The Gut Health Podcast

Pelvic Floor PT Explained: Who Needs It and Why?


Listen Later

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a crucial yet often overlooked component of gut health that can dramatically improve quality of life for people suffering from bowel issues, bladder problems, or pelvic pain. Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas joins us to demystify and normalize this specialized therapy and explain how proper pelvic floor function impacts everything from constipation to sexual health.

• Understand that daily bowel movements don't necessarily mean you're not constipated
• What happens during a PFPT session and how therapists create a safe + comfortable environment
• The importance of proper pooping position
• Why breathing techniques and sounds (like mooing!) can help relax your pelvic floor during bowel movements
• Demystifying tools like pelvic wands and dilators for at-home maintenance 
• How dyssynergic defecation affects approximately 50% of people with constipation and how pelvic floor PT can help
• Why all women can benefit from pelvic floor PT after childbirth (and even during pregnancy)
•  Men face pelvic health issues too, like post-prostate surgery incontinence 
• The downside of "peeing just in case" and how it trains your bladder to signal fullness prematurely

If you've experienced pelvic floor issues, don't accept them as normal - seek help from a pelvic floor physical therapist who can address these problems and improve your overall quality of life.

References and Resources:

Rao SS, Patcharatrakul T. Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016 Jul 30;22(3):423-35. doi: 10.5056/jnm16060. PMID: 27270989; PMCID: PMC4930297.

Ye AL, Johnston E, Hwang S. Pelvic Floor Therapy and Initial Interventions for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Gynecologic Malignancies. Curr Oncol Rep. 2024;26(3):212-220. doi:10.1007/s11912-024-01498-6

Where to find a pelvic floor PT:

  • https://pelvicrehab.com/
  • https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/

Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas' book, Power to the Pelvis.

Got constipation? Check out Kate's constipation guide

Learn more about Kate and Dr. Riehl:

Website: www.katescarlata.com and www.drriehl.com
Instagram: @katescarlata @drriehl and @theguthealthpodcast

Order Kate and Dr. Riehl's book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS.

The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Gut Health PodcastBy Kate Scarlata and Megan Riehl

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

79 ratings


More shows like The Gut Health Podcast

View all
Nutrition Diva by QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel

Nutrition Diva

1,709 Listeners

Dishing Up Nutrition by Nutritional Weight & Wellness, Inc.

Dishing Up Nutrition

852 Listeners

Well Beyond 40 by JJ Virgin

Well Beyond 40

1,094 Listeners

Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC

Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare

775 Listeners

The Nutrition Science Podcast by Dr. Adrian Chavez

The Nutrition Science Podcast

512 Listeners

The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast by Erin Holt

The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

775 Listeners

Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

Dhru Purohit Show

3,475 Listeners

The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

The Dr. Hyman Show

9,289 Listeners

The Dr. Gundry Podcast by PodcastOne

The Dr. Gundry Podcast

1,812 Listeners

Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™ by Everyday Wellness™

Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow ™

1,207 Listeners

Better! with Dr. Stephanie by Dr. Stephanie Estima

Better! with Dr. Stephanie

594 Listeners

Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition by Dr. Jockers

Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition

763 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

28,531 Listeners

The Midlife Feast by Jenn Salib Huber RD ND

The Midlife Feast

82 Listeners

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

1,137 Listeners