Ask about Virtual Pelvic Health Coaching. Get the necessary resources, support, and care regardless of your location.

close

icon
Search Icon Close Icon

Book an appointment



Logo
Search Icon

Book an appointment



Close Icon

health and wellness

Spring Pelvic Health 101 Classes are About to Start!

Come Learn With Us! Free Pelvic Health 101 Classes at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy!

By Fiona McMahon, DPT

It’s that time of year again, temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and we at Beyond Basics Physical Therapy are gearing up and getting ready to start up our hugely successful Pelvic Health 101(PH101) classes for the spring and we couldn’t be more excited!

Our upcoming Pelvic Health 101 Course is the third in our series of PH101 courses. Our courses cover a variety of topics from male and female sexuality, bowel and bladder health, nutrition, as well as complimentary medicine for pelvic floor dysfunction. In this blog we will sit down with one of Beyond Basics’ Senior Physical Therapists and the creative force behind our Pelvic Health 101 Classes, Stephanie Stamas, to get more information on this wonderful resource.

FM: Why did you begin PH101?
SS: I began the Pelvic Health 101 seminar series last fall out of a desire to help more people. There are a lot of people out there who have consistently been told there is nothing wrong with them, it is all in their head or they should just get over it. I wanted to put together an educational series that would validate people’s suffering as well as give them tools to heal and return to a normal life. I believe that information is power, and that power gives people freedom and hope – two things that are often lacking in patients suffering with pelvic floor dysfunction.

FM: Who is the intended audience for PH101?
SS: Current patients, prospective patients, healthcare providers who have questions about how to better treat pelvic pain – really anyone. I tailor these classes so they are understandable to the general population, but I also try to give more in-depth information than one might find elsewhere. I really want class participants to leave with a clear picture of what is going on with their bodies.

FM: Do you have to be a current patient at BBPT to go?
SS: Not at all! Most of the participants have been prospective patients looking for more information and seeing if physical therapy can be helpful for their condition. We’ve also had plenty of other healthcare providers come to learn more about the musculoskeletal component to bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction. Everyone is welcome!

FM: What is your favorite topic to cover?
SS: I really love the bowel lecture, “Why is Pooping so Difficult.â€It’s fun to be an adult and get to talk about pooping! Potty talk is often not socially acceptable but I like to open the floor to talk about issues that are often swept under the rug. I also really love our Ladies Only Night. It’s a safe place where women can come and ask any of their questions concerning pelvic health in a friendly, fun, women only environment. It almost has the feel of a girls’ night in with your friends, minus the pajamas and pillow fights.

FM: What are some of your favorite reactions from last years’ class?
SS: I love seeing “light bulbs†click on when people discover anatomical and physiological reasons why they are experiencing symptoms. People get so much bad information along the way and often times are told everything is in their head. I love the smiles and hope on people’s faces when they hear the good news that it is not, and that there is a solution to their symptoms!

FM: What should people do who are interested in taking the class?
SS: They should sign up online as soon as they can at PelvicHealth101.eventbrite.com. The classes are free but space is limited so they do fill up quickly. Light refreshments will be provided. Check out our class schedule below!

ph101m16

—FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic Floor Disorders and Treatment

What is pelvic floor dysfunction and why does it happen?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common and occurs when the muscles, tissues, or nerves of the pelvic floor are weakened, tightened, or injured by trauma, chronic strain, or overuse. Pelvic floor disorders can result from traumatic injury such as a fall, from sporting activity, surgery, or childbirth. They can also happen from more chronic issues, such as infection or chronic inflammation such as endometriosis. Pelvic floor disorders can be a consequence of poor alignment or posture, overuse, or improper movement. The pelvic floor muscles surround the urethra, rectum, vagina and prostate; therefore, if there is a dysfunction in these muscles it can result in urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction in people of all ages.

Who should I see to get a proper diagnosis?

Many healthcare providers don’t assess – or don’t know how to assess – the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a practitioner who specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. Too often patients tell us that they’ve been to 10 different doctors and healthcare providers and their symptoms have not improved, or have worsened. Find a specialist right away and get on the path to healing as quickly as possible.

Why do healthcare providers miss (or misdiagnose) pelvic floor dysfunction?

Long story short, the medical practice is divided into areas of the body: Urology. Orthopedics. Gynecology. But the body itself doesn’t have walls; every system interacts with everything else. Sometimes providers are so laser-focused on what they treat that they miss the whole picture. 

As more and more research emphasizes the importance of physical therapy as part of a complete treatment regimen, more and more physicians are learning how to recognize and treat pelvic floor disorder. In the meantime, if you’re not getting relief from your current treatment, make an appointment with a pelvic floor specialist to learn more.

How does pelvic floor dysfunction affect sex?

Pelvic floor muscles have a huge impact on sex. Muscles that are shortened or tight and are unable to elongate will not allow for good blood flow into the genitals. This can result in pain, weaker erections, diminished sensation, inability to orgasm, and even decreased lubrication. Pelvic floor PT can help with these issues by enhancing blood flow and improving muscle function. 

How can pelvic floor dysfunction cause bloating?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles, can significantly contribute to bloating due to its impact on gastrointestinal functions. When these muscles are not functioning properly, it can impact the ease of emptying and make it difficult for your body to pass stool and gas through the intestines. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of waste and gas in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Is it true there’s internal massage?

There can be. We do perform internal soft tissue mobilization of the pelvic muscles that are inside your pelvis and are accessible only through the vagina or rectum. We never do internal treatment without your consent and understanding.

What makes someone a pelvic floor PT vs a regular PT?

All pelvic PTs get additional training in pelvic floor internal treatment through continuing education and at our clinic. 

We pride ourselves on the level of training we provide, not just at the beginning but throughout the time our therapists spend at Beyond Basics. We know that learning is a life-long process.  We also provide additional training in physiology of the GI system and urinary system as well as sexual health and function and nutritional training. Most PT programs and schools do not provide the depth and breadth of knowledge that we provide all our PTs at Beyond Basics.

Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist.

Book Your Appointment
call-popup
CALL DOWNTOWN

OR

TEXT DOWNTOWN
call-popup
CALL MIDTOWN

OR

TEXT MIDTOWN
Skip to content