If you’re a new mom, chances are you’ve been told to “just do your Kegels.” But what if the most powerful postpartum recovery tool isn’t about squeezing harder—but about creating less pressure? Enter hypopressives—a breathing and postural technique that’s quietly transforming pelvic floor rehab, yet still flying under the radar in the U.S.

When people hear “pelvic floor physical therapy,” they usually think of postpartum women. But here’s the reality: men have pelvic floor muscles too—and they’re nearly identical in structure and function. And just like in women, when those muscles aren’t working well, the symptoms can quietly disrupt daily life.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — leaking urine during activities like running, jumping, coughing, or lifting — is often thought of as something that only affects women after pregnancy or later in life. But anyone can have stress urinary incontinence for a variety of different reasons. Many young female athletes experience it as well; in fact, research showed one in every 4 female athletes has experienced urinary leakage related to sports.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition that affects many women, especially after childbirth. It occurs when the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—descend into or beyond the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. While prolapse can feel overwhelming, the good news is that physical therapy can play a significant role in managing symptoms and helping women safely return to exercise.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and certain seasons—whether due to work, family, or unprecedented natural disasters, like the recent LA fires, can become overwhelming. During these times, it’s important to pay attention to your pelvic floor. As a pelvic floor physical therapist (PT), I’ve seen how stress can impact this vital group of muscles, and I’m here to share practical ways to protect your pelvic floor when life gets hectic.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that many women may not hear about until they experience symptoms or receive a diagnosis during a routine pelvic exam–and men during a routine physical exam. While it only affects a small percentage of men and women, it’s important to understand what it is, what causes it, and how it can be treated—especially as we age or after childbirth.

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a very rare condition, affecting about 1% of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). People with PGAD experience sudden and uncontrollable physical sensations that feel like sexual arousal. However, these sensations happen without sexual desire and are not relieved by orgasm. Although PGAD has been studied mostly in women and AFAB individuals, it can also occur in men and people assigned male at birth.

Trauma and chronic stress—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—have long been recognized as key contributors to a variety of health conditions. One area often overlooked, however, is the pelvic floor. Many people are surprised to learn that stress can significantly impact pelvic health, especially when left unresolved over time.‍ Whether you’re dealing with digestive irregularities, urinary urgency, pain with sitting, or unexplained pelvic discomfort, understanding how the nervous system, diaphragm, and pelvic floor work together is essential.

If you’ve ever worked with a physical therapist for back pain, hip issues, or even stress incontinence, you’ve probably heard us talk about your core. But as someone who works at the intersection of orthopedics and pelvic health, I want to zoom in on two (often-overlooked but absolutely vital) players in your core system: the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. These two structures live at opposite ends of your torso, but they function as a team.

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.