Pregnancy places significant demands on your body, especially your pelvic floor, core, and musculoskeletal system. The right preparation can help you stay active during pregnancy, improve your birth experience, and reduce the risk of common postpartum complications.

Let’s be real, breastfeeding can be hard, especially at the beginning. You’re tired, your body is recovering, and now you’re trying to figure out how to get this tiny human to latch onto your boob without feeling like you need a third arm.

Low milk supply refers to a situation where the body isn't producing enough breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. True low supply is actually less common than many people think. In fact, many parents misinterpret normal newborn behavior, like frequent feeding or fussiness, as a sign they’re not making enough milk.

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva – the external part of the female genitalia and can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed, vulvodynia can feel like a frustrating mystery for those living with it. Fortunately, awareness is growing, and one of the most effective, non-invasive treatment options is pelvic floor physical therapy.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that affects the body's collagen; one of the key components that provide strength and structure to skin, joints, and blood vessels. While the hallmark of EDS is joint hypermobility, the reality for those living with it is much more complex.

Pilates was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates as a method to restore movement, strength, and alignment in the body. His system is built on six timeless principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.

Though the method has evolved, these foundational concepts still shape the way we use Pilates in clinical care today—especially when it comes to core and pelvic floor function.

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Every woman will experience menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. Research now shows that many of the impacts of menopause can begin 5–10 years before menopause itself, making this pre-transition period essential for optimizing midlife health.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition affecting up to 75% of postmenopausal individuals . These guidelines emphasize a symptom-based diagnosis and advocate for conservative treatments, including pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT), as integral components of care . 

Constipation affects an estimated 16% of Americans, with higher rates in older adults. This common issue significantly impacts quality of life. 

Functional Constipation is one of the most common forms of constipation. This often involves dyssynergia in the muscles, which is when the pelvic floor muscles contract and tighten instead of lengthening with defecation. This can make it harder to pass stool, with average times exceeding over 5 minutes on the toilet. Over the counter options can help soften stools, but they don't address the dysfunction in the muscles creating a chronic cycle that greatly impacts millions of Americans.

Clogged milk ducts are one of the primary causes of reported pain with breastfeeding! 

If you are dealing with a clogged milk duct check out our full blog on Clogged Milk ducts and evidence based treatment according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 

Breastfeeding is a very personal journey, filled with triumphs and challenges. While many mothers may use breast pumps to express milk, learning the skill of hand expression can be empowering and beneficial. Whether you’re managing an oversupply, dealing with engorgement, or simply want a convenient, pump-free way to express milk, hand expression is a valuable tool for every nursing mother.

I often get asked by patients what they can do to improve success with Lactation during pregnancy so below are my 3 recommendations:

As a Pelvic PT there are 3 main things I look at: 

1. Pushing Strategy: being effective with both open and closed glottis pushing strategies and utilizing each pushing strategy to control desired pressure and intensity. 

nfertility affects 72.4 million people worldwide, which can result in emotional distress and unexpected challenges on the path to parenthood.

Infertility is a dysfunction in the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve or maintain a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse for those <35 years old, and after 6 months of trying for those over 35 years old.

Heavy Lifters focus on their breathing and muscle performance to achieve incredible power and strength, the same is true for pushing a baby out. The combination of your pushing strategy with coordination of core compression and pelvic floor relaxation is key for effective pushes!

Today on the blog we are discussing pushing strategies!

There are 2 types of pushing strategies used during the second stage of labor, Closed or Open glottis and both can either be coached or occur spontaneously.

On average, one year of breastfeeding equates to 1,800 hours of time compared to a full time job that is 1,960 hours so it is very clear that breastfeeding is a full time job in itself. The majority of breastfeeding individuals find at some point in their feeding journey that they need to use a breast pump, so ensuring that you have a properly fitted flange is essential.

The American Urology Association in partnership with the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction released the 2024 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

Overactive bladder is defined as urgency with or without urinary incontinence, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia (night time voiding).

With spring sports season in full swing we want to dive into the new study that the American Academy of Pediatrics just published in January 2024 regarding overuse injuries, overtraining, and burnout in young athletes.

There’s no question that children and teens experience numerous physical and mental health benefits from participating in organized sports but according to the newly published study, 70% of them will drop out by the age of 13. This is a huge problem because dropping out of organized sports plays a major role in 75% of adolescents not getting the recommended amount of physical activity for their age.

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFRT) is defined as “the brief and intermittent occlusion of arterial and venous blood flow using a tourniquet while at rest or exercising”.