Meet Jodi Taub, LCSW and Dr. Melanie Carminati, PT, DPT, GTS, NCPT—two powerhouse professionals on a mission to support individuals living with chronic illness through a mind-body approach rooted in empathy, evidence, and empowerment.🧠 Jodi Taub is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic growth. Through her private practice, she helps clients build resilience, improve relationships, and reclaim their sense of control through acceptance-based and relational therapy.🌐 Learn more: joditaubtherapy.comTogether, they’re breaking down the stigma of invisible illnesses, supporting patients through both mental and physical recovery, and creating spaces for community, connection, and healing.Many individuals living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses experience medical trauma, including PTSD-like symptoms. A flare-up of symptoms can resurface past emotional distress, making recovery feel cyclical and unpredictable. Grief and healing are not linear, especially for those managing chronic conditions—it’s more of a roller coaster with emotional highs and lows.Mental Health and Chronic IllnessMental health challenges—like anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout—are common and valid responses to the chronic stress and pain of illness. These aren’t personal failings—they’re part of the human response to ongoing suffering, physical limitations, and social pressures.Common Emotional Struggles: • Fear of flare-ups or medical regression • Financial insecurity and navigating health insurance • Fear of losing relationships or not being understood • Medical gaslighting and difficulty finding compassionate providersFear Avoidance & Physical TherapyFor patients with persistent pain (e.g., hypermobility, EDS), fear avoidance can develop after painful movements or injuries. Physical therapists use gentle, gradual exposure and nervous system-based protocols to reintroduce movement safely and rebuild trust in the body.Acceptance Is a ProcessAcceptance doesn’t mean giving up—it’s about acknowledging the reality of the moment, finding grounding techniques, and learning how to adapt, communicate, and advocate. That includes: • Developing daily non-negotiable routines (meds, hygiene, light movement) • Using mindfulness to stay present • Communicating inconsistent capabilities and setting realistic boundaries with othersSelf-Advocacy in Medical SettingsMany patients become experts in their own conditions. Learning to self-advocate—whether it’s asking providers to wear a mask or challenging a treatment plan—builds empowerment and helps foster mutual respect in patient-provider relationships.Coping Strategies That WorkCoping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some helpful, accessible strategies include: • Spending time in nature, even briefly • Creative expression or learning • Physical touch (hugging a pet, the butterfly hug) • Grounding techniques like box breathing • Maintaining supportive community connections • Using mood tracking apps like Daylio or MoodPanda to notice emotional patternsThe Role of CommunityIsolation is one of the most damaging aspects of chronic illness. Building and maintaining social connections—even virtually—can reduce loneliness, improve outcomes, and foster resilience. Whether it’s through online groups, peer support, or simply texting a friend, you don’t have to go through it alone.Final MessageYou are not alone, and you are not broken. There is strength in vulnerability, and resilience can grow from even the most painful chapters. The more openly we share, the more we shift the narrative around chronic illness—from surviving to thriving together.#ChronicIllnessSupport #MindBodyHealing #TraumaInformedCare #FunctionalWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ptsdrecovery #InvisibleIllness #Hypermobility #IntegrativeTherapy #JodiTaub #InspiraPhysicalTherapy

Host: Dr. Melanie Carminati, PT, DPT, GTS, NCPT Guest: Dr. Juan Salgado, MD Dr. Salgado from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a distinguished endometriosis specialist renowned for his expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, particularly in minimally invasive surgery. Today, he generously shares his journey and insights into the revolutionary treatment of endometriosis. Dr. Salgado's Journey: From Tradition to Innovation Dr. Salgado embarked on his medical career as an OB-GYN over three decades ago. However, it wasn't until 2009 that a pivotal moment reshaped his approach to endometriosis treatment. Faced with a patient's harrowing experience due to untreated endometriosis, Dr. Salgado recognized the pressing need for change. Determined to evolve, he embraced laparoscopic techniques under the mentorship of pioneering figures. With unwavering dedication, Dr. Salgado mastered advanced laparoscopic procedures, including bowel resections and bladder excisions. His commitment to excellence has revolutionized endometriosis treatment, emphasizing the crucial role of accurate diagnosis through techniques like endometriosis mapping via sonogram. The Power of Endometriosis Mapping via Sonogram Endometriosis mapping via sonogram offers unparalleled accuracy in diagnosing deep endometriosis compared to traditional methods like MRI. Dr. Salgado underscores the importance of training and expertise in interpreting sonogram results accurately. He advocates for the widespread adoption of this technique to optimize surgical planning and ensure comprehensive lesion removal. Advocacy and Collaboration: Spreading Awareness and Expertise Dr. Salgado's vision extends beyond clinical practice. He strives to disseminate endometriosis mapping globally, collaborating with organizations like Endometriosis Puerto Rico and Endo Communities worldwide. Through advocacy efforts, he aims to increase awareness and access to advanced treatments for endometriosis. Empowering Patients: Education and Support In conclusion, Dr. Juan Salgado Morales epitomizes innovation and compassion in endometriosis treatment. His journey illustrates the transformative power of dedication and expertise in improving patient outcomes. As we navigate the complexities of endometriosis, Dr. Salgado's insights serve as a beacon of hope for patients and practitioners alike. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Salgado for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by endometriosis. His passion and expertise inspire us all to strive for excellence in healthcare.

Embarking on better pelvic health is crucial for overall well-being. Today, with Dr. Melanie Carminati, a distinguished Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Inspira Physical Therapy, we explore endometriosis's impact on pelvic floor anatomy, receiving expert advice on treatments and exercises.

Understanding Endometriosis and Its Effects: Dr. Carminati highlights the intricate relationship between endometriosis and pelvic health, revealing that 93.3% of women with endometriosis experience pain. Additionally, 75% exhibit increased tone in their levator ani muscles, emphasizing the prevalence of hypertonic pelvic floor issues among this group.

Research Findings and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Systematic reviews confirm that pelvic floor physical therapy reduces pain and improves overall quality of life for individuals with endometriosis. This underscores the transformative impact of targeted physical therapy interventions on managing pelvic pain.

Demystifying the Pelvic Floor: Dr. Carminati explains the pelvic floor's anatomy as a three-layered muscle group and its significance in understanding muscle tension, dysfunctions, and treatments.

Objective Assessments and Holistic Considerations: She begins with objective assessments, revealing the prevalence of hypertonic pelvic floor muscles and emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. She also considers diaphragm breathing dysfunctions and fascial restrictions for a comprehensive evaluation.

Connecting Through Subjective Experiences: Dr. Carminati acknowledges subjective experiences such as dyspareunia, urinary issues, and pain, fostering empathy and encouraging individuals to seek personalized solutions.

The Pelvic Floor's Role in the Deep Functional Core: She discusses the pelvic floor's connection to the deep functional core, emphasizing its interplay with the diaphragm and its disruption in dysfunctional pelvic health.

Practical Insights into Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Dr. Carminati outlines what to expect during therapy, covering communication, sexual function, and physical assessments to tailor treatment plans effectively.

Layered Approach to Therapy: She employs a layered approach, combining external observations, palpation, and internal assessments to create tailored treatment plans.

Manual Therapy and Osteopathic Techniques: Various manual therapy techniques, including Winback radio frequency therapy, aim to relax hypertonic pelvic floor muscles and restore pelvic health.

Osteopathic Techniques for CNS Regulation: Osteopathic techniques like craniosacral therapy aim to regulate the central nervous system, crucial for pain management.

Pelvic Floor PT Treatments and Exercise Considerations: Neuromuscular reeducation and exercise, such as diaphragm breathing and Pilates-based core reeducation, are integral components of therapy.

Building a Collaborative Support Team: Dr. Carminati advocates for a multidisciplinary team approach to pelvic health, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and specialists.

Validation and Encouragement: She validates individuals' experiences and encourages them to seek supportive healthcare, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in rehabilitation.