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Still leaking, dealing with pelvic pain, or feeling stuck—even after doing all the “right” exercises? 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Flávia Ignácio Antônio, PhD, physiotherapist and clinical researcher at the University of Ottawa, with over 15 years of experience in pelvic health, geriatrics, and cardiac rehab.

We unpack the real reasons pelvic floor symptoms persist—and why strengthening alone isn’t always the answer. From hormones like estrogen and relaxin to central sensitization and high-tone pelvic floors, Dr. Antônio helps us make sense of the complexity behind chronic pelvic issues.

We dive into:

• The Knack maneuver—how it really works
• The estrogen vs. relaxin conversation
• Why incontinence isn’t always about weakness
• What to know about high-tone pelvic floors
• Chronic pelvic pain and the brain-body connection
• How new research is shaping better treatment strategies

Whether you're a clinician, an active mom, or someone navigating pelvic health challenges, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and clinical insight.

🎧 Hit play—then let me know: What’s one pelvic floor myth you believed before you knew better?

#PelvicHealth #PelvicFloorPT #ChronicPelvicPain #LeakingWhenRunning #PostpartumRecovery #WomenInResearch #PFPT #HormonesAndPelvicHealth #TheKnack #CarriePagliano #ActiveMomPodcast

We talk about:

-The Knack maneuver and how it works

-Estrogen versus relaxin and their effects on pelvic tissue

-Why urinary incontinence is not just about weakness

-How to approach high-tone pelvic floor muscles

-Chronic pelvic pain and central sensitization

-How current research is shaping future treatment

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:52 areas of research

8:06 relaxin explained

14:30 activating pelvic floor muscles

20:58 research at the University of Ottawa

26:16 problem solving outside of strength

33:06 chronic pelvic pain

40:47 choosing the next line of research

46:03 central sensitization

51:37 plans for the future

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH FLAVIA

Website: https://mfmlab.ca/

Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/nau.25196

https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae170/7916734

https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae171/7916735

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