Pelvic Service Announcement

Did you know your gut and brain are in constant communication, and that this connection could be driving your pelvic health symptoms? In this episode, we dive into the science of the brain-gut axis and its powerful role in conditions like pelvic pain, IBS, and more. You'll learn how stress, the microbiome, and even your diet influence this two-way street, and what you can do to restore balance. We'll also explore the latest research and practical tools—from probiotics to mind-body strategies—to support your gut, calm your nervous system, and optimize pelvic function.

What the heck is SIBO and what does it have to do with your pelvic floor? That is what we are here to tell you all about. SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is a condition that can result in GI dysfunction—anywhere from bloating, gas, and abdominal pain to constipation or diarrhea. But here's the twist: all that gut dysfunction can have a big impact on your pelvic floor. In this episode, we break down how SIBO develops, what it feels like, and why it often shows up alongside pelvic floor symptoms like pain, pressure, and bowel dysfunction.

In this episode, Callie spills her personal tips and tricks for surviving the chaos that is the first trimester of pregnancy. Some are backed by science, and others are... well, just slightly unhinged genius. From staying awake to staying out of the toilet bowl, she's got you covered. If you're in the thick of it and just trying to function like a semi-human, this one's for you.

Rachel attended the HW Connect Conference, and she can't wait to tell you all about it! In this episode, she shares insights from several speakers, including Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD; Nancy Norton, RN; Leticia Nieto, Psy.D., LMFT; Holly Tanner, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, WCS, PRPC, LMP, BCB-PMD, CCI; Ken McGee, PT, DPT (they/he); Dr. Cindy Mosbrucker; Carole High Gross, PT, DPT, PRPC; Kathleen D. Gibson, MD; and Ramona C. Horton, MPT, DPT.

Dilators can be a valuable tool for treating many pelvic floor conditions when used properly. In this episode, we discuss how to use dilators, common mistakes to avoid, and techniques to enhance success. Stay tuned until the end for a major update on Callie's personal life!

To kick off this episode, Rachel shares some exciting updates about her personal life! The PSA girls also discuss how pelvic wands can help reduce pelvic pain and improve function, covering their parameters, indications, and contraindications.

Pelvic radiation can have many impacts on the body, including fibrosis, vaginal tissue narrowing, infertility, and bowel and bladder changes. In this episode, the PSA girls elaborate on how pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage these changes, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

Scrotal pain is a condition that can affect many people and may be caused by a variety of factors, from minor injuries to more serious underlying issues. In this episode, Rachel shares her newly gained wisdom, exploring the different factors that can lead to scrotal pain, including infections, torsion, and hernias. Additionally, we discuss how physical therapy can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Ovarian cysts are a common health condition that can affect people of all ages. Often, they do not cause any issues, and you may not even know you have them, but for some people, they can become problematic. In this episode, we explore what ovarian cysts are and the symptoms they can cause, from pelvic pain and bloating to hormonal imbalances. We also discuss when cysts may require medical attention and approaches to treatment, including watchful waiting, medication, and surgical options. Additionally, we highlight the role physical therapy can play in managing symptoms and supporting recovery.

Recent research has been uncovering the complexities of central sensitization and its role in chronic pain conditions. In this episode, the PSA girls explore how central sensitization contributes to pelvic pain and other chronic pain syndromes. They discuss what happens when the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals and making everyday sensations feel unbearable. The episode delves into evidence-based strategies for managing central sensitization, including physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

Uterine fibroids are a common yet often misunderstood health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. In this episode, we shed light on what uterine fibroids are, how they can impact overall health and well-being, and the role physical therapy can play in managing this condition.

For the past several years, infertility rates have been on the rise, not only in the United States but worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 6 people struggling to conceive. In the final episode of the fertility series, the PSA girls discuss all the ways to sustain a healthy pregnancy once you finally get that positive test, including essential topics like proper nutrition, stress management, and the importance of regular prenatal care. The episode also offers expert insights and practical tips to help expectant parents navigate this exciting journey with confidence.

For the past several years, infertility rates have been on the rise not only in the United States but worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 6 people struggling to conceive. In part three of the fertility series, the PSA girls dive deep into all things ovulation. They explore what ovulation is, the signs to look out for, and effective ways to track it. Additionally, they share tips on how to support your ovaries for optimal function through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and hormone balance. Whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

For the past several years, infertility rates have been on the rise not only in the United States but worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 6 people struggling to conceive. This episode provides information on egg quality and modifiable actions that can be taken to improve overall health.

For the past several years, infertility rates have been on the rise not only in the United States but worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 6 people struggling to conceive. Male factors contribute to approximately 50% of infertility cases. In this series, Callie and Rachel are not attempting to solve the fertility crisis, but rather to shed light on some health habits that can improve fertility and discuss ways to modify the modifiable factors.

Pelvicon is a gathering of some of the brightest minds in the pelvic floor world, and Rachel had the opportunity to attend this year. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy an overview of her experience. Listen until the end to hear how she lost her driver's license and whether she was able to find it again to fly back home.

Internal examination and treatment of the pelvic floor can provide a trained pelvic floor physical therapist with valuable insights into the patient's condition, helping to create a specific and effective plan of care. But what do you do if an internal exam and treatment are not options due to contraindications or patient preference? The answer: IT DEPENDS! This episode is all about helping our fellow pelvic floor providers navigate the waters when you're flying blind and still offering effective treatments to this patient population.

n honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode is dedicated to all of our patients who are going through breast cancer treatments, have survived breast cancer treatments, or have had a loved one suffer from this terrible disease. With this episode, the PSA girls hope to be a beacon of light and offer information about the ways physical therapy can help during the breast cancer treatment process—especially if you can find a provider who is certified in breast cancer rehabilitation, which, spoiler alert, Callie now is. So if you are fighting the battle of breast cancer, or you know someone who is, don't fight alone. Let us help you on this journey.

With all the information coming out about the heavy metals in tampons, it's hard to decide what is valid information and what is clickbait. So, before you go throwing away the box of tampons you bought from the store, give this episode a listen so you can make an informed decision and decipher the facts accurately.

In this episode, Callie and Rachel explore lichen sclerosis, a chronic skin condition typically affecting the genital and anal areas. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, and impact on pelvic health. Discover why pelvic floor physical therapy providers can be a valuable tool in treating this as well as ways to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

In this episode we examine the practice of urethral dilations, once a common treatment for urethral strictures and other urinary issues. We delve into why this practice is now considered outdated and discuss the potential risks and complications associated with it. Our discussion highlights the latest research showing that pelvic floor physical therapy is a superior treatment approach for many conditions previously treated with urethral dilations. We explore how specialized exercises and targeted therapies can effectively manage and improve urinary health, often providing longer-lasting relief without the need for invasive procedures.

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked genitofemoral nerve, exploring its anatomy, function, and clinical significance in detail. We explain how this nerve innervates the genital region and upper thigh, providing essential sensory and motor functions. Understanding the genitofemoral nerve is crucial for recognizing its impact on pelvic floor health, including its role in conditions like genitofemoral neuralgia.

You've heard the PSA girls discuss the importance of nutrition before, but never quite like this. In this episode, they are joined by orthopedic physical therapists Mattisun and Alyssa, who break down the essential aspects of nutrition in an easily digestible way. They cover the differences between micronutrients and macronutrients, supplementation, and the key calculations you need to know to succeed on your nutrition journey. Whether you're a fitness expert, recovering from a sports injury, or simply a regular person interested in health, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Vaginal wind, queefing, vaginal gas, vart, vaginal flatulence, fanny fart—all of these are names to describe the same thing: noisy air that escapes the vaginal canal. While this is typically a benign condition, the PSA girls provide education regarding common causes and ways to address it, while also trying to remove the shame surrounding this occurrence. Callie and Rachel often have patients who report this symptom, and it can very often be remedied with pelvic floor physical therapy and activity modifications.

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs in 33% of all female athletes and 50% of those who play high-impact sports. But as we've said before and will say again, common is not synonymous with normal! This episode addresses considerations for female athletes, including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and the female athlete triad. If you're a female athlete or work closely with female athletes, this one's for you.

In this episode, we dive into Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the body's moisture-producing glands, causing symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth. But did you know that Sjogren's can also impact the pelvic floor? The PSA girls explore the implications of this syndrome and offer practical tips for maintaining pelvic floor health, reducing discomfort, and improving quality of life.

In this episode the PSA girls delve into the complex world of chronic pelvic pain, exploring a phenomenon known as the "evil twins." Often intertwined, these two conditions—Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Endometriosis—cause debilitating pain and discomfort for millions of women worldwide. We discuss the common symptoms, challenges in diagnosis, and why these conditions are often misdiagnosed or overlooked

Get ready for one of the most exciting guests ever to be featured on Pelvic Service Announcement. This week, the PSA girls were honored to host Holly Tanner, PT, DPT, MA, OCS, WCS, PRPC, LMP, BCB-PMD, CCI for the first-ever Herman & Wallace podcast collaboration. Holly is the Director of Education for the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and shared some valuable insights into the world of pelvic health education, managing complicated cases, and navigating interpersonal relationships in the clinic. Whether you're a patient, clinician, or just someone with a love for pelvic health, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

The thought of tearing during childbirth is frightening for many people, especially first-time moms. However, the PSA girls are here to educate you and help ease your anxiety. Although perineal tearing occurs in 80-90% of women, there are ways to mitigate the risk and give the tissue the best possible chance to heal. If you're someone who experiences more severe grades of perineal tearing or undergoes an episiotomy, there's hope for a full recovery and this episode is the first step.

This episode covers everything you've ever wanted to know about bowel function and more! Rachel attended an online course on bowel dysfunction, and in this episode, she shares some of the valuable information she learned. Tune in to learn about digestion, dysfunction, and much more!

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful thing, but it can also entail more hormonal changes in your body. This episode gives a brief overview of some implications for the pelvic floor during this time, as well as ways to mitigate some of the hormone-related changes that may result in discomfort. Find out how pelvic floor physical therapy can help support and aid your healing while you are navigating the world of breastfeeding.

Creatine is one of the most highly researched supplements on the market. This compound is responsible for supplying energy to our muscles and has long been supplemented in the fitness industry to improve muscle growth and recovery. In addition to providing a basic understanding of how creatine works, the PSA girls explore new and exciting research on the potential the benefits for rehabilitation, fertility, fetal development, and so much more. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

70-80% of the population will suffer from low back pain at least once in their life, and only 15% of low back pain cases will be attributed to a specific cause. This leaves the majority of low back pain to fall into the 'non-specific' category, but the good news is that this pain can still be treated, even when the cause is unknown.

Callie and Rachel dive into recent research that highlights a link between neurodivergence, hypermobility, dysautonomia, and pain. They discuss not only what this means for these patient populations but also what it means for us as providers. So, what do these three things have in common? Listen to this episode to find out.

Having so much knowledge at our fingertips can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be overwhelming trying to wade through all of the information on the internet and sort out the good information from the bad. In this light hearted episode, the PSA girls spend some time googling pelvic floor related content and sorting through the popular results.

Urinary incontinence impacts millions of people and is one of the most common issues we treat as pelvic floor physical therapists. This episode breaks down the various types of urinary incontinence, including identifying factors and addressing the root causes of bladder leakage.

When should you be concerned about your green poop? Your bowel movements can reveal a lot about your overall health, including consistency, color, and buoyancy. There is a wealth of information that we can glean from our poop. Tune into this episode to learn everything you need to know, and perhaps discover some things you didn't want to know about pooping.

To conclude their series on menopause, the PSA girls address the impact that menopause can have on the pelvic floor and ways to combat tissue changes. They also discuss what the current research states about prescription vaginal estrogen and its implications for breast cancer.

In this continuation of the menopause series, the PSA girls address common causes of symptoms that can occur during perimenopause and menopause. They also offer practical suggestions for dealing with these symptoms.

Menopause is defined as the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles and is diagnosed 12 months after the last menstrual period. In this introductory episode, the PSA girls lay the groundwork for a whole new series that will address what menopause is, what the symptoms are, why they occur, and what the implications for the pelvic floor are.

With so much speculation, shame, and misinformation surrounding vibrators, it can be difficult to discover any of their actual potential uses and benefits. The PSA girls use this episode to do their part in removing the stigma surrounding these toys, providing listeners with information regarding the use and benefits of vibrators for enhancing their sex lives. They also offer information that will help you choose the vibrator that is right for you.

What makes up the male reproductive system? In this episode, the PSA girls dive into the intricacies of the male anatomy including the internal and external physical structures as well as the hormones responsible for sperm production and sex drive.

Vulvodynia, a medical condition marked by chronic pain in the vulvar area, profoundly affects the lives of many women. Join the PSA girls in this episode as they explore the multifaceted aspects of vulvodynia—unveiling its symptoms, potential causes, and the significant physical and emotional toll it exacts on those living with it. Additionally, the hosts provide crucial insights into the medical facets of vulvodynia, engaging in discussions about diagnosis, treatment options, and stressing the importance of seeking professional help. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of this often overlooked condition and the support available for those navigating its challenges.

In this episode, we explore the technology of InterStim and its role in helping individuals reclaim control over their lives despite the challenges of overactive bladder. Whether you're personally affected by OAB or simply interested in cutting-edge medical advancements, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey into the intersection of technology and healthcare.

We've said before that knowledge is power, and when it comes to knowing your body, understanding your anatomy is key. This episode dives into the external and internal anatomy of the female reproductive system. Knowing how to properly identify and describe your anatomy is important for many reasons. The PSA girls strive to empower all women by helping them understand their bodies; you can't recognize abnormalities if you don't even know what normal is.

In today's episode, we delve into a topic that affects many, yet is often overlooked as something that is normal. Once again, the PSA girls are here to remind you that common is not the same thing as normal. Normal urinary voiding intervals range anywhere from 2-4 hours, and that's even if you are someone who drinks a lot of water. Feeling like you need to go every hour or like you need to rush to the bathroom to empty your bladder is not normal, and this episode can help you create good habits, removing your bladder from the driver's seat.

With Christmas right around the corner, the PSA girls are here to help if you are stumped on what to get for friends and loved ones. This episode is full of pelvic floor-centered gift ideas for someone special or if you just feel like treating yourself. From squatty potties to lubricant to kettlebells, this episode has all the recommendations to bring all the pelvismas joy this holiday season.

In this episode, we delve into one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our daily lives - sleep. Sleep is not merely a time of rest; it's a critical period during which our bodies and minds undergo a multitude of vital processes. We'll discuss how sleep plays a pivotal role in immune system support, weight management, and the prevention of chronic diseases. You'll be amazed at how a simple habit like sleep can have such a profound impact on your overall well-being. So, if you've ever underestimated the importance of a good night's sleep or struggled with sleep issues, this episode is a must-listen.

In this last Movember episode we start the essential conversation as we work towards breaking the silence and fostering a culture where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental health. It's time to reshape the narrative and create a space where everyone's well-being is valued. Don't miss this episode that aims to inspire, inform, and support the journey to better mental health for men everywhere.

Join us as we shed light on this prevalent yet often overlooked form of cancer, discussing its risk factors, symptoms, and the crucial importance of early detection. This episode is designed to empower listeners with knowledge and foster a proactive approach to their well-being. Testicular cancer affects men of all ages, and our aim is to break the silence surrounding this issue, inspiring a positive shift in how we perceive and address men's health.

In this episode, we're putting the spotlight on Movember. November isn't just a month; it's a movement. Join us as we delve into the world of Movember and discuss the critical importance of prostate cancer awareness. You'll understand why prostate cancer awareness is crucial and explore key statistics that highlight the significance of early detection, intervention, and prevention.