LINKS
Here are some good links that can provide more specific information about Orthopedic and Pelvic Floor disorders:

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
http://www.apta.org/

Women’s Health Section of the APTA
http://www.womenshealthapta.org

The Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN)
http://www.ic-network.com/

The National Vulvodynia Association (NVA)
http://www.nva.org/

The International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)
http://www.pelvicpain.org/

The American Urological Association Patient Health Page
http://www.urologyhealth.org/

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Information
http://www.helpforibs.com/

National Association for Continence (NAFC)
(Lizanne is on the advisory board of this organization)
http://www.nafc.org/

American Urological Association Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org

Pelvic Pain in Men
http://www.chronicprostatitis.com/

Pudendal Nerve Information
http://www.pudendalhope.org/

Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA)
http://www.bcia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

International Continence Society (ICS)
http://www.icsoffice.org

Interstitial Cystitis Association for America
http://www.ichelp.org

National Women’s Health Network
The National Women's Health Network improves the health of all women by developing and promoting a critical analysis of health issues in order to affect policy and support consumer decision-making. The Network aspires to a health care system that is guided by social justice and reflects the needs of diverse women.
http://nwhn.org/

Other Women’s Health Resources
Below is an excellent link from the National Women’s Health Network’s website that will show you a variety of organizations dedicated to women’s health. Topics include, Breast Health, Abortion and Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, HIV, and many more…
http://nwhn.org/outside-resources

Secret Suffering: A website devoted to women with pelvic pain
http://www.secretsuffering.com/

A great blog on Pelvic Health
http://www.hermanwallace.com/blog

An incredible blog on Chronic Pain and the Brain.
It’s the latest, newest research from "down under." This is absolutely, hands down, my favorite blog of all time. I know. I’m a geek.
http://bodyinmind.org/

The PT Project
http://www.theptproject.com/

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LOCAL LINKS

Mamas Resource Network
Mamas Resource Network is a group of dedicated and highly skilled practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area, who passionately support mothers, babies and their families through the joys and challenges of motherhood. Find Lizanne in the Mamas Resource Network under Physical Therapy!
http://mamasresourcenetwork.com

Flying Zebra Yoga
Leslie Howard is a beloved and skilled yoga teacher with a deep knowledge of the pelvic floor’s many complexities. In addition to general yoga classes, she offers workshops in Yoga for the Pelvic Floor.
http://www.flyingzebrayoga.com

The Center for Sexual Health & Rehabilitation
The Center for Sexual Health and Rehabilitation was founded by a sexologist in order to provide support for you. Services offered include sex education, sex counseling and workshops for individuals, couples, groups, therapists and health care professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the global community. The Center works with clients who have a wide variety of sexual concerns and specializes in sexual adjustment and rehabilitation for those who experience difficulties related to health conditions or sexual pain conditions.
http://www.sexualrehab.com/

Natural Resources
A pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting center located in San Francisco.
http://www.naturalresources-sf.com

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS

A Headache in the Pelvis
By Rodney Anderson, MD and David Wise, PhD

The V Book
By Elizabeth Stewart, MD and Paula Spencer

Explain Pain
By David Butler PT and Lorimer Moseley

Heal Pelvic Pain
By Amy Stein, MPT

Ending Female Pain
By Isa Herrera, PT

Pelvic Power
By Eric Franklin

The Truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy
By The National Women’s Health Network

Wild Feminine:
Finding Power, Spirit, & Joy in the Root of the Female Body
By Tami Lynn Kent

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RECOMMENDED RELAXATION CD’s

Physiological Quieting
Janet A. Hulme, MA, PT

Guided Imagery for Women with Pelvic Pain, Interstitial Cystitis or Vulvodynia
By Donna Carrico

Pelvic Health and Awareness for Women and Men
By Deborah Bowes

Health Journeys
Has many different CD’s for all kinds of health issues

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RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
These are products I recommend, but it’s best to speak with me or your medical provider about their potential benefits prior to ordering.

A great cushion for perineal pain, pudendal neuralgia, and vestibulitis
http://www.theraseat.com/

A dynamite set of dilators
http://ww2.pureromance.com/PublicStore/product/Vaginal-Dilator-Set,290,1.aspx

Soothing Products for the Vulva
*Always speak with your doctor or provider before using any of these products.

http://www.internatural.com/product/MoonMaid-Botanical-Skin-Care-Women-Products-Vital-Vulva-Wild-Yam-Salve

http://www.neogyn.us/

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LUBRICANTS
Pelvic Floor specialists recommend using water-based vaginal lubes FREE of parabans, glycerin, and other harmful chemicals. Many health food stores (eg, Whole Foods) and local food coops, stock lubes made from all natural ingredients. They are often pricey.

Tips

1. Always do a spot check on the inside of your wrist or elbow prior to using a new lube, especially if you are sensitive. Then do a spot check in the vestibule. If after 24 hours all is OK, then try it with your dilator, sex toy, or partner.
   
   
2. If using latex condoms check packaging to ensure compatibility of lube with latex.
   
   
3. If using silicone products (dilator or toy) don’t use silicone lubricant unless the package specifically says it’s OK to do so.
   
   
4. Women with severe vestibular pain/irritation should speak with their doctor or PT or NP about products and always do a test patch first. We generally advise avoiding glycerin and petroleum-based products. Stick with water-based.
   
   
5. Women prone to yeast infections should avoid lubes with glycerin.
   
   
6. Women trying to conceive should speak with their doctor about lubrication. There are products to avoid (for eg, avoid lube with spermicide. Some studies have shown that water and saliva can potentially make it hard for sperm to swim…) Do find lubes with the right pH and free of harmful chemicals.

• Raw Organic Coconut Oil:
  Many women (and men) enjoy using Coconut Oil; it is solid, but liquefies as it warms up in your hands. It’s food grade and gentle and rinses out easily. Some people find it doesn’t have the staying power of say, silicone.
  
  
• Slippery Stuff:
  Many pelvic floor PT’s use this product. Here’s a link to purchase, and you can read some of the customer reviews, quite favorable.
  http://www.goodvibes.com/display_product.jhtml?id=22FL40
  
  
• Blossom Organics Lubricant:
  Link to purchase and read about its ingredients.
  http://www.blossom-organics.com/learn-more/our-ingredients/more-of-our-ingredients/
  
  
• Aloe Cadabra
  http://aloecadabra.com/what-is-aloecadabra
  
  
• Silicone-based lubricants:
  Many people describe the long-lasting effect offered by silicone lubes. This is because silicone is NOT water-based, so it isn’t absorbed by the body’s tissue. These lubes have good staying power, but you must not use them with silicone dilators or silicone toys as the 2 silicones can break down and the toy can become sticky. Silicone should not be considered “certified latex-safe,” so be sure to check the labeling if using latex condoms.
  
  
• Petroleum (oil)-based lubricants:
  Generally not good with latex condoms.
  
  
• KY and Astroglide:
  These are 2 lubes that have been around forever, and many people use them. Both brands have different products with different sets of ingredients. Please read ingredient labels carefully and make an informed decision about what is right for you.

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