Pelvic Floor PT Explained: Who Needs It and Why?

The Gut Health Podcast

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.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Pelvic Floor Health (00:00:00)

2. Myth Busting: Constipation Misconceptions (00:04:53)

3. What Pelvic Floor PTs Actually Treat (00:08:54)

4. How Pelvic Floor Therapy Works (00:17:24)

5. Proper Pooping Position and Techniques (00:27:22)

6. Beyond Taboos: Pain and Pregnancy (00:32:04)

7. Men's Pelvic Health Concerns (00:44:02)