Learn about endometriosis and pelvic health physical therapy to manage chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Caitlyn Tivy shares her experience and expertise to help women find relief.

Episode Summary

In this final episode of Fempower Health's four-part series on endometriosis, Dr. Caitlyn Tivy, a distinguished pelvic health physical therapist, shares the intricacies of managing endometriosis and pelvic pain. With a foundation in biomedical research and specialized training in pelvic floor physical therapy, Dr. Tivy emphasizes the importance of patient involvement, holistic treatment strategies, and the role of emotional health in physical well-being. She highlights innovative developments in telemedicine and the exploration of the vaginal microbiome as promising avenues for future advancements in pelvic health care. We discuss the intersection of physical health, PTSD, and trauma history in pelvic pain treatment. 

Key Takeaways

• How combining manual therapies, patient education, and at-home care can lead to significant improvements in managing endometriosis pelvic pain
• Why being an active participant in your endometriosis treatment plan can dramatically impact pain management 
• How telehealth is breaking barriers to access pelvic pain treatment, offering new hope to those in remote or underserved areas
• The latest research on how the vaginal microbiome impacts pelvic health and what it means for the future of pelvic pain treatment
• How the brain and nervous system contribute to your experience of endometriosis and pelvic pain
• Why consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist post-surgery can improve your recovery process
• Myths around pelvic floor exercises like Kegels vs. their appropriate role and application in pelvic pain therapy
• A complex story about an endometriosis patient and the multifaceted approach to her recovery

"How can we turn down that person's fire alarm so that the rest of their body isn't getting inundated by this irritating stimulus? Even if someone hasn't had surgery or doesn't intend on having surgery—or is not a candidate for some reason—there's still a lot that we can do to help people manage their ‘pain’ alarm system. We can create self-care strategies that keep their alarm quiet long-term." - Dr. Caitlyn Tivy

Related to this episode:

• Resources and episodes on Endometriosis

• Follow Caitlyn Tivy on  LinkedIn and her website
• Part 1 of 4: Innovations in Endometriosis Diagnosis, Pelvic Pain Management, and Patient Support
• Part 2 of 4: Endometriosis Care, Treatment Options, and Patient Advocacy
• Part 3 of 4: Endometriosis Surgery, Recovery, and Personalized Care

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Guest Bio

Caitlyn is a medical communicator with a deep commitment to inclusive health care, bridging the gap between complex scientific data and accessible information for all genders. Her journey began in biomedical research, transitioning to clinical care as a pelvic health physical therapist, where she gained insights into the effects of endometriosis and similar conditions. Since 2021, Caitlyn has been innovating in the femtech and startup sector, co-creating a virtual women's health program that tackles pelvic pain and urinary incontinence. As the president of C Tivy Consulting, she champions effective communication for health companies serving women, men, and the LGBTQIA community. Connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn and her website to explore the intersection of health communication and technology.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

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