Squamish Physiotherapy Specializing in Pelvic Health & Chronic Pain
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Glow PhysiotherapyBlog
By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Exercises, Uncategorized

Introducing the Slinky Spine class with Kinesiologist Mel Sakowski

Below is a guest post from Kinesiologist Melanie Sakowski!

Hi, I’m Kinesiologist on the Union Team and I’m so grateful to be welcomed to the team!

Coming from Toronto after completing my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, I
transitioned from triathlon to trail running, and am passionate about movement patterning,
rhythm and fluidity in movement. My passion is to help someone learn and understand their
movement, to feel connection from feet through head dynamically as they move through life!
I am fascinated by the creative art of movement, and how mind-body connection interplays.
My Slinky Spine class offered at Union Health and Performance focuses on relieving neural
and dural tension in the body.

The Dura Mater, or the “Tough Mother”, is a thick lining of the spinal cord and brain. Tensions
developed from within the cranial dura mater can transmit through the innervations along the
spinal cord and through the nerves down from the cranium to the sacrum. This tension can
restrict blood flow to the nerves, and cause different symptoms in the body that might distort
movement patterns, breathing, and emotional states. There might be a sensation of having
a specific holding pattern in the body that presents itself during periods of high stress or any
change in your life. Nerves in the body cannot be stretched, they glide and slide. When a
nerve is compressed, the body will protect the nerve by contracting around that compressed
nerve. The nervous system tries to protect itself first and foremost!

These nerve compressions could cause distortions that could present in different holding
patterns on body tissues, and sensations like numbness, tingling or physical symptoms that
seem to be unresolvable through traditional strengthening, stretching, mobility approaches or
manual therapies.

Nerves can get compressed from a myriad of different ways; physical traumas, high levels of
stress, neurological conditions, excessive sitting or staying in certain positions for prolonged
periods of time, spinal disc injuries, bony injuries or shape changes (osteoarthritis, bone
spurs), scar tissue formation or adhesions that can stick to nerves, or acute injuries causing
swelling.

Because the body contracts in twisting patterns, if there’s a tension, there will be a twist
pattern of contraction. Relieving tension allows the spine to unwind and unravel back to a
more balanced place for each body in their most organic way.

 

Give these a try!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb3xxH2vRcU

Tight adductors and the line of tension from the shoulder running diagonally across the body
to the opposite knee is one that might get tight and restrict movement freedom, so this
mobilisation pairs breath to lengthen the line of the hip flexor, through the psoas and
accessory breathing muscles and to open the shoulder allowing for expansion in the front of
the body and extension in the back.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0K1lFsLyJA

This nerve floss, the “Egyptian”, invites the nerves through the opposite arm through
opposite foot to glide and slide: if you think of a towel that is twisted around a string, if you

twist the towel more, the string will be asked to slide and glide against the towel. So this
nerve floss, pressing hips-to-heels-to heart-to-hand gives the nerves space to move along
the line from foot to hand. This is a fun one to play with in your body by being creative with
your shape and how you feel like expressing yourself from your inside.

 

Colntact Melanie Sakowski at melaniesakowski999@gmail.com or 1-(250) 650-5771
Instagram @wildkinesiology

Slinky Spine takes place Tuesdays 3-4pm at Union Health and Performance:
https://unionhealthandperformance.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/21

Text between Lauren and a client where she shares that the duct has resolved completely.
By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Bottle Feeding, Breast to bottle feeding, Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, Clogged Ducts, Pumping, Ultrasound , , , , ,

Blocked (Plugged or Clogged) Milk Duct Education Series, Part 2: Home & In-Clinic Treatment Options for Blocked Ducts

Blocked (Plugged or Clogged) Milk Duct Education Series: Part 2 of 3.

Home & In-Clinic Treatment Options for Blocked Ducts & Mastitis

 

Text between Lauren and a client where she shares that the duct has resolved completely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you suspect you have a clogged duct, and especially if you think you have mastitis, you should contact your health care provider to let them know. They will ask you some screening questions to determine the urgency of your case.

Therapeutic Ultrasound Machine used at Glow Physio

One treatment I offer that has helped hundreds of women is a painless and comforting treatment called Therapeutic Ultrasound. In most cases, the duct can be unblocked in 1-2 sessions. This is an evidenced-based treatment that is often recommended by maternity care providers in Squamish, who refer their patients to me for this treatment. I can also add therapeutic cupping, as well as acupuncture (with or without microcurrent/MPS), to further enhance the treatment. 

What can you do to get started right now? :

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Standard of Care states that “Ultrasound has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of blocked milk ducts.”

La Leche League offers the following advice when you suspect a clogged duct:

  • Breastfeed as often as your baby wishes
  • Rest
  • Apply ice or cold packs to the tender area
  • If you are engorged, consider doing lymphatic drainage—a very gentle, light yet firm touch, with fingertips flat to the skin in the armpit area and upper chest. To see a demonstration of lymphatic drainage massage, you can watch this video
  • In consultation with your healthcare provider, consider using ibuprofen (Advil®) alternating with acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

There is also a supplement called lecithin (available at Nesters in the Wellness Department) which is often prescribed to women with blocked ducts. Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Standard of Care states that “the milk secretions that remain in the breast from blocked ducts have a very high fatty composition with a higher rate of absorption. Lecithin is a phospholipid emulsifier and can be used to emulsify milk secretions to promote breast emptying. The typical dosage is 1200 mg/day 3-4 times per day.“ Please speak with your medical team regarding any supplements.

Hydrate more than usual and rest when you can!

In writing this blog post, I learned that some common advice is now OUTDATED!

La Leche League updated their post on this topic in 2023 to say that the following strategies are NO LONGER recommended:

  • Heat to the breast, or soaking in warm water
  • Vigorous, deep massage, or squeezing to try to get rid of a clog
  • Dangling over baby for feeding to try to move a clog using gravity
  • Using a comb, vibrator, or electric toothbrush on the breast
  • Trying to “empty” the breast through extra pumping or breastfeeding which increases milk production
  • Using antibiotics right at the beginning of symptoms
  • Using Epsom salts in a Haakaa or similar silicone breast pump for nipple blebs
  • Using saline soaks, warm compresses, olive oil, castor oil, or other oils on the skin of the breast or nipple
  • Removing the skin or “popping” a bleb, which may allow infection to develop
  • Routine sterilization of pumps and household items is not necessary, although daily cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions is important to avoid infection from dirty pump parts.3 For more general information see this fact sheet.

My next post will outline evidence-based tips on how to prevent mastitis:

As mentioned previously, in Squamish, we are fortunate to have an exceptional group of practitioners to help with lactation questions, including the new collaboration between Mountain Maternity and Roots Midwives, and Anna Turyk of Nuture Sea To Sky Lactation Consulting Services. La Leche League Squamish is also an excellent resource. 

Strategies to treat and prevent clogged ducts, including treatments I offer in the clinic, are coming up in the next post!

Image of milk ducts with showing how inflammation and skin redness can present.
By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Breast to bottle feeding, Breastfeeding, Clogged Ducts, Pumping, Ultrasound , , , , ,

Blocked (Plugged or Clogged) Milk Duct Education Series, Part 1: Blocked Ducts Vs Mastitis

Blocked Milk Duct Education Series, Part 1 of 3.

Blocked Milk Ducts Vs Mastitis:

Image of milk ducts with showing how inflammation and skin redness can present.
Inflamed Milk Ducts

A plugged (or blocked) duct often comes as a surprise to most lactating mums. It is an area within the breast where the flow of milk is obstructed. This can occur at a nipple pore (known as a milk blister) or it can be further back in the ducts. It tends to affect only one breast and often comes on gradually. You won’t likely feel other symptoms, but a low grade fever (less than 38.5 degrees) might be present.  

La Leche League states that “blocked milk ducts occur when milk is unable to flow through easily. You may notice redness, or feel a tender spot or a sore lump.”

Kellymom adds that “the location of the plug may shift. A plugged duct will typically feel more painful before a feeding and less tender afterward, and the plugged area will usually feel less lumpy or smaller after nursing. Nursing on the affected side may be painful, particularly at letdown.”

Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked duct doesn’t clear and causes localized swelling and inflammation. La Leche League adds that “It is also possible for the breast to become infected .If you have mastitis, you may have a higher fever (likely above 38.5) and may feel like you have the flu.

La Leche League notes that you are more likely to develop a breast infection if you stop feeding from a breast that already has a blocked duct or mastitis. They say that “your commitment to breastfeeding [or breast-to-bottle feeding – author’s note added] your baby can be truly tested at times like this, especially when putting your baby to the breast may be the last thing you feel like doing. However continuing to breastfeed frequently is part of the solution and stopping suddenly is likely to make the problem a great deal worse.”

It is crucial to address engorgement and blocked ducts as soon as possible to avoid the progression to mastitis or even an infection, and be sure to address any possible causes.

Always contact your health care provider if you have concerns about the possibility of mastitis.

In Squamish, we are fortunate to have an exceptional group of practitioners to help with lactation questions, including the new collaboration between Mountain Maternity and Roots Midwives, and Anna Turyk of Nuture Sea To Sky Lactation Consulting Services. La Leche League Squamish is also an excellent resource. 

Strategies to treat and prevent clogged ducts, including treatments I offer in the clinic, are coming up in the next post!

Lauren Lozinky pregnant on the Chief in Squamish
By Lauren Lozinsky 1 Comments Exercises, Pelvic Floor, Physiotherapy, Pregnancy

Exercise In Pregnancy – The How, The What & The Why (& How Much Is Too Much)

Lauren Lozinky pregnant on the Chief in Squamish
Hiking at the top of the Sea To Sky Gondola I’m Squamish while pregnant with my first son in 2017.

Staying active has been shown to reduce to risk of tearing and minimize postpartum pelvic floor issues. There is a wide range of information (and misinformation) available about exercise in pregnancy. The pregnant clients I see in clinic are generally very active, but it is also important to note that if you haven’t been a regular exerciser, it is never too late to start.

Here are the key points from the most recent Canadian guidelines

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By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Lower Back pain, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Pain , ,

Lower Back and Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – What’s The Connection?

These two people might have more in common than they think.

If you have chronic pain in your lower back, hips, or pelvis, your pelvic floor might be trying to get your attention. A 2018 study¹ by renowned Canadian Pelvic Health Physiotherapists Sinead Dufour, Brittany and Carolyn Vandyken, and MJ Forget examined the pelvic floor characteristics of women seeking Physiotherapy for lumbopelvic pain (lower back and/or pelvic girdle pain). 95% of the women in the study who had lumbopelvic pain also had signs of pelvic floor dysfunction (as evidenced by tenderness, weakness of the pelvic floor, and pelvic organ prolapse). Of the participants, 71% of the participants had tenderness when their pelvic floor muscles were examined. What this means is that the participant had excessive activity of these muscles, or an “overactive” pelvic floor. 66% of the participants had weakness in their pelvic floor muscles, and 41% had a prolapse.

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By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Pelvic Floor, Physiotherapy, Postpartum

What is the Pelvic Floor and how is it treated?

Our Pelvic Floor Muscles are often misunderstood and underappreciated. This is because they are difficult to visualize and are hard to feel, and yet they play vital roles. The Pelvic Floor has four main functions: stability for the entire body, bladder function, bowel function and sexual health. Since they are part of many of our unconscious everyday activities, and we can’t see them, how can we train them?

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By Lauren Lozinsky 0 Comments Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Pain, Physiotherapy, Urinary Incontinence , ,

Urinary Incontinence

According to The Canadian Continence Foundation, around 10% of the population experiences incontinence, or leaking urine without meaning to. Although it is common, it is not normal, and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is the first line of defense. Since there is a solution, you do not have to accept it as part of your life.

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