Connecting with like minded providers is something that I truly love. And when they are able to think of the emotional, physical and education needs of clients during the perinatal period, well, that is just icing on the cake of providers we want to know. And more importantly, they are providers we want to connect our clients to!
Kyrsten Spurrier of The Perinatal Pelvis is one such provider! She sees clients in her Hillsborough office, which is great to be able to provide access to pelvic floor support for those in Orange and Alamance Counties. She also offers a very interesting perspective to the pelvic health as an occupational therapist.
Typically we see physical therapists offering these services, but the addition of an occupational therapist means a provider who is focus on activities of daily living (ADLs, the bread and butter of OTs) in regards to the pelvis and pelvic floor is wonderful. And we can all agree that ADLs and the pelvis are closely related. OTs focus on improving movements and activities, and that is exactly Kyrsten’s goal when it comes to her clients!
Without further ado, let’s get into the fun of meeting Kyrsten Spurrier!
What made you want to work with the perinatal population?
I began The Perinatal Pelvis out of my own story. I had complications during and after I delivered my first baby, who is now 4.
These complications resulted in me going to pelvic floor PT for 1.5 years. I have experienced bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, pelvic pressure and pain.
I did my exercises, and things did get better, but along the way I realized that we could be doing more No one asked me about my work demands, the emotional toll it was taking on me, how I was dealing with the frustration, or how it was affecting my self confidence.
Out of my journey, I pursued education to combine occupational therapy’s concern for a person’s total wellness with the specific internal and external techniques necessary to heal a woman’s body. I love this work in empowering women to life a live they desire.
What does a typical first session with you look like?
The first session at The Perinatal Pelvis starts with an extended time getting to know you and your journey. From the information gathered it is discussed the best course of action for your situation. That can include external pelvic/ low back examinations, internal examinations, exercises, posture assessments, lifestyle modifications, and education.
The entire process is very collaborative and only proceeds with your consent. Since being a cash based practice I am allowed to give you the time and personalized treatment that you need.
How does your training as an occupational therapist shape the interactions you have with your clients?
Occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being and quality of life by helping find effective ways that individuals can uphold what is meaningful for them.
This definitely shapes the interactions I have with my patients and makes sessions at The Perinatal Pelvis different then what you would get other places. My goal is to help you with your dysfunction by looking at your roles, responsibilities, and goals then provide physical, emotional and mental interventions to empower you to be the mom you desire to be.
When ideally would you like to see all of your clients to help optimize the treatment they receive?
Ideally patients would come have a few sessions while pregnant to prepare their bodies for delivery even if their pregnancy is going very smoothly. If a patient is feeling pelvic floor symptoms such as low back, pain, incontinence, pelvic pressure, etc. during their pregnancy pelvic floor therapy can help tremendously.
After delivery there are things that can be addressed ~ 4 weeks postpartum, but I don’t do internal work until after they have been cleared by their physician ~ 6 weeks.
The dysfunction that can come from pregnancy or delivery can be addressed and improved for years down the road therefore it is never too late to seek help.
Also there are many conditions that can occur without the life event of pregnancy and postpartum. At The Perinatal Pelvis we can help you with your pelvic floor dysfunction whether you have had a birth or not.
When you are not working with clients, where can we find you?
When I am not at my clinic you will find me at home with my husband and 2 boys. I have a 4 y/o and 18 month old which keep me very busy. We like hiking, going to the park and playing baseball in the backyard. I am originally from Idaho so this time of year always gets me excited for our New Years trip back there to ski.
