The Pelvic Floor and the Nervous System: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
When people think about the pelvic floor, they often think about muscles. They think about strengthening, stretching, Kegels, posture, or exercise. While the muscles themselves are certainly important, one of the most overlooked influences on pelvic health is the nervous system. As pelvic health therapists, we frequently see patients whose symptoms fluctuate based on stress […]
Preparing for Pelvic Floor Therapy: What to Expect at Your First Visit
If you’ve been considering pelvic floor therapy but haven’t scheduled an appointment yet, you’re not alone. Many people experience symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, painful intercourse, prolapse symptoms, or pregnancy and postpartum concerns for months—or even years—before seeking help. One of the biggest reasons? Uncertainty. Many patients simply don’t know what pelvic […]
Pelvic Health for Gymnasts, Dancers, and Cheerleaders
When most people think of pelvic floor dysfunction, they often picture postpartum women or older adults. What many people don’t realize is that pelvic floor symptoms can affect young athletes, too. Gymnasts, dancers, and cheerleaders place unique demands on their bodies through jumping, tumbling, flexibility training, balance work, and high-impact landings. These athletes are often […]
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Hysterectomy: What You Should Know
For many women, a hysterectomy can be a life-changing procedure that provides relief from symptoms such as fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, or certain cancers. While recovery often focuses on healing the surgical site and returning to daily activities, many women are surprised to experience new symptoms months—or even years—after surgery. These symptoms […]
Pelvic Floor & Hypermobility: Why Flexible Doesn’t Always Mean Strong
When most people think of hypermobility, they think of flexibility. Maybe you’ve always been able to touch your palms to the floor, sit in unusual positions, or impress friends with your flexibility. While being flexible may seem like an advantage, many people with hypermobility discover that flexibility doesn’t always translate to stability, strength, or optimal […]
Pediatric Toilet Avoidance: When It’s More Than Just Behavior
Few parenting challenges are as frustrating—or as misunderstood—as toilet avoidance. Many parents find themselves saying things like: “He knows how to use the toilet, but refuses.” “She waits until the last second and has accidents.” “He’ll hold his poop for days.” “She says she doesn’t feel when she has to go.” It’s easy to assume […]
Is It Constipation, IBS, or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
If you’ve been struggling with bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation, urgency, or unpredictable bowel habits, you may have found yourself wondering: “What’s actually causing my symptoms?” Many patients arrive at pelvic health therapy carrying diagnoses such as constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), while others have been told everything looks normal despite ongoing symptoms. What many […]
Vibration Plates, the Lymphatic System, and How They Can Complement Hands-On Lymphedema Care
If you’re managing swelling, heaviness, or fluid-related discomfort, you’ve likely heard about vibration plates and their potential benefits for lymphatic health. Patients often ask: “Can vibration help move lymph?” “Is this something I can do instead of manual lymphatic drainage?” “How does this fit into my treatment plan?” As a certified lymphedema therapist, it’s important […]
Fitness After Pelvic Floor Therapy: Safe Strength Training, HIIT, and Pelvic Health
Completing pelvic floor therapy doesn’t mean you’re done moving—it means you’re ready to move better. Many patients are eager to return to activities they love, such as strength training, CrossFit, HIIT classes, spin, running, or group fitness. Yet they often ask: “How do I know if I’m ready?” “Will lifting make my symptoms come back?” “Do […]
Gut Health & the Pelvic Floor: How Your Microbiome May Influence Bowel Function and Pelvic Symptoms
Gut health is having a moment—and for good reason. Patients are increasingly curious about how digestion, the microbiome, and overall health are connected. In pelvic health therapy, we see this curiosity show up every day in questions like: “Why am I constipated even though I eat well?” “Can gut health affect pelvic pain or urgency?” […]
