Do you ever find yourself in a rush and wanting to force urine out of the bladder? Maybe you don’t push in the beginning of a void, but you push at the end to ensure you are empty? These are common habits that, if not corrected can result in other issues. The bladder works best if you can relax your muscles (pelvic floor) allowing urine to naturally flow out. Bearing down or pushing by using the abdominal muscles can weaken and strain your pelvic floor. Men who have troubl

As a practicing physical therapist for nearly 12 years I sometimes forget that most of the population has NO IDEA what a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health does. I would love to help people understand in case they or someone they know is in need of services. It varies from provider to provider, but generally pelvic physical therapists specialize in anything related to the muscles of the pelvis, abdomen, hips and low back that can affect general function, in a

Feeling particularly thankful this New Year’s Eve as I reflect back on 2019, a year of new challenges and adventures. I am so lucky to have family and friends by my side who encourage and support me along the way. My support system helps guide both big and small tasks ranging from how to make a post on Instagram to what supplies are helpful for my practice. Jason Adams, my husband/business manager/handyman/IT support is a huge advocate for Blue Sky Wellness and I’m forever g

I LOVE THIS BELLY BAND! This is my new favorite band to recommend during and after pregnancy. I have been recommending it for several months now and patients are loving it. It is wide enough to brace the pelvis (SI joint) and support the growing abdomen. Its shoulder straps provide a lift to assist with weight distribution, back pain, and pelvic floor pressure. It also comes with groin straps to support vulvar varicosities, inguinal and/or femoral hernias, symphysis pubis dys

Most people think of older women (perimenopausal) experiencing vaginal dryness as a result of decreased estrogen. The truth is, lubricants can benefit both men and women regardless of age. Many women, young and old suffer from vaginal dryness at some point, but are too embarrassed to discuss it. As a pelvic floor PT, this issue comes up all the time! I frequently have to give my patients permission to use lubricant and remind them that this is not atypical. There seems to be

During pregnancy and delivery, natural changes occur that impact the pelvic floor and abdominal wall due to poor spinal alignment, shortened and imbalanced muscles and changes in mobility. These changes can result in pain and loss of function (walking, squatting, prolonged sitting or standing). Postural changes can also lead to back/hip/pelvic pain as well as abdominal separation (diastasis rectus abdominus), pelvic organ prolapse, urinary urgency, frequency and leakage. Many

It seems like every time that I mention I am pelvic physical therapist, another friend or colleague pulls me aside in a whisper to tell me they are having bowel issues. It’s super common and should NOT be a taboo subject! Pelvic physical therapists work with patients who are suffering from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (all types), fecal incontinence, bloating, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse. PTs can help with behavioral changes like diet and the role of fiber, wa

The floor of the pelvis is made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone in front. A man's pelvic floor supports his bladder and bowel. The urethra and the rectum pass through the pelvic floor muscles. A man's pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by: prostate gland surgery straining to empty your bowel (constipation) heavy lifting a cough that goes on for a long time (such as smoker's cough,

Newsflash: Most have heard that peeing during workouts is NOT normal, but what we haven’t learned is that just “doing your kegals” is no