Pelvic health
PELVIC health is not only for moms...
While pelvic floor physical therapy is the gold standard of care for postpartum women, this specialized physical therapy can benefit many people. Athletes can seek pelvic PT for leaking during running, jumping or other impact sports. Men may also benefit from pelvic PT after prostate cancer.
When it comes to your postpartum care, a pelvic health assessment can provide helpful information for recovery. Ideal timing for this is after your 6-week appointment with your Midwife or OB. During PT, you will have the chance to rehabilitate and strengthen muscles that were weakened during pregnancy and delivery. This can help reduce occurrences of pelvic floor dysfunction (see my blog for more) and increase overall health.
Use this link to find a provider near you: Visit the PT Finder here
A great article on Pelvic Floor Health! It helps explain why more providers are not aware that it can help: What Doctors learn about the pelvic health in med school
Excellent Active Mom Podcast about pelvic health and training with Dr. Carrie Pagliano, including many great interviews.
Another fantastic podcast, At Your Cervix with Pelvic PTs Emma Brockwell & Grainne Donnelly on myriad of topics affecting pregnant and postpartum women.
Pelvic Floor Therapists in the capital region (upstate NY)
Fern PT (Delmar)
Therapeutic Evolution PT (Albany)
Keystone Physical Therapy (Albany)
Albany Medical Center Outpatient Physical Therapy (Delmar)
St. Peter’s Health Partners Pelvic Health Center at Albany Memorial Hospital
The Body Workshop PT (Clifton Park)
Innova PT (Queensbury)
Regional Therapy Center of Saratoga Hospital 518-583-8383
Seton Health Incontinence Treatment Center 518-268-5380 (Troy)
The Green Room Physical Therapy, Clifton Park & Troy
for Stress Incontinence (leaking while coughing, sneezing, RUNNING or JUMPING)
A few great sources here:
1. I love this article on Oiselle's Blog about returning to run postpartum. It touches on many factors and addresses the truth that each of us could leak for a different reason. It also highlights the importance of strength training. Oiselle Blog: Pelvic Health for Runners
2. In 2019, these Return to Run Guidelines were published. There are excellent strength and loading self-tests to guide you on the path to running without symptoms. You can find them here: 2019 Return to Run Guide
Books
Why Did No One Tell Me by Emma Brockwell
The Vagina Bible by Dr. Jen Gunter
Floored by Dr. Sara Reardon
Affiliate links
Pregnancy & postpartum Athleticism
I am a graduate and strong supporter of the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism coaching programs. For coaches who train women, you will learn evidence-based strategies for training clients during pregnancy and beyond. Through the course, you join the ranks of an impressive group of coaches, pelvic floor therapists and birth professionals from around the globe.
For athletes returning to their favorite activities after having a baby, there are great courses you can take right in the comfort of your home - a no brainer! All programs here
Athlete Guides
Check out the excellent free resources from Brianna Battles' website: Exercise during Pregnancy, the No Pee cheatsheet, Common Mistakes for Athletes & Their Coaches and more about Diastasis Recti. Athlete Guides
To find a Pregnant & Postpartum Athleticism Coach near you, use this map.
Equipment I LOVE from Perform Better:
A lot of great products from a reputable company in the northeast I've been buying from for years.
I use the mini bands every day - they're awesome especially since my kids no longer steal them and wear as headbands. Great set of mini bands - 4 pack
I have weights (dumbbells & kettlebells) that I use three times per week.
I like the resistance bands with handles (search First Place Exercise Tubing with Foam Handles), which pair well with the Thera-band Door Anchor. The closed loop bands are useful too.
*Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning that I make a small commission if you decide to purchase something from my link. This does not affect the price you pay and occasionally you may get access to a better deal through my link. I would never recommend a product or a professional that I did not stand behind 100%.
