Lisa Scialla, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Yoga Instructor 

Lisa brings her diverse knowledge of the human body through her practice as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Yoga Instructor and is able to blend both the physical and mental components of her work to best support her students. 

1. What can people expect from this workshop? 

One can expect an overview of the anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles and associated muscles of the hips and abdomen. One can expect to gain an understanding of how the pelvic floor muscles work with breath and the diaphragm. We will briefly discuss innervation and the autonomic nervous system and how it relates to pelvic issues. We will also discuss common issues associated with pelvic floor dysfunction such as prolapse, continence issues (of bowel and bladder) and chronic pelvic pain. We will discuss and practice mula bandha, kegels and learn what a reverse kegel is. Finally we will practice yoga poses that either lengthen and stretch the pelvic floor muscles and those that strengthen these muscles. 

2. Why did you decide to teach this workshop? 

I think it is so important to address this area of the body. This area is the center of our being. It is where life begins. Though we expect this area of the body to function correctly everyday we rarely address healthy body maintenance of the pelvis. Many women and men suffer silently and when they finally address private issues with a health care provider they are often told to just do kegels. It is not uncommon for complaints to be met with “what do you expect, you just had a baby, or you went through menopause”. Complaints of pain, particularly pain with sex can make a person feel ashamed and alone like they are the only one in the world that this happens to. Many do not even confide in their partner, feeling that there must be something wrong with them. When people don’t feel good in their bodies it is difficult to control the mind. 

3. Who will benefit from this workshop?

Really anyone with a pelvis would benefit from this workshop. I believe we have decided to target women for this workshop as many women expressed feeling more comfortable asking questions in a female only environment. In my PT practice I see as many men as women and I see adult patients of all ages. Pelvic work can help such problems as incontinence, hip and back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, sexual dysfunction, prolapse, post partum issues, tailbone pain and PTSD relating to the pelvis. 

4. Can you talk about a take-home lesson?

I think the take home lesson is to get in touch with our bodies and to not assume you have to live with something that makes you uncomfortable. Pelvic issues can make anyone feel alone and isolated. Chances are there is someone in the room who feels or has felt the way you do. 

5. How has your work as a PT and a Yoga Teacher come together for this class? 

As on orthopedic and pelvic health therapist I deal daily with impaired muscle performance, poor core stability and pelvic floor dysfunction. People struggle to connect or even see the connection between body, emotional health and the mind.  Yoga is the perfect venue to make these important connections between the body, heart and mind. A simple daily practice can influence the body as a whole; the balance of sthira and sukha.