Did You Know That Menopause Is a Day?

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Adrianne Vangool

Did You Know That Menopause Is a Day?

That’s right.

Menopause is the day you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. The years leading up to this day, where you may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, change in body composition, joint pain and disruption to sleep patterns just to name a few, is called Perimenpause. This period of time can last anywhere from a couple of years to over 10 years with symptoms varying throughout. The period after is called Postmenopause, where you have not experienced a menstrual cycle in 12 consecutive months but may still experience perimenopasual symptoms.

Each individual experiences the transition through menopause differently, just as they may have through pregnancy and postpaturm. We at Vangool Wellness are here to help you navigate and guide you through the different phases of life!

Prenatal Offerings

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: Pelvic floor symptoms, preparing the pelvic floor for delivery, Labour and delivery prep
Physiotherapy: Maintaining activity and exercise during Pregnancy
Prenatal Class: What you need to know to feel empowered, prepared and confident throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey

Postpartum Offering

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: incontinence, proloapse/heaviness, pain with intercourse
Physiotherapy: back pain, posture, diastasis/core strengthening.
Returning to exercise, running and/or sport
Postpartum Physioyoga

Perimenopausal/Menopause/Postmenopausal offerings

Pelvic Health: Vaginal dryness/pain with intercourse, incontinence, increased urgency, constipation
Physiotherapy: Joint pain/arthritis, improve strength/flexibility, injury prevention.
PhysioYoga: Joint pain/arthritis, balance, improve sleep, hormone/nervous system regulation, stress management.
Chair Yoga: Joint pain/arthritis, balance/fall prevention, improve sleep, support hormone/nervous system regulation, stress management.

Podcasts & Resources We Recommend

Women’s Midlife Health Program:

http://www.womensmidlifehealth.ca/

How to Optimize Female Hormone Health for Vitality & Longevity: Dr. Sara Gottfried on the Huberman Lab podcast:

The Papaya Podcast: The One Where We Learn About Menopause with Shirley Weir:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-one-where-we-learn-about-menopause-with/id1469615517?i=1000616608470

Hype Women Podcast: Stacey London: Enough

What is Breast Health Physiotherapy?

Posted on October 19, 2023November 2, 2023 by Adrianne Vangool

What is Breast Health Physiotherapy?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our Wellness Team at Vangool Wellness is able to provide a variety of treatments and support to individuals before, during, and after breast cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women.

When undergoing lifesaving interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation a number of physical impairments can result after these treatments. These can include pain or reduced upper extremity range of motion and strength, lymphedema, scar tissue, axillary cord syndrome (cording), pain, fatigue, loss of sensation, and reduction in overall levels of physical activity and activities of daily living.

Our treatment team can help with:

For individuals undergoing radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy or who have had mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast reconstruction or gender affirmation surgeries
Individualized Pre- and post-operative exercises to help improve and maintain upper extremity range of motion and strength.
Manual therapy and Massage Therapy for lymphedema, scar tissue, axillary cord syndrome, and musculoskeletal joint restrictions.
Restoration and education supporting alignment, functional movement, and helping to support your goals of returning to the activities you love.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Posted on October 19, 2023November 8, 2023 by Adrianne Vangool

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when one or more of the functions of the pelvic floor are not working properly. This can be caused by the muscles being too tight or too weak, or dysfunction of the diaphragm/breath, core, or glutes.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can present in many ways. Specifically, it can cause leaking (of urine or stool), heaviness, or pain in the pelvic region. It can also cause hip pain, back pain, and can even be the reason that your lingering shoulder injury is not getting better. Our pelvis and pelvic floor is the foundation of our body. If we don’t have a stable, well working foundation, we are just creating dysfunction on top of dysfunction.

Often, when we think of rehab for our pelvic floor, we think of doing a “Kegel” or a contraction of the pelvic floor, however this is not always the answer! We need to have the ability to relax and lengthen our pelvic floor, as much as, we need to be able to contract it. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles, just like any other muscle in our body, it is the most efficient when we can contract it throughout its full range of motion.

So who experiences pelvic floor dysfunction? It can happen at any age, to both males and females. Pelvic floor dysfunction does not just occur after you have a baby! If you are experiencing any symptoms, or have anymore questions about the pelvic floor reach out and let us know!

– Authored by Amy Garnett Pelvic Health Physiotherapist