Jenkyns Physical Therapy & Wellness
PATRICIA J. JENKYNS PT, DPT, WCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified in Women's Health Physical Therapy
Board Certified in Biofeedback for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction
Yoga Teacher Training
I have been providing physical therapy for more than 30 years, specializing in pelvic floor physical therapy in the Boston area. It has been an honor to help so many women with their pelvic floors! I have closed my Woburn physical office and am now offering:
Personal Training for Individuals and Small Groups addressing Pelvic Floor and Bone Health
Workshops and Trainings for Exercise/Yoga Instructors, Personal Trainers & Exercisers
There has been a growing awareness of and attention to the pelvic floor. This is due to very good research helping us to understand more fully both the function as well as dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Research continues, but additional focus and discussion is essential in order to spread the word about both treatment and prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. We need to take the ‘mystery’ out of the pelvic floor!
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Women often don't talk about it, but basically and in plain language, pelvic floor dysfunction is typically present when women report they are “...peeing or pooping when they don’t want to”, or “something is bulging out of their vagina,” or they have pelvic or vaginal pain. We need to understand pelvic floor dysfunction; otherwise, these related problems can progress, and further difficulties may occur. Problems may range from mild to severe levels of decreased bladder and bowel control or prolapse (which means the descent of the uterus, bladder, rectum, and/or vagina). In addition, pelvic floor dysfunction may be present with reproductive issues, low back pain, abdominal core dysfunctions, and balance deficits.
An overwhelming number of women are predisposed to pelvic floor challenges due to the distinctive female pelvis & organs, the capacity of birthing children, and female hormonal variations. In fact, a widely acknowledged statistic reveals that as many as 50% of women may have pelvic floor dysfunction.
What have we learned about bones & Bone health?
We now understand bone as a living and dynamic organ. Muscle mass matters as much as bone density! Exercise science has evolved tremendously, so we no longer tell adults or postmenopausal women, “Don’t lift heavy.” When done with proper form, heavy lifting improves bone strength. Stronger muscles improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and physically load bones to stimulate growth.