Introducing The Healthy Hive, LLC

​​Introducing The Healthy Hive, LLC. Therapy, education, and wellness services catering to women's health . I am Nikki Goodale, wife, mother, occupational therapist, and Birth Boot Camp instructor living in East Texas. 
My pregnancy and journey into motherhood has inspired new passions and career paths. Prior to my daughter's birth I worked full time as an OT, I worked the majority of the time in an outpatient clinic doing hand/upper extremity therapy and lymphedema therapy. When my daughter Lilly was born I quit working full time and started doing PRN (as needed) OT work in the acute hospital, outpatient, and home health settings so I could spend more time with her. This also allowed me to have the time to be able to take more courses in areas I was interested in.
As a new mom I began to see the importance of the "tribe". I had always heard the saying " it takes a village to raise a child" and this became very clear to me. New mothers face many challenges. Trying to navigate pregnancy and the postpartum time can be difficult. Many mothers find themselves feeling very isolated and do not know where to turn for information and support. I wanted to help educate and be a resource for women and saw a need for more women's health services in East Texas.
I am a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and for the past several years have enjoyed working with women recovering from breast cancer. I've treated people of all ages with hand and upper extremity conditions and treated many common conditions seen in pregnant women and caregivers such as carpal tunnel and dequervain's tenosynovitis aka " mommy thumb". With my new interests in pregnancy and birth I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills to be able to support more women throughout the lifespan.
I certified as a childbirth instructor through Birth Boot Camp which offers a variety of pregnancy and childbirth classes. After entering the world of motherhood and becoming a Birth Boot Camp instructor I realized how many women were injured during childbirth or developed musculoskeletal problems during the postpartum period due to motherhood movement patterns and changes with their body from pregnancy.
Every day women are having cesareans and having to learn to care for their newborns while recovering from major abdominal surgery. Many women are suffering from painful scars from episiotomies or C-sections years after they give birth. Many are suffering from pelvic muscle dysfunction that can cause them many issues short and long term. In addition there are women who also suffer emotionally and need support and resources.
Recognizing these needs, I have continued my education to expand my skills to offer an integrative service for women here in East Texas. I have done continuing education through the Hermann and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and with multiple leaders in women's health therapy. My training includes modalities such as the use of SEMG biofeedback for pelvic muscle dysfunction.
But, what is occupational therapy? My definition is "helping people succeed at daily activities that are meaningful for them and that occupy their time, whatever that occupation is." For example, a valued occupation of a new mom may be breastfeeding, which takes up much of her day and although it is natural it is a learned skill. OT is all about helping and supporting others to take on the life roles they want. Woman often put their needs and health last while nurturing others. But, to help others we must practice self-care. Like the saying goes "you cannot pour from an empty cup".
The goal of the Healthy Hive is to help the "queen bee" thrive in all of her life roles. The Healthy Hive combines many of my passions, what I have learned from more than 6 years of occupational therapy experience , continuing education, Birth Booth Camp training, and my research of holistic techniques and lifestyle solutions.
Services offered 
Specialized Occupational Therapy 
- Lymphedema Program - Complete Decongestive Therapy 
- Strength After Breast Cancer: An evidenced based rehab program for breast cancer survivors
- Urinary Incontinence/ Bladder Dysfunction 
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction 
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pelvic Pain (Dyspareunia,Vaginismus,vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome) 
- Postpartum Recovery Program
Includes c-section and perineal scar management and holistic core restore program that addresses issues such as diastasis recti. 
-Upper extremity conditions
(See website for more details on specific diagnoses and treatment interventions)
Birth Boot Camp Classes I offer 
-Birth Boot Camp: Training for an Amazing Hospital Birth 
-Birth Boot Camp: Training for an Amazing out-of-Hospital Birth 
-Food & Fitness: A Program for the Childbearing Year -Comfort Measures: Amazing Coping Strategies for Labor 
-Homecoming: Life with a New Recruit
My concern for the wellbeing of the "queen bee " and her family extends to assisting women with referrals to other services such as lactation consultants, physicians, midwives, body workers, and women's health boutiques. I can provide recommendations on toxin-free cosmetics, skin care, baby and household products.
I will be accepting private therapy clients starting January 2018. Offering treatments at an office location in Tyler, Texas as well as home visits in certain situations and locations around East Texas. You can contact me now about scheduling Birth Boot Camp classes. 
A new website will be coming soon with more details on services. Feel free to call or message me with any questions!

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