Are breast implants safe? In this episode we talk to Danielle Valoras, a physicians assistant specializing in psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology and an advocate for transparent conversations regarding the safety of breast implants. Danielle experience varied vague symptoms like fatigue, connective tissue issues, swelling, hair loss, brain fog and even depression-like symptoms. Eventually she was not able to use her left arm. Physical exertion lead to migraines. Multiple doctors and practitioners did not link these symptoms to her breast implants. She got an explant less than 2 years later and i ..read more

In this episode Dee Hartmann shares the value of incorporating pleasure into treatment for pelvic pain. Pain-free intercourse is an excellent long-term goal, but our patients usually want to experience pleasure during intimate moments with their partners and themselves. Moving the brain from a pain to pleasure-focused state requires a graded approach from attuning to pleasurable sensation in our environment to exploring safe and pleasurable touch with ourselves. Calming the brain, feeling embodied, and safe in communication to receive pleasurable touch are incredibly important for physical, em ..read more

March is endometriosis awareness month. Endometriosis is estimated to affect 1 in 9 women. It can cause physical issues such as pelvic pain and infertility, psychological pain, and functional limitations as well. The pathophysiology of this disease isn’t completely clear, but it’s important that women are diagnosed in an efficient manner and have access to skilled medical and rehab providers who can help them with proficient treatment. Truthfully, it takes a team of providers working together to treat the person comprehensively.  Today we will be talking with Dr. Shrikhande of Pelvic Reha ..read more

On this episode, we talk to Dr. Jessica Reale about her journey as a pelvic health practitioner and transitioning from employee to private practice owner. Every person's circumstances and experience starting a business is different. If you are thinking about starting or expanding your own practice, I hope this episode gives you food for for thought and inspiration.  Show notes: :53 What has your pelvic health journey looked like so far? 2:45 What was one of your biggest considerations making the leap from employee to business owner? 6:00 How did you mitigate costs starting your practice ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Kerian Duncan and I talk about how to define your intuition when it comes to handling your child's healing and trusting that intuition as a parent and patient. We also talk about allowing intuition to enter patient care and how to access and strengthen your intuition through heart-based problem-solving. Our guest, Dr. Kerian Duncan, PT, DPT, MSc has a  Master of Science in Neuroscience (MSc), and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Well versed in both neuroscience and developmental research and clinical practice, she believes that the best advocate for children a ..read more

Denise Stewart is an Australian Occupational Therapist who developed her own test for shoulder dysfunction in breast cancer patients called the Reach Out the Back Test. Shoulder dysfunction can occur in this population due to pectoral tightness, skin fibrosis, scar adhesions and cording. This test goes beyond straight plane movement in flexion and abduction to multi-planar movement which is how we live functionally. True functional movement can be harder to provide a quantitative measure for, but this test provides good qualitative findings on evaluation, and after treatment, to determine effe ..read more

Jennifer MCGowan is a mother of 4 and owner of Regenerate Physiotherapy in Peachtree, Georgia.  In this selfcare in healthcare episode Jennifer talks to us about: How she learned to keep calm when things are hectic Prioritizing self-care and how being selfish can be positive Identifying thoughts that can lead to burnout The ebb and flow of balance and creating it in moments Jennifer encourages to do what makes us feel good, not because of the outcome, but because it is an act of self-love.  ..read more

Often, when people hear breast cancer rehab they think of lymphedema treatment, but there is so much more we can do! Comprehensive breast cancer care is about knowing how to prevent and treat ALL of the side effects of breast cancer. If patients have post-op issues such as seromas, lymphatic cording, shoulder dysfunction or core compromise…they need access to a rehab provider who can help! And sadly, there just are not enough of us.  So many people are living with chronic pain after treatment, like post-mastectomy pain syndrome, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, joint pain, and ..read more

In my mind, Holly Herman is one of the OGs (original gangstas) of pelvic physical therapy. I met her back in 2011 and she changed my life giving me the encouragement I needed to pursue creating a revolution in breast cancer rehab. In this episode, Holly thanks the many giants of pelvic physical therapy (the backs of which we stand on). They deserve the upmost respect and gratitude. Your action item for this week: THANK someone who inspired you to rise up in your greatness treating pelvic health patients and post it for everyone to see in the Pelvic Health & Breast Cancer Rehab Specialists ..read more

My name is Susannah Haarmann; I am your host! In this podcast you can expect expert interviews made for rehabilitation practitioners on topics related to business, pelvic health, breast cancer rehab and self-care. More and more providers are falling in love with these underserved niches and even delving into starting their own practices. Through teaching multiple continuing education courses internationally, I have met the most passionate and dedicated practitioners in the areas of pelvic health and breast cancer rehab. It’s important to me that we while I help people with business and profess ..read more