Inside Out Physical Therapy Pelvic Health & Wellness

12/08/2025

Mon Day off!

🗓️ If you know me, Monday is a bit like my Sunday. Sometimes Sunday is my Fun Day and sometimes Monday is.

🚫 Sometimes doing nothing feels the easiest. But it doesn't always feel BETTER.

📺 Many of my clients are so busy, when they have time off they just crash. Get on their phones. Watch TV.

❓ One of the questions I ask on day one is---

"What do you do for fun?"

Too often, they don't have an answer. And we work on that. Because fun is important to a healthy and happy pelvic floor!!

Today, instead of (or in addition to, in all honesty) watching TV and surfing my phone, I practiced yoga with at . It's a whole other post to describe the wonder of that. And then I had my float at .

I feel really good now 😁

06/08/2025

Way back when, I used to ride race horses. And then I became a PT. And then I became an Equine Massage Therapist. And then I became a Pelvic PT (for humans!)

It's all always coming together. If you know horses, mares, like female humans, get a bad rap for their #$&. As if their behavior is something wrong with their brain.

Instead, what if the extra(males of both species don't have to deal with the repercussions of a uterus and ovaries) organs of their reproductive systems could be causing some of this?

What if we can improve freedom in this area and improved comfort as we bounce around on their backs for our own pleasure and entertainment?

Horses are athletes just as the people who ride them are. One of my favorite things used to be the opportunity to do PT on a rider and bodywork on a horse. Phenomenal results.

Pelvic PT for humans can change pain patterns, balance, posture, digestion, and reproductive capacity, along with so many other things.

Not surprising it can do the same for horses.

I’ve waited two months before writing of Lyric’s visit to the equine vet and osteopath for her pelvic room exam.

This marks the fourth of my horses since January, who have had internal procedures done. Two, to address geld scar adhesions for Cinnabar and Credo; another was to deal with the internal trauma Flint had suffered, after his great fall.

This last session was for Lyric because females have trouble internally, too. I don’t know why this comes as such a surprise, for we women aren’t always given an easy path through life. We learn to ‘suck it up, princess’, to grit our teeth, dig deep and get the job done... even when we feel awful inside.

Why would our mares be any different? Turns out, it was a good thing this treatment option was available to Lyric, for she needed help and I found out rather a lot in the process.

No doubt due to being exposed to a draft horse stallion as a filly—in the months before I purchased her—the pony has had a lot of trauma to her reproductive tract. Here are the vet’s findings.

“Upon ultrasound, the lumbosacral junction was found to be healthy and balanced, as well as the caudal aspects of both SI joints. The right o***y had a follicle that would not ovulate but was causing inflammation. The right o***y was torsed cranial (forward) and there was a very tight band of fascia in front of the o***y.

The left kidney was twisted, so the end of the kidney was pointing towards midline. The fascia along the right o***y was very tight and there were scars and adhesions from what appears to be haemorrhaging…”

After an internal procedure to replace organs and loosen adhesions, our pony was ordered five days’ rest, a schedule of in-hand exercises for at least two weeks before resuming regular riding, along with a follow-up osteo visit in one month. I could only hope that we had peeled off yet another layer to this complex ‘onion’ that has been Lyric.

I watched the process in silent wonder, that she had let me ride her, at all. Rather than troubled, she’s really been remarkably generous…

After a few days’ off, turned out to pasture with the larger herd, Lyric came back in to do in-hand exercises as per the osteopath’s instructions: things like walking and reining back, stepping over low ground poles quite slowly with sustained balance and carriage… before we moved on to trotting over ground poles, as well.

***

There is a picture I’ll post in the comments, of the pony’s v***a, before and after treatment. It’s a bit explicit, but also of interest, I think. The fascia and systems within and outside the horse are all interconnected… we’re told this, over and over and yet, it always comes as a surprise.

Lyric’s rest and therapy have been straightforward, for she is young and her body wants to heal. It makes such a difference when we can catch these things early, when they haven’t become chronic issues that really come home to roost, once the horse is in old age.

Her ridden work has uneventfully gone on, as planned.

Is it my imagination, or is she less spooky, less brittle around the edges, somehow? Is she not as ready to leap ahead, or buck? Is she picking up her canter leads more easily, without that left lead disunited 'cross-firing' constantly showing up? Is she able to go calmly and quietly into the canter, without her trademark rocketing ahead? Does she feel less like a powder keg ready to go up at any moment, now?

I’d honestly have to say yes to all.

Photo: Mike McLean.

18/07/2025

Fredagsmys to us all.

I love my work, and frequently continue it into the weekend. As an entrepreneur, doing something I love, the work/life line gets blurred, and that's fine.

But, programmed deep in the cultural DNA is always the celebration of Friday. I feel it just as strongly when I have a full Saturday schedule (tomorrow!) as when I have the whole weekend free (never.)

Fun fact is, when I work on Saturday I get to have two "Fridays!"

I also get to enjoy multiple "homes", in my actual house, or a friends. At the beach, down town, or on the road.

And sometimes my "friends" are people, family, animals, fellow travelers.

How do you celebrate Fredagsmys? Wishing you a beautiful one!!

16/07/2025

Look what happened!! Inside Out Physical Therapy Pelvic Health & Wellness has been nominated for the Star News Shorepicks Community Choice Awards this year! We have five more days, you can vote every day, and help make Inside Out Physical Therapy more visible to more people who are ready to feel better!! Thank you!!

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16/07/2025

Second Pregnancies

This is when we frequently see people in Pelvic Floor PT.

They may have had a small issue in their first pregnancy, the doctors told them it would go away when the baby was born, they just had to get through it, and they did.

Maybe it was incontinence, leaking with a sneeze. Maybe it was lightning crotch, that feeling of being stabbed with a knife in the p***c bone when trying to walk. Or get out of bed. Or a car. Or maybe it was "round ligament" pain. Or SI pain that made stair climbing impossible.

But that's ok. Just deal with it. It will go away after the baby is born.

First of all. No one should be in pain during pregnancy. Your provider should be giving you an immediate referral to Pelvic PT. It's literally why we exist.

Second of all. If you're having pain in the pelvic floor, or pelvic girdle, it MEANS SOMETHING IS WRONG. Not ideal for pushing a baby through. And certainly isn't setting you up for an optimized birth. Pelvic PT can help birth be faster and support better perineal preservation. As evidenced by this testimonial.

So, when the problem isn't dealt with properly during pregnancy, and the symptoms go away after delivery, maybe you were told you were fine. And you believed it.

Until that second pregnancy. And the symptoms come back with a vengeance, and earlier. Someone tells you, just deal with it for six weeks, you might think you can power through. Six months is a different story, especially when you're carrying a toddler around!

You can fix that. We can help you.

Ideally? Get in for an assessment before that second pregnancy, as soon as possible after that first birth.

Really ideally? Before you get pregnant for the FIRST time, to assess whether your body is ready to handle the demand. But that's another post. See you soon!!

11/07/2025

Oooohhhhh it's here again!! One of your best options to prepare for the birth you want to have. These Doulas provide a nurturing environment packed full of information and tools to make it happen. Read their reviews, and join the many couples whose birth journeys have been supported beautifully in these classes.

✨Doula clients, this one’s for you!
If you’re working with me —or hoping to—you’ll want in on this 💓

How to Birth Like a Badass isn’t just a childbirth class. It’s a game-changer for folks who want to feel deeply prepared, connected, and confident before labor even begins.

When my doula clients take this class, they walk into birth with:
💪 Hands-on skills + partner drills we simply don’t have time for in prenatal visits
🧠 A deeper understanding of birth options + decision-making under pressure
💛 A supportive community of other parents-to-be
💬 Shared language and aligned expectations with me as your doula

You’ll get evidence-based info, postpartum prep, advocacy tools, and space to ask real questions. And the best part? It’s fun. And meaningful. And really works.

📅 Class Dates: September 11, 18, 25 & October 2 (Thursdays)
⏰ 6–8:30 PM
📍 The Cargo District, Wilmington NC
Spots are filling fast—if you’re on my doula calendar, or are thinking about booking, this is your sign. Let’s walk into your birth experience with even more trust, tools, and connection.
DM to save your seat!

17/05/2025

I'm always just in absolute awe that this is even an ISSUE, and hasn't been supported all this time.

New guidelines urge doctors to “not underestimate the pain experienced by patients” during the IUD insertion procedure and outlined a range of pain management options. https://nyti.ms/3H0mE9G

10/04/2025

*ANNOUNCING* our brand new Childbirth Ed Mini Class!
Join us in 2025 for a one-day, 4-hour mini childbirth education class! This is a wonderful opportunity for first-time pregnant folks and growing families to dive into a sea of supportive evidence-based topics to help you prepare for your birth and postpartum season. Learn about how to advocate for yourself, what you may experience during labor and birth, birthing options, coping mechanisms, postpartum planning, and so much more!
All ticket prices are offered on a sliding scale to ensure that everyone can participate in our childbirth ed classes, regardless of their financial situation. Select a date, and sign up today!
REGISTER HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/childbirth-ed-mini-class

05/04/2025

I've been tuned in to the connection between hypermobility and the pelvic floor, through the influence of soft tissue, muscular power, and the nervous system for a while now. They all tend to show up together. Give me a ring if you're curious!

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Jessica Eccles and published in The British Journal of Psychiatry has uncovered key brain mechanisms behind the strong connection between joint hypermobility and anxiety.

Key Findings:

- People with hypermobility show heightened activity in the amygdala (threat processing) and insular cortex (internal body signals), increasing anxiety sensitivity.
- Hypermobile individuals are 4x more likely to experience anxiety than the general population.
- Stronger brain connectivity between the amygdala and precuneus (self-awareness), possibly explaining increased anxiety levels.

This research does not suggest that EDS or HSD are "all in your head." These are real, physical conditions with complex causes. Instead, the study highlights how mental health challenges can accompany the physical symptoms, offering a more complete understanding of the brain-body connection and potential treatments for anxiety in hypermobile individuals.

Dr Eccles explained, “This research could lead to personalised treatments that help regulate brain activity and reduce anxiety symptoms for those with hypermobility.”

Hypermobility's impact on mental health is often overlooked. This study brings hope for better understanding and specialised therapies. Read the full study here: https://sussex.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Neural_processes_linking_joint_hypermobility_and_anxiety_key_roles_for_the_amygdala_and_insular_cortex/28350236?file=52143758

03/04/2025

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month 🌻

It's now time to shed light on adenomyosis. It occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This can lead to painful periods, heavy bleeding, and discomfort during in*******se. It shares numerous symptoms with endometriosis and often affects those already suffering from the chronic illness.

🔸 Adenomyosis: Tissue grows within the uterine wall. Symptoms often include pelvic pain, heavy periods, and bloating
🔸 Endometriosis: Tissue grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, infertility, and more widespread discomfort

Both conditions affect millions, and raising awareness helps to ensure more people get the support, diagnosis, and treatment they need 💛

Let's continue the conversation long past Endo March and Adeno April to end the stigma around women's health. Uniting our voices can help to spread awareness and show support for each other! 💪

29/03/2025

So today we held our first Adult Children of Aging Parents Meetup in the Gather room! And we talked some about this. It's a webinar, if anyone is interested.

Dennis is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and a Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. 

18/03/2025

• • • LOCAL? You don't have to be.

👭This was a friend of a friend who needed some help, so we had a nice long chat. She walked away with some things to work on and a well researched Pelvic Health PT to make an appointment with.

📳A couple months later I reached out to see how she was doing. She had met some of her goals with the PT, but was still really struggling with some others.

💧🌬️🌞👟💤🍎🧠I walked her through some basic lifestyle modifications and nervous system regulation techniques, and she ended the call feeling much more equipped, inspired and motivated to keep working on things on her own.

💪🖐️Pelvic PT is important. I love the face to face and hands on work that I do with my local clients. But sometimes a well directed coaching session is what gets you started, as well as gets you to the finish line. 🏁

✅ Make an appointment to chat in my 🔗 in bio, and share this with anyone you think might benefit. We all deserve it.