If you’re pregnant (or recently postpartum) and have felt a sudden, sharp, almost electric pain shooting through your vagina or pelvis, you may have heard it called “lightning crotch.”

This type of pregnancy pelvic pain is common — but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

While the name may sound dramatic (or even dismissive), the sensation is very real and often uncomfortable. It’s also not something you need to simply tolerate.

Let’s break down:

• What lightning crotch actually is

• Why it happens

• How pelvic floor physical therapy can help

• What you can do at home to feel more comfortable

What Is Lightning Crotch?

“Lightning crotch” is a non-medical term used to describe a sudden, sharp, stabbing, or electric-like pain in the:

• Vagina

• Cervix

• Pelvis

• Rectum

It often comes on quickly and can stop you in your tracks.

This sensation is most common during pregnancy — especially in the second and third trimesters — but it can also occur postpartum or beyond pregnancy, particularly when pelvic floor dysfunction or unresolved pregnancy pelvic pain is present.

While it’s often attributed to the baby’s position or growth, lightning crotch is typically related to irritation or compression of pelvic nerves, most commonly the pudendal nerve or nearby nerve branches.

Why Does Lightning Crotch Happen?

Several changes during pregnancy and postpartum can contribute to these symptoms, including:

• Increased pressure from the growing uterus or baby

• Hormonal changes affecting joint and tissue stability

• Pelvic floor muscle tension or overactivity

• Postural changes as the body adapts to pregnancy

• Changes in how the pelvis and hips move and load

Importantly, lightning crotch is not always caused by weakness.

Many people experiencing this pain actually have tight, overworked, or irritated pelvic floor muscles that are struggling to adapt to the demands placed on them.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Physio Room, pelvic floor physical therapy addresses the root causes of lightning crotch and pregnancy pelvic pain, rather than simply reassuring you that it’s “normal.”

Our approach blends pelvic health with performance-based physical therapy so you can continue moving well during pregnancy and beyond.

A pelvic floor physical therapist can:

• Assess pelvic floor muscle tone, coordination, and mobility

• Identify nerve irritation and contributing movement patterns

• Address muscle tension, trigger points, and connective tissue restrictions

• Improve hip, pelvic, and core support without excessive bracing

• Modify daily movements, exercise, and posture to reduce symptoms

Treatment may include:

• Hands-on therapy

• Guided exercises

• Breathing strategies

• Movement retraining

• Individualized education

The goal is to restore mobility, improve efficient strength, and help you continue doing the activities you care about— whether that’s daily life, exercise, or weightlifting.

When pressure on irritated nerves is reduced and pelvic floor muscles can relax and function efficiently, symptoms often become less frequent — or resolve altogether.

What You Can Do at Home

While hands-on care is often helpful, there are also strategies you can try at home.

1. Prioritize Pelvic Floor Relaxation

Focus on down-training rather than strengthening.

Think about allowing the pelvic floor to soften and drop, rather than tightening or clenching.

Try:

• Slow diaphragmatic breathing

• Inhaling into your ribcage and belly

• Imagining tension releasing through the pelvic floor during the inhale

2. Change Positions When Pain Hits

If lightning crotch occurs:

• Sit or lie on your side

• Avoid prolonged standing

• Avoid asymmetrical positions

• Gently shift weight or posture instead of pushing through the pain

3. Support Your Pelvis

You can reduce strain by:

• Using a pregnancy support belt (if recommended)

• Sitting with your feet supported

• Avoiding slouching or perched positions

• Being mindful of single-leg activities like stairs, dressing, or getting in and out of the car

4. Avoid Overdoing Kegels

If you’re experiencing lightning crotch, repetitive Kegels may actually worsen symptoms.

A pelvic floor physical therapist can determine whether your body needs:

• Strength

• Relaxation

• Coordination training

You Don’t Have to Power Through This

Lightning crotch may be common, but common does not mean something you have to live with.

Pregnancy pelvic pain is often a sign that your body needs support — not that you should push through it.

Sharp pelvic or vaginal pain during pregnancy or postpartum is not a rite of passage, and it’s not something you need to dismiss as “just part of it.”

Supportive, effective treatment exists.

Ready for Support?

If you’re experiencing lightning crotch or ongoing pregnancy pelvic pain, pelvic floor physical therapy can help — and you don’t have to wait until postpartum.

At Physio Room, our pelvic floor physical therapy combines hands-on care with performance-based treatment to support:

• Mobility

• Strength

• Confident movement during pregnancy and beyond

Whether your goal is daily comfort, staying active, or continuing strength training, we meet you where you are.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. You deserve care that prioritizes long-term health, movement, and performance — not just getting through pregnancy.

Written by Dr. Katie Sasser – PT, DPT, M.Ed.| Physio Room

The post Lightning Crotch in Pregnancy: Causes, Relief & Pelvic Floor PT appeared first on Physio Room.

As the holidays approach, routines shift — colder weather, less daylight, more family time, travel, and packed schedules. It’s easy to think, “I’ll get back on track in January.”

But your body doesn’t wait for the calendar to reset. The choices you make now directly impact how you move, feel, and perform heading into the new year.

Here are five proactive ways to take care of your body before the New Year rush, from a performance-based physical therapy perspective.

1. Prioritize Consistent Movement

Even when life gets busy, consistent movement matters. Short walks, quick mobility sessions, or modified strength workouts keep your body functioning well and your energy up.

Physio Room Insight:
Low-intensity, consistent movement promotes circulation and reduces stiffness — especially during colder months when we tend to sit more.

2. Address Those Nagging Aches Now

If your shoulder clicks, your knee aches after squats, or your back feels tight after long days, don’t ignore it. These small issues are often early signs your body needs attention.

Physio Room Insight:
Identifying and addressing mobility or stability limitations now prevents them from becoming injuries later — especially as you increase training intensity in the new year.

3. Make Mobility a Non-Negotiable

Mobility is the foundation for strength, power, and performance. It’s not just stretching — it’s learning to control your body through its full range of motion.

Physio Room Insight:
Spend 5–10 minutes on active mobility for the hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders before or after your sessions. This improves movement efficiency, reduces compensations, and helps you lift with better form.

Check out some of our favorite mobility drills, Thoracic Mobility and Front Rack Positioning!

4. Keep Up with Low-Impact Cardio or Walking

As daylight decreases, both mood and energy can dip — which often means less movement. Low-impact cardio keeps your body and mind steady through the season.

Physio Room Insight:
Walking, light cycling, or other steady-state cardio boosts blood flow, supports joint health, and aids recovery — helping you stay ready for more intense training.

5. Seek Guidance Before Setting New Goals

The end of the year is a great time to reflect and prepare for what’s next. Whether you want to hit new PRs, train pain-free, or build strength, having clarity makes a huge difference.

Physio Room Insight:
A movement assessment or individualized plan from a physical therapist can identify limitations, correct imbalances, and optimize your training — helping you enter the new year stronger, more confident, and ready to perform at your best.

Start Now, Don’t Wait for January

Taking care of your body doesn’t have to mean doing more — it means doing what matters most. Consistent mobility, intentional strength work, and smart recovery strategies will carry you through the holidays and set the foundation for success in the year ahead.

Start now — your body, performance, and future self will thank you.

Written by Dr. Ally Nelson – PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CIDN| Physio Room

The post 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Body Before the New Year Rush appeared first on Physio Room.

Postpartum Movement: What You Can (and Should) Do in the First 6 Weeks

The early weeks after having a baby can feel like a blur — your body is healing, your sleep is unpredictable, and your focus is on caring for your little one. Amid all that, it’s easy to forget that you deserve care too. Gentle movement in those first six weeks can help you reconnect with your body, improve circulation, and support healing — both physically and emotionally.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, one of the most common questions I get from new moms is:
“When can I start exercising again?”

We’ve all heard of the “6-week rule”—that magical milestone when you see your provider for your postpartum check-up and (hopefully) get “cleared” for sex and exercise. But here’s the thing…

There’s Nothing Magical About 6 Weeks

That 6-week visit is often based on tradition, not on functional readiness. Most women are cleared for activity without any real assessment of their core, pelvic floor, or body mechanics—all areas that have undergone massive change during pregnancy and birth. While the 6-week mark is a great time to check in with your provider, it doesn’t automatically mean your body is ready to jump back into your pre-pregnancy workouts or resume sex comfortably.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Move

The good news? You can safely begin gentle movement well before six weeks postpartum. In fact, early, intentional movement can help you reconnect with your body, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Start small—think breathwork, gentle mobility, and awareness. The goal is to re-orient your body to your diaphragm, pelvic floor, and deep core—the system that supports every movement you make.

A few things you can begin right away (as long as you’re feeling up to it):

• Diaphragmatic (360°) breathing: Expand your breath into your ribs, sides, and back, not just your belly. This helps your diaphragm and pelvic floor work together again.

• Pelvic tilts: Lying on your back, gently tilt your pelvis to engage your deep core and mobilize your low back. Watch the demo →

• Kegels (with purpose): Practice gentle pelvic floor contractions, especially when you cough, sneeze, or lift your baby—these moments create natural stress on your healing tissues.

• Open books: A gentle spine rotation that opens your chest and shoulders—perfect for counteracting all that newborn feeding posture! Watch the demo →

• Bridges: Lightly activate your glutes and core while maintaining good breathing patterns. Watch the demo →

• All 4’s Core Brace: A gentle way to wake up your deep core muscles while keeping pressure off your abdomen. Watch the demo →

• Walking: Short, slow walks can be wonderful to promote circulation, mood, and gentle movement. Just monitor how your body responds—if you notice a drastic increase in lochia (bleeding) or any painful pulling at a C-section incision, scale back and give yourself more rest time.
  

These movements aren’t about “getting your body back”—they’re about helping your body find itself again.

Let’s Talk About Sex (and Why It Might Not Feel Great Yet)

Even if you’re “cleared” for sex at six weeks, that doesn’t mean it’ll feel comfortable—or that you should be ready. Between exhaustion, hormonal changes, and healing tissues, discomfort is common.

If you’re breastfeeding, estrogen levels are lower, which can lead to dryness and decreased blood flow. Add in fatigue and possibly scar tissue (from tearing or stitches), and it’s no wonder sex might not feel the same.

A few key tips:

• Lubricant is your new best friend. Choose a high-quality, water-based or silicone-based option.

• You don’t need to “tough it out.” Pain is a sign your tissues or pelvic floor might need support.

• See a pelvic floor physical therapist. We can help assess your muscles, tissue mobility, and healing—and create a personalized plan to restore comfort and confidence.
  

The Postpartum Support You Deserve

One of the biggest gaps in women’s health is the postpartum period. During pregnancy, you likely had frequent check-ins, tests, and visits. Then suddenly—after one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences of your life—you might only get a single appointment around six weeks postpartum.

You deserve more.

Find experts to support you in this phase of life:

• Pelvic floor physical therapists (like us!) for healing, movement, and pain relief

• Lactation specialists for breastfeeding support

• Mental health counselors for emotional wellness and transition to motherhood

• Massage therapists to relieve tension and restore balance

• Mom groups and community programs for connection and encouragement
  

I’m often told that pelvic floor PT is so much more than just the pelvic floor—it’s support from someone who’s been there, guidance into safe movement and exercise, and pain relief through dry needling or hands-on techniques to ease the aches and pains that come with nursing, holding, and caring for your baby.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a pelvic floor PT visit, check out our Pelvic Floor Therapy page and let’s schedule that first appointment of self-care, Mama. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and at home in your body again.

Written by Dr. Katie Sasser – PT, DPT, M.Ed.| Physio Room

The post Postpartum Movement: What You Can (and Should) Do in the First 6 Weeks appeared first on Physio Room.

Whether you’ve experienced pelvic pain, incontinence, or back issues—or you’re simply curious about how your body works—understanding the pelvic floor is essential. In this episode of The Code podcast, Dr. Andrew Fix talks with Dr. Katie Sasser to break down everything you need to know about pelvic floor health—for both women and men.

Meet Dr. Katie Sasser

Dr. Katie Sasser is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist with over a decade of experience. After starting her career in orthopedics, she shifted her focus in 2021 after advanced pelvic health training. She now treats both orthopedic and pelvic conditions, helping patients reconnect with their bodies during life phases like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles:

• Support internal organs

• Stabilize the spine and hips

• Control bladder and bowel function

• Promote sexual function

• Aid in fluid movement throughout the body

Dr. Sasser’s “A-Frame” Analogy:

• Main floor → Resting tone

• Attic → Contraction phase (sneeze, jump)

• Basement → Relaxation phase (bowel movement)

Common Reasons to See a Pelvic Floor Therapist

For Women:

• Pelvic, hip, or tailbone pain

• Urinary or fecal incontinence

• Pain with intercourse

• Postpartum recovery

• Prolapse symptoms

For Men:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Pelvic or testicular pain

• Post-prostate surgery recovery

• Incontinence or urgency

• Pain with intimacy

Yes—men have pelvic floors too!

Core, Stability, and the Pelvic Floor: It’s All Connected

Your core is more than abs—it’s a pressure system:

• Top: Diaphragm

• Bottom: Pelvic floor

• Front: Transverse & rectus abdominis

• Sides: Obliques

• Back: Erector spinae

A well-functioning core supports healthy movement, reduces back pain, and prevents incontinence. Proper bracing and breathwork are key—but rarely taught.

What to Expect During a Pelvic Floor Evaluation

1. History & Intake – Discuss “The 3 P’s”: Pee, Poop, and Pleasure

2. Internal Exam (with consent) – Gentle, one-finger vaginal assessment

3. Movement Screening – Observe pelvic floor response during activity

4. Compassionate Care – Your comfort and consent come first

Note: Internal work is never required for treatment.

External Pelvic Floor Therapy Options

If internal work isn’t for you, treatment may include:

• Breathwork and pressure control

• Functional movement coaching

• Glute and hip strengthening

• Postural and core engagement training

Stress, Breath, and Pelvic Health

Chronic tension—especially in the jaw, core, or pelvis—can overload the pelvic floor. Katie often starts treatment with breathwork and mindful relaxation to help the pelvic floor “reset.”

Quick Tips for Better Pelvic Floor Health

• Urination should last ~14 seconds

• Avoid scrolling on the toilet

• Relax your pelvic floor daily—not everything is about tightening

• Sync breath with pelvic floor movement

• Manage stress through breathwork, therapy, or lifestyle changes

Closing the Gap in Women’s Health

Dr. Sasser advocates for:

• Postpartum moms – Care beyond the 6-week checkup

• Perimenopausal & menopausal women – Addressing hormonal impact on pelvic health

“Being a mom is hard. Going through menopause is hard. But being weak in those phases is even harder.” – Dr. Katie Sasser

Not in Colorado? We Can Still Help.

Virtual consultations are available for guidance and local referrals.

Email: katie@physioroomco.com
Instagram: @dr.katiesasser.dpt

Ready to Take the First Step?

If something here resonated with you, pelvic floor therapy could be transformative. Our team at Physio Room is here to help.

Book an Appointment | Learn More About Our Services

Listen to the full podcast episode: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Explained with Dr. Katie Sasser

Written by Dr. Katie Sasser – PT, DPT, M.Ed.| Physio Room

The post What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why It Matters for Everyone appeared first on Physio Room.

New Postpartum Guidelines: Key Tips for a Healthier First Year

As pelvic floor therapists, we’re always keeping up with the latest research so we can better support you during the postpartum period. We’re excited to share key updates from the 2025 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep Throughout the First Year Postpartum—and what they mean for your recovery and well-being.

Whether you’re newly postpartum or a few months in, these guidelines offer realistic, evidence-based ways to move, rest, and recover.

Movement: Start Light, Progress Gradually

The guidelines now strongly recommend that postpartum people without medical contraindications aim for at least 120 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week—think brisk walks or gentle strength training spread over 4+ days. If this seems like a lofty goal, that’s okay, any movement is better than nothing!

Light activity (like short walks and pelvic floor exercises) is encouraged as soon as you feel ready.
Progress gradually and listen to your body—especially if you’re recovering from a C-section, tears, or complications.
Daily pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended to reduce urinary incontinence. If you’re unsure how to perform these correctly, we can help.

Returning to running or heavier workouts? Wait until any incisions have healed and lochia has stopped increasing with activity.

What If You’re Not Sure It’s Safe?

If you’re experiencing:

• severe fatigue,
• ongoing pain,
• bleeding,
• or any other concerning symptoms,
  

talk to your healthcare provider before jumping back into exercise. In many cases, movement is still safe with a few modifications—we’re happy to work with you and your provider to find a plan that works.

Sleep, Screen Time & Sitting: A New Trio of Priorities

Sleep is tough with a newborn—we get it. But even small changes to your sleep hygiene can make a big difference:

• dim your bedroom lights,
• avoid screens before bed,
• and create a calm, cool space for rest.
  

The new guidelines also highlight the role of sedentary time and screen use:

• Try to limit total sedentary time to 8 hours or less per day (easier said than done—we know!).
• Recreational screen time (scrolling, watching TV, etc.) should be limited to no more than 3 hours per day.
• Break up long periods of sitting with light movement, even if it’s just stretching or walking around the room.
  

Even short walks around the house or gentle stretches between feeds can help reduce fatigue, support recovery, and improve mental clarity.

The Mental Health Connection

These guidelines highlight something we see every day: movement supports mental health. Even light physical activity can help ease postpartum depression, reduce anxiety, and boost energy levels. Every little bit counts.

Real Talk: It’s Okay if You’re Not There Yet

Postpartum life is full-on. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. The guidelines stress that any movement is better than none, and that support from family, friends, and your care team is key.

We’re here to help you move safely, rebuild strength, and feel more like yourself again—one step at a time.

Have questions or wondering how to apply these new recommendations in your own life? Reach out—we’re here to support you.

Written by Dr. Katie Sasser – PT, DPT, M.Ed.| Physio Room

The post New Postpartum Guidelines: Key Tips for a Healthier First Year appeared first on Physio Room.

The Foundation of Connection

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, connection, and intimacy, and pelvic floor health plays a vital role in all aspects of this. The pelvic floor muscles support not only the bladder, bowel, and uterus but are also crucial for sexual function and pleasure. Whether you’re with a partner or on your own, a healthy pelvic floor can enhance physical sensations and emotional well-being. Prioritizing pelvic health supports comfort, confidence, and deeper connection.

How Dysfunction Impacts Intimacy

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I see firsthand how issues like pain during sex, pelvic organ prolapse, and incontinence can impact intimacy and confidence. These challenges can disrupt connection, but the good news is pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable. Through targeted exercises, we can restore muscle function, improve circulation, and enhance sensation—leading to greater comfort and pleasure. Whether you’re strengthening for relief or exploring for deeper connection, prioritizing your pelvic floor can transform your intimate well-being.

Unlock a New Level of Wellness

Pelvic floor exercises help activate and strengthen the muscles, boosting circulation and nerve function. This can improve sexual responsiveness, comfort, and overall satisfaction by ensuring the muscles are functioning optimally. With proper training and restoration of blood flow to the pelvic area, you may notice a deeper connection to your body, more intense sensations, and more fulfilling intimate experiences. Whether with a partner or through self-exploration, prioritizing your pelvic floor health can unlock a new level of pleasure and intimacy.

Prioritize Your Pelvic Health for a Stronger Connection

As we end out the month of February, let’s remember that caring for our pelvic floor health is a way to honor ourselves and our relationships. If you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, working with a trained pelvic floor physical therapist can help you restore your body’s natural function and enhance your intimate life. When your pelvic floor is healthy, it not only improves physical well-being but deepens your connection to yourself and your partner.

Written by Dr. Katie Sasser – PT, DPT, M.Ed.| Physio Room

The post Celebrating Love and Intimacy: The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health appeared first on Physio Room.

Whether you travel frequently for work or you go on the occasional family vacation, it’s important to know 2 things; 1. That you can actually make healthy choices while on the road (or in the air) and also 2. How to actually make those choices.

So today let’s talk about 3 ways you can set yourself up for success when traveling!

The truth is, travel presents a lot of situations that are simply out of our control and it can make putting your fitness foot forward or putting your health first when you’re traveling.

There’s going to be a lot of things out of your control.

You’re not going to be able to control if the flight gets delayed.

You’re not going to be able to control if somebody sitting in the row next to you is keeping you awake and you’re trying to get some sleep.

You’re not going to be able to control the fact that there’s a child on the plane who’s having some challenges and they’re crying or just being loud.

But there’s a lot of things that are in your control. Those are the things we’re going to focus on; control the controllable!

1. Sleep

Have you ever experienced jetlag? It can throw off your entire routine and make traveling a bit rough. One of the best things you can do before you travel (especially if you’ll be crossing multiple time zones) is getting adequate sleep beforehand!

Don’t go into your trip sleep deprived. When your body’s clock gets thrown off a little bit during travel, you’re going to be well prepared to buffer your sleep. The more you focus on your sleep beforehand, the better off you’re going to be on your trip. You can even try to shift your body’s clock a few days before you travel to prepare yourself for a new timezone by going to bed 30 minutes earlier or waking up 30 minutes earlier.

You could also be more intentional with flight times if you have the option. If you have a 6 or 7am departure, you’ll probably need to wake up around 3 or 4am to get to the airport in time. As opposed to picking a 10am flight which would afford you more sleep and set your travel day up better for success.

2. Hydration

Hydration is underrated. Especially if you’re at a high altitude. So be sure you’re hydrating appropriately with adequate water intake. Hydration isn’t just about water intake, though. Electrolytes play a big role. We suggest making sure you have a good ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. This is especially important for those traveling for athletics or exercise.

Now, let’s talk about that drink cart on the plane. It is very common for people to drink things whether that’s alcohol, soda, ginger ale, orange juice, or any of the other drink options that are complimentary on your flight. If you can avoid those highly sugary drinks on the plane, that’s going to set you up so much better to feel better during your travel.

3. Snacks

Packing your own snacks when traveling can help you stay on top of your goals and provide quality fuel and energy throughout your day. When choosing your snack, prioritize protein and healthy fats if you can. Here’s a few travel snack ideas:

Beef jerky

Greek Yogurt

Nuts

Protein powder

These types of snacks are going to sustain you, satiate you and make you feel full significantly longer. The more we can reduce the highly processed sugary carbs that are going to be very easy and quick and convenient during travel, the better.

So there you have it! Three simple ways you can set yourself better for success when you travel so you don’t feel sluggish and completely depleted of energy when you’re on your way to your destination.

Did you find this helpful?

If so, share this blog with a friend that could benefit. It’s the small choices we make daily that make the biggest difference. If you master those, you’ll be unstoppable – even when life becomes out of our control.

The post How to Make Healthy Choices While Traveling & Stay on Top of your Goals appeared first on Physio Room.

Well, a lot of things are not true. Why? Because while the issues you’re facing may be common, they’re not normal – and it doesn’t help that there’s a lot of different options out there.

Dr. Amber is a Women’s Health Specialist and PT here at Physio Room, and she faced a pretty rough and traumatic pregnancy. 

Dr. Amber thought she was going to have a thriving pregnancy and remain fit and active immediately afterwards. But it was a longer journey than she expected. 

Providers are still pretty conservative of what their rules are of what they allow women to do while they’re pregnant. Some providers will be a little bit more flexible. Some providers are going to be pretty rigid in what they’re recommending.

It’s important for women to find that balance for themselves and what their provider is telling them. 

If that’s a midwife, OBGYN or any provider that isn’t aligning with the things that you like to do, that’s a really hard mental place to be. 

So it’s important to find that balance and then if things don’t go according to plan, how do you get back there?

There’s always a whole lot of conversation about what you should be doing when you’re pregnant, what you shouldn’t be doing, what activity is okay, and what activity is not. 

A lot of that does vary person to person of what their baseline activity is, and how risk tolerant they’re going to be. Most providers are going to be against anything that is going to have an impact on the baby. 

Some people do really well running throughout their entire pregnancy and their body handles that very well or lifting weights or whatever it may be. And some people don’t have that baseline to kind of carry them through. 

So, what is the pelvic floor exactly, and how can we keep it healthy; after giving birth or just in everyday life?

If we think of our core as kind of a canister with a diaphragm being at the top, our stomach muscles or abdominals being in the front. We have back muscles in the back. The pelvic floor is going to be the bottom and it’s kind of a bowl shape that lines the inside of our pelvis urethra, where you urinate, vagina, rectum are all going to be holes through the public floor, through there. 

For males, the pelvic floor is really going to play into the penis and how that works as well. Its job is to support the organs as well as evacuation of bowel and bladder. A lot of support is going to come through this area. It’s a little bit different than a lot of other muscles because of how it’s innervated. A lot of our skeletal muscles are more voluntary. We want to reach for something, our brain sends a signal to allow that to happen.

The pelvic floor, along with the core, helps support you when you lift heavy things. It also supports bladder control. 

If you’re noticing issues with these things and more, it’s recommended to see a Pelvic Floor Specialist.

Pelvic floor physical therapists are first and foremost trained as a PT. They still very much have an orthopedic background of some sort, and a neuromuscular background. 

An evaluation with a pelvic floor PT should also be looking at your body as a whole system to determine what your lower back is doing, what your hips are doing, and what your foot is doing… because all of that is going to impact what your pelvic floor does. 

So there’s always going to be that screening process, and depending on what that shows, how in depth your PT will go. A lot of Pelvic Floor PTs are going to do an internal exam.

If you’re experiencing pelvic floor issues, DON’T ignore them! Contact one of our Physio Room Pelvic Floor Specialists like Dr. Amber using the link here.

The post PSA– Don’t Ignore your Pelvic Floor appeared first on Physio Room.