Let’s talk about the latest “shiny object” in the world of pelvic health: fancy chairs and high-priced devices promising to “fix” your pelvic floor, with the push of a button. 

In today’s conversation, we’re getting a littttle spicy, and spilling some major pelvic floor truth bombs. Honestly, these “quick fix” solutions (like the Emsella chair, aka the Kegel chair), just DON’T sit well with us.

While they might sound appealing, the reality is these devices are expensive, over-marketed, and often miss the point ENTIRELY. You can’t outsource body awareness to a machine. These gadgets don’t help you feel your body, understand your symptoms, OR retrain your brain.

Most people don’t need more pelvic floor contractions - they NEED education, relaxation, and personalized care!

If you’re serious about improving your pelvic floor health, we’re here to remind you to skip the flashy chair. Instead, connect with a trained pelvic floor specialist who KNOWS how to help your body heal from the inside out!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• The rise of pelvic floor gadgets like the Emsella chair + why they’re not actually solving the problem
• Why you can’t outsource body awareness to a device or machine
• The wild price tag on these devices + why they’re rarely worth it
• Understanding that pelvic health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and real healing requires hands-on, whole-person care
• How fear-based marketing around these devices misses the mark on true wellness

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 43 | Pelvicology 101: The 6-Stage Framework for Rewiring Pain and Restoring Trust in the Body (Part 2 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 15 | The Value of a Pelvic Floor Internal Assessment
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Leen Awad to the podcast today!

Dr. Leen Awad is a board-certified internal medicine doctor and lifestyle medicine physician who helps high-functioning women in their 30s and 40s take control of their health before midlife hits. 

She specializes in disease prevention, hormone shifts, energy, and the body changes that often show up during perimenopause. Dr. Leen also teaches women how to stay strong, lean, and in control with a preventative & realistic approach.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Leen walks us through her signature 6 Pillars of Health, a framework designed to help women prevent disease, boost energy, and feel strong through every season of life. From nutrition and exercise, to sleep, stress management, relationships, and avoiding toxins, her approach is refreshingly realistic AND rooted in science!

Whether you’re a busy mom, career-focused woman, or simply ready to stop putting your health on the backburner, it IS possible to “future-proof your health”. Sustainable wellness starts with one pillar at a time, and it’s time to prioritize yourself so you can THRIVE in midlife (and beyond)! 

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• How Dr. Leen’s own burnout led her to shift from internal medicine doctor to lifestyle & mindset coach
• The lifestyle medicine training that shaped her realistic, flexible approach to health
• Using food to prevent (and even prevent) disease
• Prioritizing cardio and strength training for heart health, disease prevention & a stronger metabolism
• Building better sleep habits + why it’s essential for healing & overall health
• Managing stress through boundaries, mindfulness & simple mindset shifts
• Why building quality relationships + staying connected to people who uplift you MATTERS
• Limiting and reducing exposure to toxins & substances where possible
• Why “imperfect wellness” works & will lead to lasting results
• How to identify YOUR starting pillar that will make the biggest difference right now

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow Leen on Instagram @drleenawad
• Learn more about working with Leen by visiting her website
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

With June being Men’s Health Month, we’re continuing the conversation with a topic that impacts far more men than you might think: life after a prostatectomy.

Whether it’s due to prostate cancer, elevated PSA levels, or other health concerns, prostate removal is a MAJOR event, and the physical and emotional recovery can be just as significant. 

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing what men really experience after prostate removal, and how pelvic rehab can be a total game changer during this process. Research and experience both show that “pre-hab” (aka, prepping your pelvic floor before the procedure) leads to better post-op outcomes, shorter recovery timelines, and a stronger connection to your body. 

Honestly, men aren’t used to tuning into their bodies this way. But…working with a provider who truly GETS this process can help with a smoother recovery and healing!

Pelvic floor rehab is powerful and essential for post-prostatectomy. Life after prostate removal can be strong, healthy, and FULL of possibility!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Why some men need prostatectomies + common symptoms they face after surgery
• Eye-opening stats on pelvic floor rehab before prostate surgery
• How “pre-hab” can greatly improve recovery & confidence
• What post-op support looks like
• Why personalized, empowering care makes ALL the difference in healing

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Check out Simply Well Retreat
• Ep. 44 | Men Have Pelvic Floors, Too: Common Issues, Misconceptions, and Finding a Path to Relief
• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 43 | Pelvicology 101: The 6-Stage Framework for Rewiring Pain and Restoring Trust in the Body (Part 2 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 34 | Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: A Deep Dive Into Male Pelvic Health with Bill Taylor
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

In honor of Men’s Health Month, we wanted to shine a light on something that doesn’t get nearly enough air time: men’s pelvic health. 

While pelvic floor dysfunction is more commonly talked about in women’s health spaces, we’re seeing more and more male patients in our clinics. Most of them have waited months (or even years) before getting support. That has GOT to change!

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about men’s pelvic health, and the REAL issues they can experience when seeking care. Yep…men have pelvic floors, just like women! Unfortunately, many of their concerns get brushed off, misdiagnosed, or overly medicalized, when pelvic floor rehab could offer major relief AND long-term results. 

Our goal is to help uncover the root causes and support the body in a truly functional, sustainable way.

Whether you’re navigating symptoms yourself or want to support a loved one, we hope this episode brings awareness, encouragement, and empowerment. Let’s keep normalizing these topics, because everyone deserves to feel informed, heard, AND cared for!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Overview of the male pelvic anatomy
• 5 common pelvic floor issues men experience (that often go ignored)
• Why pelvic and testicular pain are more common than you think
• Top reasons these issues often get overlooked or misdiagnosed
• What pelvic floor PT and/or OT actually looks like for men
• The biggest barrier keeping most men from getting the care they need

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 43 | Pelvicology 101: The 6-Stage Framework for Rewiring Pain and Restoring Trust in the Body (Part 2 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 34 | Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: A Deep Dive Into Male Pelvic Health with Bill Taylor
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re excited to welcome Paige Genova back for our Part 2 conversation on pain reprocessing therapy, neuroplasticity, and the nervous system’s role in pelvic health!

Paige Genova is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, all about whole-person wellness in pelvic health. Paige is a fellow mama, clinician, and business owner/founder of Vital Pelvic Health in Ohio.

Paige is also the brilliant mind behind the “Pelvicology” framework, a holistic approach that bridges the gap between neuroplastic retraining and musculoskeletal treatment. 

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into how clinicians can integrate both the mind AND body into pelvic floor therapy.

Paige does a beautiful job breaking down the six stages of her signature framework, which includes everything from somatic tracking and guided imagery to bodywork, movement, and fear pattern disruption.

Whether you’re a pelvic health pro or someone navigating chronic symptoms like urgency, vaginismus, or constipation, this episode will leave you feeling validated AND empowered. Healing is absolutely possible, and it starts by treating the nervous system and the body, together!

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• The science behind pain reprocessing therapy + how somatic tracking plays a central role
• Why true mind-body therapy matters and musculoskeletal treatment still needs a seat at the table
• Common neuroplastic symptoms that show up in pelvic health
• Helping patients feel safe, supported & confident in their healing process
• A breakdown of the 6 core stages in Paige’s “Pelvicology” framework
• The power of paying mindful, curious attention to symptoms instead of resisting or avoiding them
• How the “flavor of fear” impacts the nervous system & influences chronic pain
• Bridging the gaps in traditional pelvic health care with a whole-person approach

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• The Way Out by Alan Gordon and Alon Ziv
• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 9 | Whole-Person Wellness: Exploring the Blend of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pelvic Health with Paige Genova
• Connect with Paige on Instagram @paige_thepelvicot and @vitalpelvichealth 
• Join Paige’s newsletter here
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re excited to welcome Paige Genova back to the podcast!

Paige Genova is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, all about whole-person wellness in pelvic health. Paige is a fellow mama, clinician, and business owner/founder of Vital Pelvic Health in Ohio.

In today’s conversation, we explore a cutting-edge approach: pain reprocessing therapy. As the only pelvic health OT certified in this technique, Paige shares her unique perspective on helping patients overcome not only pain, but also the fear that keeps them stuck in chronic symptom cycles.

Pain reprocessing therapy is grounded in the science of neuroplasticity - the brain and nervous system’s ability to change and adapt. What makes this approach so powerful is its simplicity and compassion for patients, so they can reclaim their lives and move forward without fear.

Chronic pelvic pain can be isolating, scary, and deeply misunderstood, but it doesn’t HAVE to be. Make sure to come back for even MORE wisdom from Paige in our upcoming part 2 episode - you won’t want to miss it!

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• Exploring how chronic pain treatment is evolving + what pain reprocessing therapy actually is
• Taking an integrative approach to chronic pain by understanding the nervous system’s role in chronic symptoms
• Helping patients understand that their healing journey will look different than expected + won’t be a straight line to “pain-free”
• Confidently treating patients with neuroplasticity as pelvic health therapists + breaking down what neuroplasticity means
• Real-world examples of how neuroplasticity develops + how it shows up in chronic pelvic pain
• The fascinating concept of “mind over pain” & the incredible power of the brain to heal

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 9 | Whole-Person Wellness: Exploring the Blend of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pelvic Health with Paige Genova
• Ep. 41 | The Truth About Chronic Pain: Rewiring the Brain + Restoring Hope & Healing
• Connect with Paige on Instagram @paige_thepelvicot and @vitalpelvichealth 
• Join Paige’s newsletter here
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Chronic pain can feel like an endless loop, but understanding why it’s happening can make all the difference! 

In today’s conversation, we dive into the truth about chronic pain, neuroplasticity, and how our bodies and minds can sometimes get stuck in a cycle that amplifies discomfort and fear. We see this often with the clients in our practices; the very real physical AND emotional challenges that come with retraining both the brain and body to feel safe again can be a lot to navigate!

We’re also discussing the differences between chronic and acute pain, why treating the whole person vs. just the affected pain site is crucial, simple + effective tools to work toward ‘retraining’ your brain, and more.

We hope this episode was enlightening and empowers you to find hope and healing on your journey. It’s time to reclaim your quality of life, and move forward with confidence!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Facing discomfort head-on when chronic pain meets new experiences
• Chronic pain vs. acute pain + why the difference matters
• How your brain and pain are deeply connected
• How chronic pain can rewire the brain over time
• The mistake of treating *only* the pain site instead of the whole person
• Recognizing when to seek additional support if you're not meeting your goals with pelvic floor physical therapy
• Signs your brain’s “protection mode” is holding you back
• Simple tools to help retrain your brain + calm your nervous system
• Embracing the idea that 2 things can be true at once + different can still be GOOD

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Why Do I Hurt? By Adriaan Louw PT
• Ep. 26 | From Pain to Pleasure: Overcoming Vaginismus and Dyspareunia with Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Check out https://pelvicrehab.com/
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode is a SPICY one, as we’re covering a bit of a ‘taboo’ topic: SEX!

In today’s conversation, we’re breaking taboos and gaining awareness on the clitoris, female pleasure, sexual health, and more. Unfortunately, there is still such a lack of research and education regarding the female body; all of it is shrouded in mystery and misinformation in our society.

Thankfully, we’re finally understanding more about the clitoris (the female organ whose sole function is PLEASURE), and how important it is for us as women!

We know how difficult it can be to navigate painful intercourse and intimacy challenges (especially surrounding female pleasure). It’s vital that you have open communication with your partner, and explore resources like pelvic floor and sex therapy to support you when necessary.

We hope this episode gave you a fresh + empowering perspective on sexual health and pleasure. If you’ve still got questions, we’re happy to dive deeper in future episodes - this is a conversation we’ll DEFINITELY be coming back to!! 

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Mind-blowing stats regarding the clitoris 
• Why the clitoris + pleasure in general tends to be ‘taboo’ & uncomfortable topics in our society
• Navigating painful intercourse + why having a professional to talk with in the sexual wellness space can be helpful
• Regular communication with your partner about your pleasure & intimacy
• Assumptions that we have as women about who we ‘need’ to be with intimacy

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 12 | From Disconnect to Connection: Sex Therapy, Desire Discrepancies, and Finding Joy in Intimacy (PART 1 with Lauren Scafe)
• Ep. 13 | A Candid Q&A: Low Desire, Postpartum Changes, Painful Periods, Hemorrhoids, and More (PART 2 with Lauren Scafe)
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Something that’s often overlooked but crucial to our health and well-being…

POOPING!

This is a topic we’re both passionate about, because we know how impactful pooping (and, well, not pooping) can be on your everyday life. 

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing why pooping shouldn’t be a struggle. Dealing with constipation (whether you’re a child or adult), can be extremely difficult, and it’s something that should be addressed ASAP. Regular bowel movements MATTER, but they shouldn’t require you to strain, hold your breath, or take forever to happen!

Your pelvic floor and bowel movements are very much connected; pelvic floor therapy can be a total game changer when it comes to improving your bowel health.

Honestly, pooping should be easy. But if it’s not…your pelvic floor *might* need a little TLC, and we can definitely help you with that!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Addressing constipation issues right away vs. waiting until they get ‘worse’
• Why regular bowel movements shouldn’t require straining, breath holding, or take a long time
• How constipation impacts the pelvic floor
• Signs that something is ‘off’ with your bowel movements
• How GI issues can disrupt regular bowel movements
• Tips to help you with better pooping

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 7 | Unlocking Relief: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Improve Constipation
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Something that’s been popping up a lot for both of us in our practices recently is this idea about certain exercises being ‘bad’ for you.

We’re often asked if you should avoid exercise due to ‘XYZ’. We really wanted to break down some misconceptions and share our thoughts in this episode!

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing the concept of ‘moving confidently’, and what exercise safety in pelvic health looks like. We don’t believe there’s any such thing as bad exercise or movement. Sometimes, you just need proper guidance and understanding of YOUR body.

Health and wellness should never be treated as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Your unique goals should be taken into consideration, and you should be treated as the whole person that you are - not just what your symptoms are!

Whether you’re pregnant, freshly postpartum, or in another season of life completely, you CAN be equipped with the knowledge to help you exercise safely & joyfully. As pelvic health therapists, we’ll get to the root cause, and help you start moving confidently again!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Real life patient stories in our practices
• Taking the ‘whole person’ into account vs. just their symptoms
• The concept that your health is individualized & shouldn’t be treated with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach
• Realizing that you may have more (or less) capacity for certain activities, depending on the season of life you’re in
• What to keep in mind when you’re newly postpartum & cleared for exercise again
• Getting comfortable with *really* knowing your body so you can do what you love & confidently live your life
• The often overlooked importance of pelvic health assessments & treatment

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website