About Dr.Liudmila Lahonda, DPT, PT, OCS
Education
Dr. Liudmila Lahonda (Mila) is a compassionate and dedicated physical therapist who believes in a comprehensive approach to treatment and patient education. She obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2017 and has accumulated nearly five years of experience in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. Continuously striving to enhance her skills, Mila has pursued various continuing education courses focused on corrective movement patterns, gait analysis, manual therapy techniques, and pelvic floor therapy. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with accomplished Physical Therapists who have served as mentors and sources of inspiration.
In 2020, Mila achieved the prestigious status of being a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), a certification that instills her with confidence in delivering exceptional care to her patients. Her commitment to lifelong learning sets her apart, as she strives to stay at the forefront of her field and provide the highest quality care. Her OCS certification places her among the esteemed 6% of Physical Therapists in the United States who hold this distinction.
Originally from Belarus, Mila’s educational background lies in finance and banking. However, her journey to becoming a Physical Therapist began in 2008, when her passion for understanding the human body’s anatomy, movement patterns, and healing potential led her to take her first class in Anatomy and Physiology while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. Despite maintaining an interest in nutrition, her fascination with the body’s mechanics and potential for recovery propelled her to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
Recently, Mila has embraced the world of Pilates, which has allowed her to experience the body in a different way by identifying movement limitations and weaknesses. Drawing upon her extensive training, continuing education courses, and years of experience, she approaches her patients holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of the body.
“I believe in a comprehensive approach to my treatments, viewing each person as a whole, as everything within the body is interconnected.”
Mila’s current area of interest revolves around fascia and its deep connections throughout the body.
During her leisure time, Mila enjoys immersing herself in the outdoors, engaging in hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her son, family, and friends. Exploring and experimenting with new recipes is also a beloved hobby that brings her joy.
“I believe in a comprehensive approach to treatment and patient education. The way the human body is able to heal, adapt, and perform keeps fascinating me. I have been lucky to work with, be mentored, and be inspired by great Physical Therapists through my first years of being a PT. I am a lifelong learner in order to provide the best care for my patients. My patients’ success is my success and that is what pushes me forward in learning and evolving in my profession. Outside the clinic I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, hiking, traveling, and just enjoying simple things in life.”
Career
She has been working for almost five years in an outpatient orthopedic clinic.
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Continuing Education Courses
- Gait Analysis Specialist
- Manual Therapist
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Types, Causes, Common Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Liudmila Lahonda, DPT, PT, OCS
Prolapse Introduction
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the pelvic organs below their anatomical position.
Causes
Multifactorial with the most common risk factors
- Pregnancy and vaginal delivery
- Increasing age
- Constipation
- Increased BMI
- Chronic coughing
- Repeated heavy lifting
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Most Common Symptoms
- Pelvic and abdominal heaviness, which is worse with standing
- Vaginal bulging
- Sexual discomfort
- Incomplete bladder or bowel emptying
Pelvic organ prolapse may be asymptomatic as well.
Conservative Treatment
- Physical Therapy with a focus on:
- Education on Intra-abdominal pressure and the role of Pelvic Floor Muscles as a support system
- Education on proper breathing and avoiding bearing down
- Pelvic Floor Muscle strengthening and overall core muscles strengthening
- Education on postural alignment
3. Surgery
Stages of Prolapse
There are 4 stages of Prolapse: 0 – IV