How can PT’s support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond? Physical therapists are educators and education is a key component of supporting women through Menopause. Learning how to optimize our bodies and minds to move into this transition in a strong and healthy way can help make the difference between smooth sailing or a bumpy path.

When most people hear "pelvic floor," they often think Kegels. And when they hear “core,” they picture six-pack abs. But as a pelvic health physical therapist, I can tell you it’s way deeper than that, literally and figuratively.‍ One of the most common things I hear from clients is: “I had no idea the pelvic floor was part of my core.” And honestly, I get it. Most of us grew up doing crunches in gym class, not learning how to breathe or engage our pelvic floor. But let’s change that.

Posture can absolutely influence the function of your pelvic floor muscles. When people think about posture, they often focus on their shoulders, neck and back. But one of the most overlooked aspects of posture is how it affects the pelvic floor. Whether you are struggling with incontinence, pelvic pain, core weakness or any other sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, your posture may be playing a bigger role than you realize.

Endometriosis affects 1 out of 10 women. Typically it starts out as painful periods, but can progress to chronic pelvic pain, abdominal pain, painful intercourse, and/or bowel and bladder issues. It can even lead to infertility. ‍It is common for people to have signs and symptoms of endometriosis for years (and sometimes decades) before being formally diagnosed with it. This prolonged process leads to unnecessary suffering, feelings of embarrassment and isolation, and reduced quality of life. That is why awareness is key.

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), also commonly known as abdominal separation, is a condition in which the connective tissue (linea alba) between the right and left side of the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscle) is widened. It typically occurs during pregnancy, when natural separation must occur to accommodate the growth of the uterus and fetus. This separation affects up to 70% of postpartum females.

When it comes to recovery from an injury or surgery, PT is often a vital component of the healing process. It helps restore movement, strength, and functionality, addressing the specific needs of the individual. When it comes time to discharge my patients from PT, I am constantly trying to find ways to promote healthy ways to stay active and strong to reduce the risk for re-injury.

Dyspareunia is a medical term for painful sexual intercourse. It is characterized by persistent or recurrent pelvic pain that occurs before, during, or after intercourse. This condition affects both men and women, and can significantly impact your quality of life, relationships, and emotional well-being. Pain associated with dyspareunia can include sharp, burning, throbbing, or cramping sensations in the genital or pelvic region.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when your bladder, uterus, or rectum drops down into the vagina. This is caused by laxity of connective tissue. Sometimes, weak pelvic floor muscles and/or poor pressure management can be related factors.‍ POP is particularly common after pregnancy and childbirth. While lots of women have it, not all experience symptoms. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help determine if you have POP and what to do about it.

For many new moms, the desire to return to your pre-pregnancy fitness levels, including running, can be strong. However, resuming a running routine postpartum requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure safety and decrease risk for injury.‍ Historically, there haven't been very many guidelines to help new moms navigate returning to running/exercise postpartum...

Yay!!! You’re having a baby! It is a very exciting time for your growing family! For 9 months, the baby has been growing in your abdomen with the body changing to accommodate and nurture the growing baby. But eventually… The baby is going to be leaving their current residence. This may cause some anxiety for you or it may not. Many people take classes prior to feeling more prepared. However, the reality is that every baby, every mother, and every birth is different.