It’s amazing to think of how much our bodies evolve after pregnancy and childbirth. As a pelvic floor physical therapist (PT), I truly appreciate the physiological and biomechanical changes that have occurred in my body since the birth of my children. But as an athlete (or a former athlete I should say), it’s so easy
Two misconceptions regarding bladder health issues are that it is the inevitable part of the aging process OR that it only affects women after irreversible damage from childbirth. Well, that isn’t true. Both populations are at a higher risk, but that’s not where the story ends: 25 million Americans suffer from bladder control problems, with
With approximately 80% of Americans dealing with chronic back pain (i.e. pain lasting beyond three months), the convenience of using medication to manage symptoms is understandable. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally the first-line of defense, followed by opioids like tramadol and other adjunctive medications. Long term use of these medications can lead to
There’s a misconception that you should do absolutely nothing (exercise wise) in the first 4-6 weeks of giving birth. Yes, the first month should focus on rest and healing, but it’s also a wonderful time to gently “wake up” your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor: muscles that are foundational for safe movement and eventual exercise. Too
