Episode 10: Grounding Techniques for Patients and Providers

In this episode, we explore the concept of grounding in pelvic health. Grounding is “directing attention toward what is happening in the present moment.” It has many benefits for patients AND providers including improved bodily awareness, improved focus, and better problem-solving. 

In our experience, grounding can also reduce sympathetic nervous system activation and help regulate emotional reactions. Oftentimes people in pelvic PT feel betrayed by their body or try to avoid bodily signals as a way of adapting to pain. When people are disconnected from their bodies it can affect their progress. Helping people feel safe is a prerequisite to many treatments, such as dilator training and pelvic floor muscle training. Grounding through breathwork, movement, and cognitive exercises can help patients re-orient to the present moment. 

Providers may also need to practice this skill throughout sessions for many of the same reasons as patients. When providers are grounded we can hold space for patients and better teach this essential skill. We end by sharing our favorite techniques to use for ourselves and with patients. 

Highlights from our conversation in Episode 10

• Introduction to Grounding (0:38)
• Benefits of grounding practices (4:23)
• Grounding and bodily awareness in PT practice (6:59)
• Grounding for emotional awareness/regulation (13:44)
• It starts with us as the provider (18:29)
• Our favorite techniques (26:57)
• Focusing on experience rather than the outcome (35:56)

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Resources from Episode 10

• The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren (2:03)
• Episode 8: Dr. Krystyna Holland on Trauma-Informed Pelvic Health Practice (14:03)
• Additional handouts of Grounding Techniques 
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