68. Low back pain and the pelvic floor with Carolyn Vandyken

The Pelvic Floor Project

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physiotherapist and leader in the field, Carolyn Vandyken to discuss:

• The growing body of literature showing strong correlation between persistent low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction
• The research conducted by Carolyn Van Dyken and Sinead Dufour investigating pelvic floor findings when clients present with low back pain
• How orthopedic physiotherapists can screen for pelvic floor involvement without internal exam
• The current delineation between orthopedic and pelvic floor physiotherapy and how this needs to change
• The relationship between the central nervous system and back pain
• Considerations for assessing low back pain using a biopsychosocial approach
• Evidence based tips for addressing persistent low back pain that can be started today
• How mainstream messaging about back pain negatively affects our clients

Carolyn is the co-owner of Reframe Rehab, a teaching company engaged in breaking down the barriers internationally between pelvic health, orthopaedics and pain science. Carolyn has practiced in orthopaedics and pelvic health for the past 35 years. She is a McKenzie Credentialled physiotherapist (1999), certified in acupuncture (2002), and obtained a certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in 2017. Carolyn received the YWCA Women of Distinction award (2004) and the distinguished Education Award from the OPA (2015). Carolyn was recently awarded the Medal of Distinction from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2021 for her work in pelvic health and pain science.
Carolyn has been heavily involved in post-graduate pelvic health education, research in lumbopelvic pain, speaking at numerous international conferences and writing books and chapters for the past twenty years in pelvic health, orthopaedics and pain science.
Links mentioned:
The End of Physiotherapy
23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?
O’Sullivan et al “Sit Up Straight”: Time to Re-evaluate
Links to find Carolyn:
Websites:
Reframe Rehab: www.reframerehab.com
Clinical Practice: www.physioworksmuskoka.com
Instagram
More about the C-Section Program:
This initiative is sponsored by Health Canada as a part of the competitive Innovative Solutions Canada program, for which RxPx has been selected. The program is designed for mothers who are expecting a planned c-section, or who may have to undergo an unplanned c-section. The program includes evidence-based content to help mothers prepare for and recover from their c-section. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with and support other mothers who are anticipating a c-section or educating themselves about a c-section in case it is something they will need.
How to join the app:
STEP 1: download the ‘Stronger Together’ App from Google Play or Apple App Store
STEP 2: use code C-SECTION when onboarding
STEP 3: attend weekly expert Q+A sessions in February
STEP 4: participate in group chats and share what information you would like to have
For a limited time, individuals who join and choose to participate in the evaluation portion of the initiative will receive a $100 gift card. This involves participating in a one-time interview about your experience with the app.

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