Pain by Emily Tran

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 …