The vagus nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body. It starts in the brainstem and extends down through the neck and into the abdomen. The vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating many bodily functions that occur at rest, such as heart rate, digestion, and relaxation. What is the Vagus Nerve and How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help to Shift You into a Parasympathetic Nervous System State? Reducing Muscle Tension: Pelvic floor physical therapy often involves relaxation techniques and exercises to release tension in t ..read more

Endometriosis is a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals with a uterus worldwide. Characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, endometriosis can lead to a variety of symptoms that significantly impact daily life. While medical treatments such as surgery and medication are commonly utilized, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing endometriosis symptoms. In this blog post, we'll explore the common symptoms of endometriosis and how pelvic floor physical therapy can provide relief a ..read more

One common pain point that many pregnant mamas experience is round ligament pain. This discomfort, characterized by sharp, shooting pains in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, can be challenging to manage. In this blog post, we'll explore how physical therapy can provide relief and support to mothers grappling with round ligament pain during pregnancy. Understanding Round Ligament Pain: The round ligaments are a pair of ligaments that support the uterus in the pelvis. As the uterus expands during pregnancy, these ligaments stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This stretching and the incre ..read more

As a woman, you understand the importance of taking care of your overall health. However, one aspect that is often overlooked, yet critical, is the health of your pelvic floor. Menopause is a transformative stage in a woman's life, and its impact on your body can be significant. That's why we wrote this blog post to share valuable insights about the benefits of seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist during menopause. Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters During Menopause: Combat Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: Menopause often brings about hormonal changes that can lead to vaginal dryness, itchin ..read more

Pregnancy is a remarkable and transformative time in a woman's life. As you prepare to welcome a new life into the world, it's essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. One effective way to achieve this is through the practice of yoga. In this short blog post, we'll explore the numerous benefits of yoga to help you prepare for a smooth and empowering birth experience. 1) Physical Preparation Yoga is an excellent way to prepare your body for the rigors of childbirth. Here are some of the physical benefits: Strength and Flexibility: Yoga helps in strengthening your muscle ..read more

Listen to the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast as Dr. Hannah Strom, pelvic floor physical therapist, speaks about common pelvic floor issues. Learn about what pelvic floor therapy is and why you might see a pelvic floor therapist. We discuss bladder leakage, prolapse, pelvic pain, and more! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Buzzsprout Check out the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast on Instagram! Check out Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness on Instagram! Ready to get started working with a pelvic floor PT? If you’re wondering if pelvic floor PT postpartum is right for you, reach ou ..read more

Listen to the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast as Dr. Hannah Strom, pelvic floor physical therapist, speaks about uncommon pelvic floor issues. In Part 2 of the podcast, learn about uncommon pelvic floor issues and reasons why you should see a pelvic floor therapist that you may not have known about. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Buzzsprout Check out the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast on Instagram! Check out Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness on Instagram! Ready to get started working with a pelvic floor PT? If you’re wondering if pelvic floor PT postpartum is right for y ..read more

It’s never too late to start working on your DR! There is no such thing as a “point of no return” with DR. Pelvic floor PT is focused on providing you with strategies and exercises to help you improve the function of your core, build strength, and decrease discomfort. DR may not heal on its own and in some cases can worsen without proper treatment, so surgery is the only option provided to help correct DR. However, surgery is not necessary for many individuals, and you get results without non-surgical interventions (keep reading for more info!) Long-term healing and resolution of DR require ..read more

Listen to the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast as Dr. Hannah Strom, pelvic floor physical therapist, speaks about common pelvic floor issues. Learn about what pelvic floor therapy is and why you might see a pelvic floor therapist. We discuss bladder leakage, prolapse, pelvic pain, and more! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Buzzsprout Check out the Beauty, Brains, & Barbells Podcast on Instagram! Check out Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness on Instagram! Ready to get started working with a pelvic floor PT? If you’re wondering if pelvic floor PT postpartum is right for you, reach o ..read more

It’s not uncommon to experience some challenges with bowel movements after a c-section. This could include constipation or pain with pooping. Here are some tips to help you poop better after a c-section: ✅Apply pressure over your abdomen/scar with a pillow. This supports your healing incision while you poop. ✅Place a squatty potty under your feet. This helps your pelvis and pelvic floor muscles get in an optimal position to help you poop. ✅Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day. Proper hydration helps keep your intestines happy. ✅Include fiber and magnesium rich foods into your diet ..read more