The Importance of Optimal Toilet Position for Healthy Bowel Movements
As a pelvic floor physical therapist working with both adults and children, I see firsthand how something as simple as toilet posture can make a world of difference in bowel health. Whether you’re a parent looking to help your child with constipation or an adult dealing with difficulty emptying your bowels, optimizing your toilet position […]
Understanding and Treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis
If you have ever leaked urine when coughing, you know that respiratory conditions can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. Adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) are particularly susceptible to issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction due to the unique demands that chronic coughing places on their bodies. Despite the challenges, targeted physical therapy […]
The Hidden Link Between the Pelvic Floor and the Airway: How Breathing Affects Bladder and Bowel Function in Children
As pediatric pelvic floor therapists, we often see children struggling with bedwetting, constipation, or urinary urgency. Parents diligently follow toileting schedules and dietary recommendations, yet progress sometimes stalls. What if the missing piece of the puzzle isn’t in the bladder or bowel, but in the way a child breathes? It may seem surprising, but research […]
Recognizing Pelvic Floor Symptoms After Breast Cancer Treatment
As a pelvic floor and lymphedema therapist, I often see patients who have completed breast cancer treatment and are experiencing unexpected pelvic floor dysfunction. While much attention is given to the physical and emotional challenges of cancer recovery, many women are unaware that their pelvic health may also be affected. Breast cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy, […]
Squats: A Foundation for Pelvic Floor Health
When we think of squats, many of us picture a gym-goer lifting heavy weights or a fitness class instructor guiding participants through reps. However, squats are far more than a tool for building strong thighs and glutes. They’re a fundamental movement deeply connected to your body’s core strength, posture, and, perhaps surprisingly, the health of […]
Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy for Hypospadias in Boys
What is Hypospadias? Hypospadias is a congenital condition in males where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis but rather on the underside. This condition can vary in severity, with some cases being more complex than others. Hypospadias is usually diagnosed at birth and may require surgical intervention depending on the […]
Understanding and Overcoming Toilet Aversion in Children Undergoing Potty Training
Potty training is a significant milestone in a child’s development, but it can also be a challenging and stressful period for both children and their parents. One common hurdle many families face is toilet aversion, where a child develops a strong resistance or fear of using the toilet. What is Toilet Aversion? Toilet aversion is […]
Squats: A Foundation for Pelvic Floor Health
When we think of squats, many of us picture a gym-goer lifting heavy weights or a fitness class instructor guiding participants through reps. However, squats are far more than a tool for building strong thighs and glutes. They’re a fundamental movement deeply connected to your body’s core strength, posture, and, perhaps surprisingly, the health of […]
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Children with Hirschsprung’s Disease: A Comprehensive Approach
Understanding Hirschsprung’s Disease Hirschsprung’s is a congenital condition, typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. The condition results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of the baby’s colon, which are necessary for the normal movement of stool. Without these cells, the affected segment of the colon cannot relax and pass stool through the intestine, […]
Intimacy and the Pelvic Floor: Strengthening the Connection
As a pelvic floor therapist, I often see individuals grappling with the relationship between intimacy and pelvic floor health. While this connection isn’t always immediately obvious, it’s a critical aspect of overall well-being and sexual satisfaction. Understanding how your pelvic floor impacts intimacy—and how intimacy, in turn, affects your pelvic floor—can unlock deeper physical and […]