July Pelvic Updates
-New research in mice is making scientists wonder if post-menopausal ovaries develop different immune-related functioning after menopause. “The postreproductive ovary could secrete molecules that predispose people to chronic inflammation in their menopausal years,” which is maybe why people with ovaries tend to live longer BUT have more health issues. The fact that this is new research is terrifying! I want to know more about the post-menopausal ovary! Give us more!
-I appreciated this new consensus paper on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome treatment that came out in June. Points I want to emphasize: “Consensus-2 recognizes MCAS usually shows no significant tryptase elevation and uncommonly manifests anaphylaxis.” If you go to an allergist who does not specialize in MCAS, and they say “well, your tryptase was normal and you don’t experience anaphylaxis, so stop worrying about MCAS,” 1) get a new allergist who knows MCAS and 2) send them this paper afterwards, because those are very common misperceptions. Under the “therapeutic issues in MCAS” section, there is a great outline of common MCAS treatment modalities. Now if someone could come just out with better research on MCAS and interstitial cystitis…please! I’m so curious about the connections.
-This short video on why uterine position matters is packed with great insights about the relationships and connections amongst the pelvic floor, pelvic organs, and the pelvic bowl; and how movement can promote more balance between all three.
Pelvic Health Tip
I took a cool course through “Re-Active PT” in the beginning of June on using sensory tools for chronic illness management (they have a ton of online programming focusing on pain science, brain-body tools, and even hypermobility–check them out!).
It brought me back to some of my OT roots on how incredible sensory integration tools can be. If part of chronic pain is a nervous system stuck on predicting threat, how can we bring in more intentional, positive stimuli throughout our days?
One way to start exploring this is through a sensory preference checklist. Here are a few different versions:
The class I took suggested not using sensory tools as a kind of rescue method during a flare, but rather making small moments to engage with them throughout the day. The more often we do this, the more frequently we are signaling safety and pleasure to our nervous system.
Now excuse me while I make some time for some gentle swaying (vestibular and proprioceptive input) before my next client. What’s one small sensory preference you can add into your day?
