This is Jae, my current physical therapist at Oahu Spine & Rehab. It’s somewhat unusual and embarrassing but I’m getting pelvic floor physical therapy to help me with my bathroom problems. Some friends have commented, “I didn’t even know that was a thing” or “I need that too” or “I need to tell my mom/grandma about that.” It’s kind of a taboo topic because it relates to going to the bathroom and sex. But I think it’s important to try to normalize the conversation.
Like my recent Lasik eye surgery, I wish I had started pelvic floor PT DECADES ago. Angela, my yoga teacher, told me that in Germany every mother is offered pelvic PT after giving birth. And by the way, yoga is also super helpful for strengthening the core, which includes the pelvic floor muscles. Experts tend to tell you, “Just do kegels” but it’s not always that simple and there is a right way and a wrong way to do them.
It’s been really great working with Jae, she’s amazing. If you live on Oahu, you should definitely go to her or find a pelvic floor physical therapist near you. Anyway, I’d be happy to talk to you more about it anytime. Two things, in general, that seem obvious yet are super important are your posture and your breathing (should be diaphragmatic breathing). So, pay attention to those if you don’t already.
