Read more about the article The Stages of Menopause & How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

The Stages of Menopause & How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

Compiled by: FXPT PFPT Menopause is not a single event but a transition with stages, each bringing hormonal changes that affect the body in unique ways. These changes influence the pelvic floor, bladder, and sexual health. The good news? Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) can provide meaningful support at every stage—and is most effective when integrated into a broader, multidisciplinary care plan. 1. The Stages of Menopause Perimenopause Begins 4–10 years before the final menstrual period. Hormonal fluctuations cause irregular cycles, hot flashes, mood shifts, sleep changes, and sometimes urinary…

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Read more about the article Relaxing the Pelvic Floor: Mobility Exercises for Runners

Relaxing the Pelvic Floor: Mobility Exercises for Runners

Did you know that the Pelvic Floor plays a large role in running performance? Running is a full-body exercise requiring adequate strength, endurance, mobility, and recovery time. The pelvic floor muscles are no different from any others used in running! The pelvic floor muscles help stabilize the spine and pelvis, maintain continence during activity, and assist in the transfer of power.  Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is common among female athletes, including runners. Studies show that pelvic floor symptoms, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other discomforts are reported…

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Read more about the article Taking Control of Your IC/BPS: Tips & Tricks from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Taking Control of Your IC/BPS: Tips & Tricks from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

By: Rachael Reuter, PT, DPT, IDN-C Managing Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are some tips and tricks from a physical therapy perspective to help manage IC/BPS: 1. Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques Breathing Exercises: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to help relax the pelvic floor muscles. Focus on slow, deep breaths, allowing your abdomen to rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale. This can reduce tension in the pelvic…

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Read more about the article Postpartum Exercise: A Gradual and Safe Return to Fitness

Postpartum Exercise: A Gradual and Safe Return to Fitness

Written By: Dr. Alissa Klein, PT, DPT As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I understand the importance of a well-structured and gentle return to exercise postpartum. A gradual return to exercise is safe and healthy for your postpartum body; these exercises are meant to help you get back to the activities you love as well as train for the physical work of lifting and carrying your new bundle of joy as they grow. Returning to physical activity looks different for every new parent. Progress through these stages at your own…

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Read more about the article Importance of Strength Training for the Young Female Athlete

Importance of Strength Training for the Young Female Athlete

Written by: Allison Scheller, PT, DPT Physical therapy can help when you are injured, but we can also help prevent injuries, especially when it comes to young female athletes. Female athletes are more susceptible to injuries, such as ACL injuries, ankle sprains, and concussions. They also are at risk for developing female athlete triad. It is important to screen these athletes for strength imbalances that may cause these individuals to be more at risk for developing these injuries. Some other contributing factors to increased injury rate includes: Wider pelvis- which…

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Read more about the article A Guide to Asymmetrical Posture & Movement

A Guide to Asymmetrical Posture & Movement

Written by: Chris RoosaGood Posture Good posture has many important benefits, including making you appear younger, taller,  and even more confident - but there is more to “perfect” posture than how others perceive you. Good posture has lifelong health benefits that can dramatically improve your quality of life, and even help you live longer! This article will give you insights on the difference between static and dynamic posture, and steps you can take today to optimize your personal posture for better health, improved performance, and a fully optimized physique. Posture…

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Read more about the article Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

What is Genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term that describes various menopausal symptoms and signs including not only genital symptoms, and sexual symptoms, but also urinary symptoms. The terms vulvovaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis, which were generally used until recently, had a limitation because they did not cover the full spectrum of symptoms and did not imply that the symptoms are related to a decreased estrogen level in menopause.  -Ref: Journal of Menopausal Medicine What causes Genitourinary syndrome of menopause? A lack of…

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Read more about the article Cracking the Code: What is Endometriosis

Cracking the Code: What is Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to an inflammatory reaction within the pelvis and abdomen. It affects 10-15% of female-bodied people and 35-50% of people struggling with pelvic pain and infertility (~200 million people). It is often referred to as the “great imitator” which leads to it being under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, and contributes to why it often takes 7-20 years to be diagnosed. What causes Endometriosis? The cause of endometriosis is unknown. It…

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