5 Top Take-Homes From PelviCon
I'm still basking in the glow of the FIRE that was PelviCon 2024! The speakers seriously brought so much great information-- and they really did a beautiful job of distilling that information down to manageable components. As I process all of the information, here's a few big takeaways my team is integrating into our practice.
All OAB is not at all the same.
As was expected, Taryn Hallam's presentation on OAB blew everyone away!! She discussed the importance of differentiating the presentation of OAB in order to really determine where the problem is and guide treatment. Identifying the specific symptoms and what they mean for the physiology helps us to truly guide treatment and have the best possible outcomes.
The correllation between low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction is likely less biomechanical and more due to a common nervous system response.
We were fortunate to hear an excellent presentation by Sinead Dufour, presenting her research on lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. This research is often extrapolated to imply that pelvic floor tension causes low back pain, and Sinead did a great job of really targetting what the research says and what that means for our patients.
Lifting heavy is in.
Historically, people have tended to be cautious in loading patients -- whether they are postpartum, present with hypermobility, or present with diastasis rectus or prolapse. Grainne Donnelly and Bill Taylor presented fabulous presentations discussing progression toward higher level activities with patients-- and gradual loading (to higher weights!) is definitely in!
Best practice for patients after prostatectomies can make a huge difference in success.
What a gift to hear the amazing Jo Milios share her research regarding rehab for men after prostatectomies. We got to learn the best protocols for clamping, pad weaning, muscle training, shockwave, and much more! I'm excited to examine how our team is working with men after prostate removal to really optimize our programs.
Consistent dilator work is crucial for individuals after pelvic radiation.
Alex Hill provided an awesome presentation on working with patients after radiation therapy. Tissue restrictions and stenosis can happen many years after treatment-- so consistent dilator work can make a huge difference in long-term success and function!
We can make a difference beyond many traditional "pelvic health" diagnoses.
Yeni presented on working with people with uterine fibroids as well as PCOS, and there is so much we can do to support these individuals in navigating their health journeys! We also were able to here from Michelle Lyons on IBS and IBD, and honestly, there is so much more we can be doing than often is done for these populations!
So, there are some nuggets for you! What a gift to be able to learn from these incredible experts-- all in one place!
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