PFD books?

[Lisa_S]

Can anyone recommend a good PFD book with exercises that are okay for IC? I'm not going back to my urologist for a month, but I think I have PFD and would like to start learning more about it and possibly do some exercises. Once I go back to my doctor, he may refer to a PT (he already gave me some names, just to have in advance).

[rosesitty]

Dr. Moldwin's book is a great place to start to see what the symptomology is for PFD. I don't know of any books, I think you almost need to go to a PT to determine what muscles are tight and what techniques and exercises will offset those particular muscles. I don't believe that's something you can figure out on your own. Also, kegel exercises work for some but cause significant flares for others. Hope someone else can pass on additional information for you.

[ICB]

I agree with Rosesitty; The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Dr. Robert Moldwin, is a great resource to learn about PFD. Moreover, the ICN and the ICA both have many great articles on PFD.

A very popular book on PFD is: A Headache In The Pelvis (3rd Edition) by Drs. Rodney Anderson and David Wise. Although this book is very informational, it is somewhat geared towards men. But most importantly, you should see a healthcare provider prior to trying anything thing at home.

The only self-help suggestion that I feel comfortable making is to NEVER push or strain to have a bowel movement or to void. You can also pick a focal point and every time you look at the focal point, remind yourself to relax the pelvic floor muscles. These self-help tips will not harm you; any other exercise SHOULD be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

A sensational resource for PFD is the following website: www.roadtoslainte.blogspot.com; it is written by an excellent physical therapist that specializes in treating PFD, IC, Vulvodynia, and other Pelvic Floor Dysorders.

I have a PFD fact sheet that I can email to you if you are interested. If you would like to receive the fact sheet please send your request (with "PFD Fact Sheet" on the subject line) to icrelief@verizon.net.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB

[sami4]

A book that I liked a lot was," Yoga for Cystitis" which had a lot of information on IC in it. They stressed crotch stretching exercises such as The Frog, and also the Downward Dog.
I feel the physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction has really helped me a lot and now I know that a lot of what I thought was urethral pain is actually coming from my pelvic floor. The therapist taught me some moves to uncramp the left side of the PF when I get a pain and it works.
Sammie

[Katrina]

Dr Moldwin has stated he believes that for pfd learning to relax the muscles is priority....strengthening should only come second and is a definate case by case basis. Most PFD patients have tightened pelvic muscles.....after staying tight long term they can become weak.....but I think it helps most to learn what it actually feels like when they are relaxed. I have had an organ prolapse so I know I have gotten to the point of also having weak pelvic muscles. Even at this point doctors are recommending things to me to help lesson why my pelvic muscles are tense. If I were just beginning things over and going to a physical therapist again I would ask the therapist some questions about how they do things....many IC patients have had a hard time with physical therapy when strengthening was the goal.

Treating PFD:
• Pelvic floor relaxation technique
• Warm sitz baths two or three times a day
• Avoiding constipation and straining during bowel movements
• Avoiding straining during urination
• Stress reduction
• Avoiding sitting for long periods of time
• Biofeedback
• Posture education (if needed)
• Muscle relaxants
• Trigger point therapy
• TENS(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit
• Myofascial therapy
• Acupuncture
• Diet modification (to avoid spasms, constipation, and dehydration)
• Gentle exercise (muscle strengthening is only done on patient by patient basis and should be second to muscle relaxation!)
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

[Lisa_S]

Thank you all for the responses. I have the IC Survival Guide book, and I took another look at the PFD section. The Yoga for Cystitis book sounds interesting... is that the exact name?