“Rest to Digest”: How the Parasympathetic Nervous System Supports Healthy Bowel Movements
As pelvic physical therapists, we often talk about posture, hydration, and core coordination when it comes to healthy bowel habits. But one vital component of digestive health that’s frequently overlooked is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the “rest and digest” side of our autonomic nervous system. Whether I’m working with a […]
Dry Needling: A Powerful Tool to Jumpstart Healing and Movement
As a pelvic floor physical therapist, one of my primary goals is to help patients find relief from pain, restore function, and build long-term resilience in their bodies. Whether we’re treating pelvic pain, hip or low back dysfunction, or postural imbalance, we often encounter muscle tension, trigger points, and restricted mobility that can stall progress. […]
What’s Normal for Pediatric Bladder Health? A Guide for Parents from a Pediatric Pelvic Floor PT
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is: “Is this normal?” Whether it’s related to daytime accidents, frequent urination, bedwetting, or bathroom habits, navigating bladder health in children can feel confusing and even overwhelming. The good news? There are well-established norms we can use as a guide—and […]
Urinary Incontinence During Exercise: Why It Happens & How to Take Back Control
You’re halfway through a great workout—lifting, running, jumping rope—and suddenly, you feel it: that small (or not-so-small) leak you didn’t sign up for. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Urinary incontinence during exercise is incredibly common, yet it’s still a topic many people feel embarrassed to talk about. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I can […]
The Hormonal Landscape After Birth
During pregnancy, your body is flooded with estrogen and progesterone to support the growing baby and maintain the uterine lining. But after birth, especially if you’re breastfeeding, estrogen levels plummet. This hormonal shift is a normal, expected part of postpartum physiology, but it can create real and uncomfortable changes—particularly in the pelvic region. Low estrogen can result […]
The Hidden Link: How Constipation Affects Focus & Mood in Children
When a child is struggling with focus in the classroom or seems irritable at home, we often think of sleep schedules, screen time, or academic challenges. But as a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I see another powerful—and often overlooked—factor: constipation. Constipation doesn’t just affect the body. It can impact how a child feels, behaves, and […]
Pelvic Floor Health & Mental Well-Being: The Mind–Body Connection You Shouldn’t Ignore
When we think about pelvic floor issues—like leakage, pain, or difficulty relaxing—we often picture physical causes: childbirth, surgery, posture, muscle weakness. But as a pelvic floor physical therapist, I can tell you there’s another powerful piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: your mental and emotional well-being. Stress, anxiety, and past trauma don’t just live […]
Pelvic Floor & Constipation in Adults: Beyond Just Toilet Posture
Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable—it can impact your pelvic floor health in ways many people don’t realize. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I often meet adults who have been struggling with constipation for years, trying every “quick fix” they find online. While proper toilet posture (like using a footstool to elevate your knees) can absolutely […]
Move, Play, Connect: Activities That Boost Body Awareness and Help Kids Master Bladder and Bowel Cues
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I spend a lot of time helping children tune into their bodies—especially when it comes to recognizing when it’s time to pee or poop. For many of our patients, the issue isn’t just physical; it’s also about body awareness and coordination. Some kids struggle to notice or respond […]
Get Moving: How Physical Activity Supports Kids’ Health and Keeps Constipation Away
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I see firsthand how closely linked movement and gut health really are. One of the most common complaints we treat in the clinic is constipation. It might surprise you to learn that it’s not just a dietary issue—lack of movement plays a major role, too. Constipation is one […]