In my last blog post, I explained how suspension based physical therapy has helped me and others with dysautonomia. Today I am excited to tell you about another hidden gem. This one is called GYROTONIC®.‍ Originally created in the 1980s for dancers, the Gyrotonic Expansion System is a holistic movement method that combines elements of yoga, tai chi, gymnastics and swimming.

Specialized physical therapy techniques like Redcord, GYROTONIC®, and Hypopressives can help individuals with dysautonomia address specific aspects of their condition. Over the next 3 blogs, I will explain each movement system in detail. So let's get started with how the Redcord suspension system has been a game changer for me.

As an occupational therapist who specializes in pelvic health, I am accustomed to being asked the question, “What's the difference between OT and PT?” The answer varies by practice area, whether it’s in pediatrics, home care, acute care, orthopedics or hand therapy, for example. The reality is that occupational therapists and physical therapists are more similar than they are different, because they both have one primary goal in mind: to improve your quality of life.

As a Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist, I see a lot of patients with foot pain. It is sometimes not what they are even coming to see me for, but they mention it during the evaluation. In my experience, foot pain often plays a role in their knee, hip, or back pain. Our foot health is just as crucial to our structural health as our core strength, but it doesn’t get nearly the same level of attention.

You probably feel more muscular, tendon and/or joint pain in your 40s and 50s than you did in your 20s and 30s. But it may not be for the reasons you think.‍ As women enter the ages of perimenopause (8-10 years prior to their final menstrual cycle) they may notice a myriad of subtle or not so subtle symptoms. One of which being an increase of musculoskeletal pain. In fact, the majority of menopausal women report muscle and joint aches as major symptoms of the transition.

Pilates, a fitness method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, has gained widespread popularity for its focus on strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection. It seems everyone wants to do Pilates and I am here for it! As a Certified Pilates Instructor at Activcore in Atlanta, Georgia, I am passionate about all things fitness, especially the practice of Pilates.

You may have heard that breathing is good for the pelvic floor, or you may have received breathing exercises from a PT before. But why? Here I will dive into how the pelvic floor and breathing are intimately connected and why it’s important in your pelvic floor care.

The human body is an intricate web of connections between seemingly unrelated parts that often reveal fascinating insights into our overall health and well-being. One such intriguing link exists between your pelvic floor and your foot mechanics. Although the feet are not directly connected to the pelvic floor, they are closely connected via bone and ligamentous structures...

As a Performance Specialist at Activcore, I perform a comprehensive movement assessment with each new client. These tests provide a wealth of information about your movement capacity and a baseline for improving your stability, mobility, strength and resiliency. Essentially, they are a roadmap for addressing asymmetries and imbalances through the application of corrective exercises.

Although I am a physical therapist, I have also participated in PT to address my own dysautonomia and hypermobility. When I was first diagnosed in 2021, I was unable to perform simple tasks such as going from sit to stand, showering, or walk up stairs without dizziness and extreme fatigue. Not only did dysautonomia impact my physical health, but the brain fog and memory issues were also impacted.