The third trimester is full of rapid changes & growth. As we prepare our homes and finalize all the details for baby’s arrival it's possible you are beginning to feel a bit of heaviness, fatigue, tension, or achy.

If you have spent any time on google, apps, or asking around- the common consensus is “this is normal” or “welcome to motherhood”- this is not the case! Although this is very common in the last trimester , there are movements and stretches we can do to decrease or eliminate.

Pregnancy does not need to be a time of discomfort, it can actually be enjoyable and comfortable. There is great evidence on the benefits of gentle movement and stretching during pregnancy.

Early pregnancy brings so many new sensations, feelings, fluctuations, some that are very exciting, but also some that are confusing or uncomfortable. One of the most common symptoms our patient’s report is  discomfort in the lower abdomen and if we were able to pinpoint it more in our bodies, we may refer to it as uterus pain. At times this feels like period cramps, which may sound the alarms for us or send us into a google-fest trying to figure out what that new sensation is. Setting the record clear and here to say it doesn't need to be alarming, uterus pain can be a normal part of your body adjusting to the pregnancy. 

Early pregnancy is a  time of so many changes, let's put some of this to rest and chat about what is normal, when to call a provider, and how a pelvic health physical or occupational therapist can help you stay active, comfortable, and fret -free throughout the pregnancy. 

If you are nervous about proceeding with pelvic floor therapy after hearing about internal exams or internal treatment, you are not alone. Let’s demystify the internal pelvic floor exam to help you feel more confident and at ease during your pelvic floor therapy evaluation, or perhaps to calm any fears preventing you from scheduling it. Before we dive into what exactly an internal exam is and how it is different from a gynecological exam, let’s discuss what pelvic floor therapy even is in the first place. 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce what many of you have been asking for - Bloom Pelvic Therapy is expanding to St. Petersburg! That's right - we're officially crossing the bridge to bring our specialized pelvic health services to Pinellas County! We are excited to offer pelvic floor therapy for men and women, pelvic pain treatment, pregnancy and postpartum pelvic floor therapy, and pessary fittings.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common pelvic pain condition in pregnancy, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant women. While pelvic pain is very common in pregnancy, it does not have to be accepted as normal or as par for the course. Relief from pelvic pain in pregnancy is possible with adequate diagnosis and treatment with a skilled pelvic floor therapist.

Some experts consider PGP an umbrella term for pain specific to the bony structures and joints of the pelvis, which covers other more specific diagnoses, such as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). Some sources explain PGP to previously have been called SPD, which more specifically describes pain stemming from dysfunction at the joint at the front and center of the pelvis – the pubic symphysis joint. 

No matter which stage you are in, there is relief from pelvic pain. We are here to meet you where you are and help you feel your best during all of life’s phases. At Bloom Pelvic Therapy, we work with clients experiencing PGP, SPD, and SI joint pain daily and are experts in decreasing pelvic pain and improving quality of life. Connect with a team member at 813-515-9008 to discuss if we would be a good fit for you!

Period pain and cramping is all too often dismissed in our youth and continues to be normalized as we age. Women do not all experience menstrual periods and associated pelvic pain the same. For some, the pain may be the worst the first few days, and for others, it may last the whole time or ramp up near the end. Some may describe their pelvic pain and cramping as debilitating, causing them to need to take off from school or work, while others may have mild-moderate pain and are able to continue daily activities for the most part, albeit uncomfortably. Some may experience minor or very little pain or cramping on their periods, which really is what should be considered normal. Say it with me – Bad period pain is not normal.

Pain with sex, often referred to in the medical world as dyspareunia, can feel and present differently depending on the person. The pain may occur at entry, with deeper penetration, afterwards, during certain positions, or any combination of these. When the pain is specifically after sex, this may be called postcoital pain.

Strategies to decrease or eliminate this pain are dependent upon why it is occurring in the first place. By determining the root cause through pelvic floor therapy and medical team collaboration, your pelvic pain during or after sex can be more optimally treated to make sure sex is both pleasurable and comfortable--during and after!

We work with clients experiencing pelvic pain and related concerns regularly and are here to support you in getting the relief you deserve.

Many individuals with pelvic pain struggle to find answers and relief. Early diagnosis and treatment with a supportive medical team can be game changing for managing pelvic pain -- but how do we get there when no one seems to understand what is going on with you and what is causing your pain?

We are here to help uncover the mystery of under-discussed pelvic pain and how to start treating it using a collaborative approach. It is never too late to find answers and start getting the relief you deserve. 

Pelvic pain can feel and present differently for everyone, even with people that end up having the same diagnosis. For some, pelvic pain can start strong and be brief while in others, pelvic pain onset can be more gradual, persistent, or seem to linger with possible fluctuations for 6 months or more.

Common symptoms of people dealing with pelvic pain may include pain in the vulva, vagina, or anal area that some may describe as stabbing, shooting, burning, aching, itching, or irritating. It could present as painful sex or penetrative intercourse, inability to wear a tampon, feels like hitting a wall, or hypersensitivity or pain with clitoral stimulation (direct or indirect). Pain can also occur mainly when sitting or with prolonged standing. while wearing underwear or pants. At times this pain could be seemingly random or that is brought on only when provoked (i.e., penetration, touching the area, exercise) or only co-occurring abdominal pain and bloating or bowel health concerns, such as constipation.

Pelvic floor therapy is not just for women; men also have pelvic floors and can experience dysfunction. While it often receives attention for women, particularly those who are pregnant, this represents only a small portion of those served. Pelvic floor health is crucial for everyone, including men.

Benefits of pelvic floor therapy for men can include: improved bladder control, urgency, or complete emptying, decrease in constipation or improved bowel control, recovery from surgery, such as prostatectomy, pelvic pain relief, improved sexual health and wellness, improved quality of life

Pessaries are a strong conservative option for people of any age with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Pessaries are medical-grade devices typically made of silicone that are inserted into the vagina to support the position of pelvic organs as well as the urethra. Fitting, placement, and wearing of pessaries are minimally invasive and can provide significant support and relief of prolapse symptoms and reduction of urinary leakage from SUI.

Pessaries help to prevent worsening of prolapse over time and help to provide a sense of relief right away and while wearing the pessary. Pessaries work by providing the just-right support for your specific anatomy and your type and stage of prolapse to decrease symptom bother and get you back to doing the things you love that you have been worried to do for fear of worsening symptoms. Wearing a pessary could help decrease the need for surgery if you are a surgical candidate or help to prevent you from becoming one because you are supporting your connective tissue more effectively against gravity. The support is provided and symptom resolution or reduction is present when wearing the pessary, though may return when the pessary is removed.

You are wanting to start pelvic floor therapy but unsure of where to begin. You are thinking about making more time for self-care, prioritizing yourself for once, and putting an end to your pelvic health concerns. You may be seeking out pelvic floor therapy after being encouraged by a friend, referred by a doctor, or heard about it from social media. Regardless of what brought you here, we are glad you are here. Getting started is the hardest part. We are here to make it a little easier.

The holiday season brings laughter, dietary fluctuations, changes in routine, and sometimes stress. In the hustle and bustle of all the festivities, your pelvic floor may be the last thing getting any attention, yet the demands we place on ourselves and our bodies are often greater this time of the year than ever. Let's unpack the common holiday mishaps when it comes to pelvic health and how to get ahead of the curve.

Pelvic floor therapy is increasingly recognized for treating bowel concerns, but understanding its role and finding solutions can be challenging. Support is available for those seeking help -- we are here for you!

Many things can contribute to your overall bladder health -How much water you drink, what you consume, how you use the bathroom, and if you are pushing down and pressuring the bladder all affect the function and health of your bladder and urinary functions! I know--So much more than we were ever taught!

Many people that experience bladder discomfort, frequent irritation, or discomfort with urination take to Google and Reddit, ending up panicked over the possibility of IC/BPS. Don’t fret- we have helped many people walk this journey- and can often eliminate symptoms before needing to go for testing. American Urological Association gives the highest efficacy rating to pelvic floor therapy in dealing with symptoms, above most medications or procedures.

Many people are shocked to hear that our hormones have anything to do with pelvic pain while others find this to be no surprise. Let’s level the playing field. Many people are shocked to hear that our hormones have anything to do with pelvic pain while others find this to be no surprise. Let’s level the playing field. Now just because you identify with one of the life phases or medication history listed does not mean you 100% have or will have pain anywhere in your vulva or vagina. However, there are a large number of people that do and will. This discrepancy may be due to other factors, such as our personal biology. We strongly believe that building an awareness of how our bodies work can help set the stage for wellness throughout the lifespan, help us with asking productive questions at doctor’s visits, and support our medical decision making throughout all of life’s transitions.

When it comes to cancer, pelvic floor therapy is often the last thing on someone’s mind. This often holds true until a cancer survivor is perhaps trying to reestablish intimacy or a sex life with their partner after invasive medical treatments, tremendous stress, role changes from partner to caregiver and back to partner, bladder and bowel fluctuations, and immense bodily changes through treatment and healing. This is often when we get the call from clients that are going through this experience, wondering if this is where they should turn next for support. If you are curious if pelvic floor therapy can help you at your stage in your cancer journey, the answer is yes! We would be honored to share more information on how we can help.