TheraWand

[PurpleTea]

Hello,

Has anyone every purchased a TheraWand and attempted to do their own physical therapy? I can’t find a therapist locally so was wondering if this was worth trying.

[Cardinal]

I bought one and tried it several times but since you're not touching the muscles with your own hand, I felt it was difficult to tell whether i was on a muscle or had it jabbed into an area it wasn't supposed to be, etc. I guess i just didn't feel very coordinated using it. My PT tried to show me how to use it, but I just couldn't get the hang of it.

[PurpleTea in reply to Cardinal]

I saw a pretty good YouTube video on how to do it with your finger but I think I’d rather try a wand. I just don’t want to go prodding about without some sort of idea where I’m supposed to be poking.

I’ve been reading through some of your posts. I think I’ve learnt more from you than the drs. Have you ever thought about starting a blog or a Website?

[icrelief]

I’m sorry you’ve not been able to find a women’s health physical therapist! You may find Heal Pelvic and Abdominal Pain DVD by Amy Stein, DPT a great resource.

[PurpleTea in reply to icrelief]

Would that be any good for vulvodynia? Lately I feel that part of the discomfort is worse than the pelvic pain and is getting worse whilst the period type pain has lessened slightly.

[icrelief in reply to PurpleTea]

You should see your gynecologist to determine if your vulvar discomfort is due to vulvodynia or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

There are different types of wands that may help with different symptoms. I highly suggest that you see a gynecologist or uro-gynecologist so that you can get a proper diagnosis.

May I suggest you use 2 ice packs, one for the pelvic pain and one for the vulvar discomfort, you can find them both at ic-network.com (if it’s not .com, it’s .net). One is shaped like the front of your panties and the other is rectangular and the right size to put on the vulva. Use a barrier cloth with both to protect your skin (I use a soft, clean 🙃 sock to slide the vulvar ice pack and pin it to my panties). Physical therapist suggest that you apply ice for 15-20 minutes per hour, as needed.

Best wishes!

[PurpleTea in reply to icrelief]

Thanks for the suggestion. I usually sit with a half frozen water bottle between my legs and a hot water bottle for the lower back and pelvic pain.

I have seen a gynaecologist . She did a biopsy which showed nothing but given it feels like a deep ache type feeling I didn’t think it would. When I asked again she told me I needed to see a therapist. I left the appointment crying.

I haven’t been able to find a PT locally which is a shame as I feel that would really help, although I’m beginning to wonder if the pain is nerve related caused by a fall I had on my tailbone last year, as I’ve seen a few sites that say that could causes issues.

[icrelief in reply to PurpleTea]

It could be related to your tailbone, but you need to see a professional to help you with a physical therapy evaluation. Go to apta.org, click on "For the Public" then on "Find a PT" you might get lucky and find one close to where you live.

Additionally, using a heating pad (not followed by an ice pack) can cause your nerve endings to become more energized and thus cause more pain/discomfort when the heating pad is removed. Ice numbs the nerve endings. So if using heat, always follow by 15-20 minutes of icing.

[PurpleTea in reply to icrelief]

That’s really helpful. I’ve just been holding the heat pad on for hours. Sometimes I’m using incredibly hot water in the hot water bottle. Like nearly freshly boiled. Apta is based in the USA and I’m in the Uk but thank you. Think I will try and get a copy of the Amy stein book and try that as well as going for a back X-ray.

[icrelief in reply to PurpleTea]

Where in the U.K.? I used to live there (near Windsor) and know quite a few Women's Health Physiotherapists from around the country.

Do NOT leave the heating pad on for more than 20 minutes and do NOT use scalding water. There is a condition called Toasted Skin Syndrome (erythema ab igne), it is a real problem for those who use a heating pad longer than recommend. See ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[PurpleTea in reply to icrelief]

Ok that’s scary. Just swore reading that. I’ve always filled hot water bottles from the kettle and held it to me. I’ve even slept with them between my legs and tucked into the wasteband of tracksuit bottoms. Same as when I take baths. They are so hot. I’ve always boiled myself. Lessoned learned. I’m in Essex but unfortunately I can’t drive and not able to travel far (overcoming agoraphobia and I don’t really have any close family that could take me).

[icrelief in reply to PurpleTea]

They have a women’s health team at Broomfield or you could link in with Zoe Eggleton, I believe she works out of the Holy in Chelmsford. Hope that helps.

[PurpleTea in reply to icrelief]

Thank you for looking. The private places are way out of my price range. £200 just for the first consultation. I've had my biopsy, pap and hormone levels etc. They didn’t offer anything more and it was the gynaecologist there that said I needed therapy. The second said my irregular periods are what was causing the pelvic pain. The problem is definitely in my vagina and not my head! I have a gp appointment in 2 weeks so will see if begging helps me get referred back and under the women’s health team. Think that’s part of the pain management service. I had asked my gp what else I could do but first she said try antibiotics and then it’s a wait and see what the gynaecologist says. I will just have to keep asking and not stop until every gp at my surgery has see my ladies parts I guess.

No more heat and random prodding. I really think the women of this site need to start a website. I’ve had more advice and seen more useful comments here then I’ve had at the drs. X

[Ragrug]

what os a thera wand and what is it for.zI am new to this group.I have a pr

olapsed uterus the surgeon suggested hystetectomy however it would result in my being incontinent.Hem ten suggested a butterfly pessa.ry as all the ring ones fall out...any help out there?

ragrug

[PurpleTea in reply to Ragrug]

It’s like an internal massage stick used to relax tight pelvic floor muscles. I haven’t seen it used for prolapse so I wouldn’t want to recommend it.

[Hidden]

I personally wouldn't recommend you use anything,unless under some experienced persons guidance. You can do yourself more damage.

[PurpleTea in reply to Hidden]

Think I’m getting desperate! I’ve contacted so many people this week in the hope of finding someone that can do something. It would help if a dr would actually tell me what the issue is.

[Hidden in reply to PurpleTea]

Now I think your asking for a miracle,a doctor to commit himself.🙄

[JJKNP in reply to PurpleTea]

Is your pain coming from both sides or mainly one side? And does it radiate to the inner thigh?

[charlee4 in reply to Hidden]

Do not use the wand until you have seen a therapist or other medical personnel tell you what to do. You really could do harm to yourself.

[icrelief in reply to charlee4]

I agree 1,000%! See a gynecologist or uro-gynecologist for a proper diagnosis and ask for a referral to a women’s health physical therapist for evaluation and treatment. Amy Stein’s DVD and/or book are great resources to have and may help, as she discusses the different types of exercises for different conditions. Again, best wishes!

[PurpleTea]

I’ll take the advice of not buying one. Would hate to make things worse.

[Lulububs]

To tell truth i had pf therapy and she showed me how to use one and finger and i found finger better as u can actually feel the tightness in the pf whereas when ur using a wand u cant actually feel the tightness.

U should find a womens health physio or a good womens health osteo they wont go inside but they can help relax from outside whereas the women health physio will go inside

[icrelief]

I would definitely firmly request a referral from your GP for pelvic floor therapy. I was self-pay in the U.K., which as you said it’s quite expensive.

[AdeleS586]

I do home therapy with the Therawand every day, or almost every day.

I only use it 5 minutes on each side so 10 minutes total once a day only. Because my wand has an S curve, it is quite easy for me to use.

I would also recommend a skilled pelvic floor physical therapist. I didn't have to undergo any surgeries I'm not on any medications. I was diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia in late December 2015.