Let's Talk about Pelvic Floor Health with Lisa Gramlich, PT

FUN FACT: Did you know that the pelvic floor has three layers 

And that men have pelvic floors, too? 

Those are just two of the many fascinating facts I learned during my interview with Lisa Gramlich, current LEAD PT for Middlesex Health's PHIT (Pelvic Health and Incontinence Training) Program.

As a yoga teacher, fitness instructor, and overall curious human being, I’ve spent months hunting down a Pelvic Foor Specialist to interview. Before the interview, I did know a few things about the pelvic floor. I knew that there was more to pelvic floor health than “Kegels.” I also knew that people could have tight pelvic floor muscles and weak pelvic floor muscles, and finally, I knew that there was a heck of a lot more to learn about the Pelvic Floor.

So here it is! An info-packed interview with the knowledgeable and passionate Lisa Gramlich, current LEAD PT for Middlesex Health's PHIT (Pelvic Health and Incontinence Training) Program.

In this interview, Lisa answers the following questions and then some!

What is the pelvic floor, what does it do, and why is it important?

What are signs of pelvic floor problems? In other words, how do I know if I have pelvic floor issues?

What is a pelvic floor therapist? What do they do? How do they help?

What are a few simple things we can do to ensure a healthy pelvic floor?

 In preparation for the interview, Lisa also sent me some notes about Pelvic Floor health. She gave me permission to share these notes with you all. I hope you find them helpful.

I have also included a few more resources at the end of the post.

LISA’S NOTES

How do I know if I have pelvic floor issues?

Ask yourself these questions:

Bladder:

  1. Do you leak when you stand up, cough, laugh, or sneeze? Or after meals?

  2. Uncomfortable urge to urinate?

  3. Wear a pad “just in case” or for actual incontinence.

  4. Get up more than 1-2x at night to void.

  5. Feel your bladder is not entirely empty.

  6. Feel anxious about “not making it to the bathroom on time.”

  7. You can’t make it consistently 3 hrs during the day between trips to the bathroom.

  8. You can’t urinate once you are sitting on the toilet or have to strain.

Bowel: 

  1. Leak feces when you stand up, cough, laugh, or sneeze?

  2. Push or strain to have a BM?

  3. Pain with BMs?

  4. Have more than 3 BMs per day?

Pelvic Pain: 

  1. Do you have rectal, vaginal, or genital pain, numbness, or tingling at any time?

  2. Do you still have pain after pelvic surgery?

RESOURCES:

To find a Pelvic Floor Therapist go to  https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner

For products that support a healthy vaginal biome, check out: http://goodcleanlove.com

For more ways to learn about simple, balanced, and natural living: go to the Mountain View Wellness blog: subscribe to the Mountain View Wellness YouTube Channel and subscribe to the Mountain View Newsletter. 

wellness, healthJulie Bailispelvic floor, pelvic floor health, pelvic pain, pelvis, women's health, incontinenceComment