An Alternate Kegel Position During Pregnancy
I can confidently tell you that while pregnant, you can safely perform the series of Kegel exercises as coached on our Hab-It: Pelvic Floor DVD in any of the three…
Questions from You to Me: Breathing
How does breathing and the diaphragm affect the pelvic floor? Our abdominal cavity has only so much room, so as our diaphragm draws down to take in a breath, we…
Pelvic Floor in “Inside Triathlete” Magazine
I can hardly contain my excitement. I just sat down with the latest issue of Inside Triathlon (March/April 2010) magazine and came across an article by Torbjorn Sindballe. He was…
The What and Why of a Women’s Health Physical Therapy Evaluation
by guest blogger, Michelle Herbst, MPT, DPT Physical Therapists are skilled allied health care providers who evaluate and treat illnesses and injuries specific to the musculoskeletal system. A Women’s Health…
A Closer Look at Our Transversus Abdominus
The transversus abdominus muscle (TA) plays a very important role in pelvic floor (PF) rehabilitation and function, yet most explanations for controlling continence don’t mention any exercises other than Kegels….
Resolution to Take Control of Our Continence
Since January is the month for resolutions, let’s resolve to take back control of our continence. What will it take? As with all resolutions – it will take commitment and…
“Bad” Abs vs. “Good” Abs
Let’s talk abs for a bit. Did you know that you have different kinds of abs that perform very different actions? There is the rectus abdominus, which are our 6-pack…
Getting Rid of the Belly “Pooch”
So often I get asked: “How do I lose this belly pooch up front?” Women will tell me that they have lost all of their weight after pregnancy, but they just…
Is my leaking just a function of my weak bladder?
The answer to this question is a resounding “NO!” The bladder is made up of smooth muscle, over which we don’t have voluntary control. Muscles that we can voluntarily contract…
Weighing your options and knowing your risks
When you begin to experience incontinence or prolapse symptoms, there are several treatment options to consider. These options range from non-invasive exercise programs aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles…