What we do differently
Our treatment modalities
Our dual licence in both: Physiotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, allows us to use a large array of treatment modalities, which include but are not limited to the following:
Detailed Initial Assessment
• internal palpation, including Taoist diagnosis and treatment of the Yin meridians (channels) located in the pelvic floor muscles, as well as manual therapy techniques which may include scar and connective tissue massage and trigger point release
• supervised, palpation-based, pelvic floor muscle retraining for strength, endurance, proprioception and coordination
• exercise prescription involving instruction in pelvic floor exercises, core stability exercises, and stretching, progressing to more advanced core strengthening exercises, advanced pranayama (art of breathing) techniques, yoga and Taoist Master’s exercises
• bowel and bladder retraining
• electro-therapeutic modalities including but not limited to TENS, electro-acupuncture, and biofeedback where patients receive visual feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity, abdominal activation and sphincter activity
• education on healthy lifestyle, nutrition advice, stress management and relaxation strategies
• therapy may also be directed at the: hips, lumbar spine, sacro-iliac joints, pubic symphysis and the muscles adjacent to the pelvis
Acupuncture for the pelvic floor
Performed properly, it is safe and effective. The Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture often obtains results in complex conditions when conventional Pelvic Health Physiotherapy alone has failed. It balances the flow of Qi (life energy) and encourages the natural healing abilities of the body, the mind and the spirit. Needling the acupuncture point Conception Vessel 1 (CV1), located on the perineum, is a Master’s technique. In combination with the Governing Vessel 20 (GV20), it opens the energy gates of the body and produces remarkable results.
Moxibustion
Involves the burning of the herb known as wormwood (artemisiae argyi) over various acupuncture points. It is one of the most efficient but most underused modalities in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). When dry wormwood is burned it produces not only deep heat but also releases essential oils. According to TCM, this is a pure Yang energy treatment and it is an excellent tool for addressing cold-related pathologies (as per the theory of the Five Elements) such as incontinence, infertility, childhood enuresis, menopause symptoms and any chronic depletion conditions.
Chinese Scalp Acupuncture
Is a contemporary acupuncture technique that integrates traditional Chinese needling methods with Western biomedical knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the cerebral cortex. Scalp acupuncture often produces remarkable results in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions and infertility, typically with immediate improvements. When requested, at Beyond Physio, we optimize your treatment session by combining scalp acupuncture with pelvic health physiotherapy.
Dry needling
Arguably, myofascial pain is the most common cause of pain in the body. Dry needling is a treatment technique for acute and/or chronic myofascial pain. When the procedure is performed by qualified hands, dramatic and long-term effects can be expected. It is especially effective in the treatment of patients suffering from myofascial pain due to short and tight pelvic floor muscles, trigger points in the pelvic floor or myofascial restrictions of the muscles adjacent to the pelvis. When indicated, at Beyond Physio we perform dry needling directly to the exterior layer of the pelvic floor muscles. This may produce a significant improvement in the level of pelvic pain within a single treatment session.
Gua Sha
Is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. It is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called “Sha”, representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis. Modern research shows Gua Sha produces an anti-inflammatory and immune protective effect that persists for days following a single treatment. This accounts for its effectiveness on chronic pelvic pain.
Auricular Therapy
The origins of the auricular therapy can be traced back in different cultures and civilizations. In ancient Egypt pain was treated by ear points. In 4th century BC, Hippocrates tried to cure impotence by bloodletting at the ear – this might be the oldest reference we have of the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions through auricular therapy. In modern day, auricular therapy is the most researched micro-system of the body. Its effectiveness is due to the fact that the auricular points are located very close to each other on a small surface and that the outer ear is innervated by the cranial nerves.
Low Level Laser Therapy for the Pelvic Floor (Photobiomodulation)
Is the application of red and near infra-red light over injuries and/or lesions to improve wound and soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation and give relief for both acute and chronic pain. Used directly over the pelvic floor muscles, it speeds up the healing of soft tissue after vaginal childbirth, tearing, episiotomies, as well as treating skin conditions and UTI’s.
Tao-Yoga for the Pelvic Floor
During the last decade, yoga has become more and more popular in North America and around the world. The emerging awareness of the mind-body connection is actually a rediscovery of what has been the basis of Tao, Yoga and Meditation for thousands of years. The aim of our Tao-Yoga Program is to promote your innate awareness and open the energy network of chakras and meridians. By gently guiding you through different stretching, balance and breathing exercises, we will facilitate the achievement of a state of meditation where you will be alert and aware of your inner-self. The practice of Tao-Yoga and Meditation will activate your parasympathetic nervous system and help you achieve a state thoughtless awareness and relaxation.
Aromatherapy
Is allegedly the most ancient medicine known to humanity. The use of essential oils dates back to ancient Egypt. Vials containing essential oils were discovered in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. Since ancient times, the use of essential oils was also known in India and in Thracia. Essential oil vessels were also discovered in the Valley of the Roses, in the tomb of the Thracian King Sevt the 3rd. Although known since antiquity, just a decade ago aromatherapy was considered “pseudo-science”. However, in recent years there is growing evidence-based research on the benefits of using essential oils. In countries like the US and the UK, essential oils have been approved for use even in hospital settings. At Beyond Physio we use pure grade, certified oils and we prepare custom blends based on the results of your assessment. Our signature oil is the famous Bulgarian Rose oil and the wormwood essential oil.
