Tag Archives: pelvic health

What comes after the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)? The next steps

I had a conversation with Dr. Harold Frazier ( http://www.gwdocs.com/physicians/hal-frazier ) the other day about some alternative testing when Prostate Cancer is suspect.  This would be the next step after the initial screening with the PSA if it shows an elevated level.  In the past, a biopsy would be the next step.  This however can pose a number of risks to the patient, infection, bleeding, and just being plain unpleasant.

We talked first about a blood test that I had heard about from the Cleveland Clinic called the 4Kscore test.  This one combines four prostate-specific results with clinical information into an algorithm that calculates the individual’s risk for aggressive prostate cancer.  It has good clinical confirmation behind it.  

He also talked about another test that was not a blood test, but a urine test called SelectMDX.  It measures the mRNA levels of two biomarkers and helps determine if the possibility of a more aggressive form of cancer is likely and if a biopsy is therefore warranted.  Good news if you don’t want to go through another blood draw!

The downside is the expense of the test and the possibility that insurance may not cover the tests.  The upside is that there are more options to help detect prostate cancer and the options are simpler and more effective than ever before.

As with all methods of prostate screening, a good dialogue with your doctor, your risk factors, and age should always be taken into consideration before proceeding.

 

 

By: Patrick Wenning, PT

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/what-s-next-yellow-sticker-note-1462747/

Postpartum Pelvic Health: Vol. 1.

During pregnancy and delivery, natural changes occur that impact your pelvic floor and abdominal wall. These changes can cause pain and discomfort for many women during pregnancy and/or after delivery. Childbirth takes a toll on our bodies regardless of the method of delivery.

The toll of postural changes and weight gain on the body can lead to conditions such has back pain, abdominal separation (diastasis recti abdominis), urinary urgency and leakage. It is a misconstrued notion that these symptoms are normal because they are common. Common is not the same as normal. Many women need assistance treating these symptoms so they do not deal with life-long consequences. The good news is therapists at Restore Motion are skilled in treating both pre and postpartum symptoms.

Physical therapy can help pregnant women be strong and fit while decreasing complications during delivery and improving the birth experience. Physical Therapy can also assist postpartum women in regaining their pre-pregnancy body.