Evaluating the Sacrococcygeal Joint Alignment to Treat Coccydynia
Sometimes coccyx pain results from a direct fall but pregnancy and childbirth can also be a cause. Coccyx pain can also result from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, constipation, lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint issues, or hypermobility syndrome. One of the first tests we do is to determine the alignment of the coccyx in relation to the sacrum (the fused bone directly above it). By palpating along the joint line we can determine if there is misalignment. One side may feel more prominent or rotated posterior and the other side may feel deeper or more anterior. Identifying a misalignment is...
Read MoreSupportive Taping for Postpartum Belly Stretch Marks
We evaluate and treat postpartum women for core weakness including the abdominals, pelvic floor muscles, respiratory diaphragm, and deep low back muscles called the multifidus. This also includes treating any diastasis recti that may exist. Sometimes the woman expresses concern over extensive stretch marks or connective tissue laxity causing a belly pouch or distension and bloating. Using topical scar creams and oils on the stretch marks can be very beneficial. But because the abdominal muscles and belly connective tissue has been overly stretched providing external support is very helpful....
Read MoreMyofascial Release & Deep Tissue Work to Improve Nerve Pain
When patients complains of “sciatica”, pain around the sitting bones, or pelvic pain upon sitting, it is important to fully assess the mobility of the nerves in the area. Nerves move through muscle and connective tissue like floss. Any microadhesions or abnormal connections can impede mobility and the signal along the nerve, cause burning, tingling, or aches, and cause weakness to a muscle. By using myofascial release and deep tissue massage we can release the microadhesions along the nerve path. Here we are helping a patient with sciatic nerve pain and cluneal nerve pain. Her symptoms...
Read MoreBalancing the Respiratory and Pelvic Diaphragms (Pelvic Floor)
Here we are treating a pregnant patient who is preparing for labor and delivery. Because the pelvic floor muscles traverse the body it is considered to function as a diaphragm by many. When we tested the mobility of her diaphragms they were out of sync. The respiratory and pelvic diaphragms should move in coordination together. This could impact breathing and efficiency of delivery. This technique helps to release any tension and asymmetries and correct excursion in the diaphragms. The patient only feels mild pressure over the rib cage and pelvic bone (ilia). This is a strain-counterstrain...
Read More30 Years of Dentistry & Many Dollars Later Patient Gets Relief After 1 PT Visit
The patient reported having onset of dizziness 30 years ago and undergoing dentistry with mouth guard/bite plate fittings with 3 different TMJ/TMD specialists overtime. His jaw was clicking and he also had poor occlusion or closing. But despite good mouth guards and pillow posture, he awakened with feelings of extreme dizziness, haziness, and could not leave the house for work in the morning until it cleared. Here were the golden questions during our history taking: “Have you ever had a motor vehicle accident!?” And the answer was “Yes, I’ve had 3 and all hit from behind.” Now we realize...
Read MorePatient with Chronic Pelvic Pain Presents with Severe Swayback
Posture does matter! Swayback posture is when the spine hinges backwards or extends through one or more segments. It is one of the leading causes of low back pain. This patient has a sway back with a hinge at T12-L2 vertebral segments. In sway back your the chest lean backwards, with hips turned in and pelvis and chin thrust forward. The spine extends backwards from the hinge region. Ideally, a neutral pelvis (the ideal position) supports a mild lumbar curve (called a normal lordosis) in the low back. The spine stacks correctly upwards with even transmission of forces. Swayback posture...
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