Women’s Health PT & Phrenic Nerve Breathing Tips: May Newsletter

Introducing our new Women’s Health and orthopedic PT – Lise Spencer, and why the phrenic nerve is connected to mental health!

Welcome Lise Spencer, DPT!

Lise received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine and her Bachelors in Kinesiology from Montana State University, GO CATS!

She is a Certified Level 1 Crossfit Coach and has education with training young professionals to return to their sport with emphasis on injury prevention. Lise has further specialized in the field of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy with the Herman and Wallace Institute of Clinical Excellence. She is also certified in Dry Needling!

Lise’s methodology toward patient care combines her expertise in Physical Therapy with love of fitness to guide her patients towards recovery and performance! Her goal is to empower individuals as they progress through the various stages of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Whether she is aiding patients in managing prenatal symptoms, crafting safe exercise plans, or facilitating a return to an active lifestyle post-partum, Lise is dedicated to offering consistent and thorough support throughout every step of their journey.

Click to Book with Lise Today!

Mental Health Awareness Month: The Phrenic Nerve

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical fitness. The phrenic nerve stems from the spinal cord levels C3-C5. This nerve is responsible for breathing and emotions; so it’s important to keep it activated. The diaphragm, our main muscle for breathing, helps people recover from illness and surgery as well as athletes working on endurance. The phrenic nerve also carries sensory information to the brain, effecting emotional processing. Montana residents who live at elevation need to maximize their oxygen intake and a great way to do that is by taking care of our nervous system. These breathing exercises below are a great way to start:

Inspiratory Muscle Training

Sit up straight or lie on your back with one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4-6 seconds focusing on your stomach rising (not your chest). Exhale slowly through pursed lips for 6-8 seconds. Perform 2-3 sets of 10 slow breaths once or twice per day!

Yoga: Crocodile Pose

Lie face down with your forehead resting on your hands. Focus on breathing deeply into your belly and lower ribs. This pose naturally moves your breath into the back and sides of the lungs.

Check out Yoga With Adriene on YouTube!