Table Talk

From Postpartum to Performance: Rethinking Women’s Physical Therapy

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Show Notes

HOST

Melody Hartzler
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AROUND THE TABLE

Becky Parr
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AROUND THE TABLE

Kristen Schulte
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In Today's Episode

In this episode of Table Talk, Melody sits down with physical therapists Becky Parr and Kristen Schulte to explore the evolving role of physical therapy in women’s health, athletic performance, and whole-person wellness. They discuss everything from pelvic floor dysfunction and postpartum recovery to inflammation, injury prevention, and why physical therapy should be viewed as proactive healthcare—not just rehab after surgery or injury.

Key Take Aways
  • Physical therapy is preventative care, not just rehab. Annual PT check-ins can identify movement dysfunctions before they become injuries.
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction is common—but not normal. Symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, constipation, and postpartum pain are treatable.
  • Women’s health challenges are often multifactorial. Stress, inflammation, nutrient depletion, hormones, and caregiving demands all impact healing and performance.
  • Cash-based PT models allow for individualized, holistic care. Longer visits create space for root-cause problem solving and collaboration across healthcare disciplines.
  • Female athletes need specialized movement support. Proper pressure management, biomechanics, and strength coordination can prevent issues like leakage and injury during training.
    • Topics Discussed

    00:00 – Welcome + Guest Introductions

    Melody introduces Becky and Kristen and sets the stage for a conversation on women’s health physical therapy.

    00:43 – Becky’s Journey into Pelvic Health PT

    From orthopedic sports medicine to specializing in pregnancy, postpartum care, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

    06:39 – Kristen’s Athletic Background + Founding PT 212

    How her own injury and frustrating rehab experience shaped her patient-centered PT philosophy.

    11:00 – Why Traditional PT Models Fall Short

    Insurance limitations, protocol-driven care, and why both guests built cash-based practices.

    16:30 – The Hidden Health Burden Women Carry

    Stress, caregiving, inflammation, nutrient depletion, and why women often delay their own care.

    24:05 – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Explained

    Common symptoms, postpartum recovery, menopause-related pelvic changes, and available treatments.

    31:48 – What is a Pessary?

    How pessaries support pelvic organ prolapse and help women return to exercise safely.

    35:39 – Menstrual Cups + Pelvic Floor Health

    Addressing common concerns and proper usage considerations.

    37:42 – Female Athletes: Injury Prevention + Performance Optimization

    Why PT assessments can improve efficiency, strength, and movement quality.

    41:00 – Why Leaking During Exercise Isn’t “Normal”

    Pressure management, movement corrections, and simple fixes for common issues.

    45:29 – How to Find the Right Physical Therapist

    What to look for in a PT: individualized care, athletic understanding, and treatment philosophy.

    51:28 – Final Thoughts + Resources

    Why PT belongs in every woman’s long-term wellness plan.

    Resources Mentioned

    Table Talk Podcast — Resources & Links
    Our Guests' Practices
    Dr. Becky Parr, PT, DPT — Resilience Physical Therapy (Dayton, OH; orthopedic & pelvic/women's health, in-person, mobile & telehealth): https://resiliencept.net
    Dr. Kristen Schulte Adkins, PT, DPT — Physical Therapy 212 (Troy, OH; sports/orthopedic PT, Classical Pilates, growing pelvic health): https://www.physicaltherapy212.com

    • The PharmToTable Team - Functional Medicine Providers
      • Website: https://pharmtotable.life/provider
    • Find a PT in Your Area
      • APTA "Find a PT" directory: https://www.choosept.com/find-a-pt
      APTA Pelvic Health PT locator (for pelvic/women's health specialists): https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator-womens-health
      Becky's tip for vetting a PT: Use the locator to find someone in your area, then call the clinic and ask to speak with the therapist. Ask about their treatment philosophy and their specific experience treating athletes like you — the biomechanics of each sport differ, so a great runner's PT isn't automatically a great fit for a volleyball player. Read the therapist's bio first, and look for a provider who'll meet you where you're at and get on board with your goals.
    • Therapies & Approaches Discussed
      • Pelvic floor physical therapy
      Pelvic floor muscle training
      Biofeedback therapy
      Real-time ultrasound (transabdominal/transperineal imaging)
      Pessary support devices
      Functional movement screening
      Running gait analysis
      Manual therapy (hands-on treatment)
      Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
      Nutrition and hydration support

      ...more
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