Episode 53: Hidden Hernias, Endometriosis, and Misdiagnoses in Pelvic Pain with Dr. Sallie Sarrel

I’m joined by Dr. Sally Sarrel to discuss the hidden layers of pelvic pain that often get dismissed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.Dr Sallie Sarrel is a pelvic physical therapist and person with endometriosis. After diagnosis took 23 years of sheer frustration with the medical system, Sallie created a practice to be a safe haven for all with endometriosis and its associated disorders. Together with Dr Andrea Vidali, she founded The Endometriosis Summit to unite surgeons, patients, practitioners and caregivers to drive endometriosis forward. She has a passion for treating people with endometriosis with leg, bladder, and groin pain , Sallie gives voice to all who struggle with endometriosis and adenomyosis. Reminding the endometriosis community that you are worthy and together we can ignite changeWe dig into:What an occult (aka hidden) hernia is, and why it’s often missed on imagingWhy so many people with groin pain or endometriosis are told "it's your ovary"... when it’s notThe role of the ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves in chronic pelvic painHow what we think are yeast infections, are nerve compression causing itching Why your feet, fascia, and diaphragm might be contributing to your symptomsHow misused medical language can tank a person’s healing and hopeThe role of thoracic mobility, gait, lymph, and nervous system regulation in long-term recoveryHow as pelvic floor physical therapists we have much more skillsets to help our patients besides internal treatments.Whether you're a patient, a provider, or both, this episode brings truth, education, and advocacy in a way the pelvic health world desperately needs.00:00 Introduction to TMI Talk with Dr. Mary00:13 Meet Dr. Sally Rell: Pelvic Floor Specialist01:06 Episode Overview: Topics on Pelvic Pain03:14 Welcome to the Show, Dr. Sally Rell03:42 Understanding Occult Hernias07:24 Diagnosing Hidden Hernias08:52 Physical Therapy Approaches for Pelvic Pain14:35 The Role of the Diaphragm and Thoracic Mobility18:11 Challenges in the Medical System23:44 The Importance of Holistic Treatment28:08 Hydration and Heart Rate Management28:24 Empowering vs. Traumatic Diagnoses28:55 Personal Experiences with POTS and Endometriosis32:03 The Role of Fascia in Health33:17 Endometriosis: A Surgical Disease36:17 Diaphragmatic and Lung Endometriosis41:33 Educating Healthcare Practitioners and Patients47:29 The Future of AI in Medical Diagnosis50:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationYou can learn more about Sallie at https://salliesarrel.comIf you are interested in the endometrosis summit, you can learn more here Want support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.