Jun 17, 2024
Welcome to Episode 59 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!
In this open and informative interview, physical therapist, Sarah Sudheimer (DPT,MTC), provides an in-depth look at treating common pelvic health issues faced by women during the perimenopause and menopause stages of life. One major complaint is incontinence in midlife. Other complaints are vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Sarah shares many useful and practical tips in this episode.
She goes on to explain pelvic organ prolapse in detail and the symptoms to look for like urinary incontinence with coughing/sneezing or urge incontinence, a feeling of pelvic heaviness or pressure, and dyspareunia (painful sex) from irritation.
Kim shares her personal and vulnerable experience working with Sarah and the benefits of working with a PT and pelvic floor specialist, especially in midlife.
Sarah emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor muscle exercises known as Kegels, but cautions they may exacerbate certain pain conditions or a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor. As an alternative, she suggests focusing on other muscle groups that share fascial connections and indirectly engage the pelvic floor - the transverse abdominis, gluteus maximus, and the diaphragm through diaphragmatic breathing.
Sarah also shares powerful tips to train the bladder to reach fuller capacity and this naturally strengthens the pelvic floor muscles that must support the added weight. She also explains that it’s important to prevent constipation and to avoid straining with bowel movements that can overload the pelvic floor.
Sarah reassures that it's never too late to start pelvic floor exercises, having treated women successfully into their 70s and 80s. Listen to the end to hear her amazing tips and you can start today.
Highlights:
Pelvic health and treatment options for vaginal dryness. (0:07)
Pelvic floor physical therapy for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. (7:59)
Pelvic floor health and exercises to strengthen it. (17:58)
Pelvic floor exercises for menopause relief and tips. (26:28)
Connect with Sarah:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/core.connection.pt/
Website: https://www.thecoreconnectionpt.com/
Connect with Kim on TT and IG: @kimhynesmidlife
Note: The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner. This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.
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