The Pelvic Floor Project

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Pip Houghton, a family doctor and maternal mental health advocate to discuss: Dr. Pip’s personal experience with postpartum mental health struggles Societal and cultural pressures of being a new mom/parent  Signs that your mental health may be “unwell” postpartum Suggestions to help you check in with what your needs and wants are  Ways to ask for help from the...

This episode is a follow up to episode 18 with Dr. Sinéad Dufour - The research behind vaginal devices, chairs, laser and online apps to treat incontinence  In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Sinéad Dufour to discuss:  The emerging use of telehealth Research to supports it’s effectiveness The soon to be released SOGC guideline on telehealth Reasons for resistance from practitioners and clients Us...

I am joined in this episode by Gynecologist,  Dr. Melanie Altas, the Director of the BC Centre of Vulvar Health to discuss: What is lichens sclerosis Signs and symptoms How a diagnosis is made Suggested treatment How lichens sclerosis can affect sexual function and emotional well being  The benefits of early detection and relationship to cancer Suggestions for people who suspect lichens sclerosis ...

In this episode, gynecologist Dr. Paula Espino and I discuss: The SOGC guidelines for prolapse management  What is a pessary? Different types of pessary Ways pessaries can be used and managed Symptoms of prolapse Typical course through the health care system for someone who has symptoms of prolapse Wait times for seeing a gynecologist in Canada What an assessment by a gynecologist entails The role...

In this episode, I sit down with board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist, Dr. Rachel Rubin to discuss:  GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause)  Symptoms that bring a woman in to see a pelvic health physiotherapist that often go hand in hand with GSM Why hormones are important and what happens during perimenopause/menopause What a physical exam of the vulva may reveal  Options f...

In this episode, Robyn Hooper (doula) and I discuss: Birth isn’t something that happens to you.. it happens with you  Differences seen in birthing people Birth preferences  Benefits of having a relationship with your nurse  Benefits of having a doula Ways to advocate for yourself  Ways your partner can advocate for you  Knowing your birth location, provider and what to expect How does this relate...

In this episode, I sit down with urologist Dr. Jennifer Locke to discuss: The evidence based guidelines that guide assessment and treatment for stress urinary incontinence  The recommended first line treatments The benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy The recommended course of action when physiotherapy isn’t enough Tests a urologist may recommend Non surgical options Surgical options, the risks...

In this episode, fellow physiotherapist, Gráinne Donnelly and I discuss: The big picture view of postpartum recovery care  What others countries are doing? Gaps in care  What is being done to change this? Current research being done in the field Drawing parallels between rehabilitation of other musculoskeletal injuries and postpartum recovery Resources available for those looking to take a proacti...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physical therapist and Instagram star, Hayley Kava to break down some “not so good” messaging out there:  “Pelvic floor symptoms are due to a weak and loose pelvic floor” “Don’t start physio until 6 wks after baby” "A pelvic health PT is only helpful for those that have had a vaginal birth” “Just give it time and wait for the hormones to go away”  “Be c...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physiotherapist, Susannah Britnell to discuss:  Symptoms typically seen with clients who have tailbone pain  What muscles and structures attach to the coccyx/tailbone Reasons why people have tailbone pain  Typical course of treatment  What pelvic health physiotherapy has to offer What the research says  Susannah Britnell works mostly in private practice at U...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Olson, physical therapist and pelvic expert behind Intimate Rose to discuss: The messaging that dilators are used to "stretch tight tissue"  Reasons why penetration with intimacy, tampon use and medical exams can be painful The connection between brain and pelvic floor  How dilators can be used to help the brain and body tolerate penetration In...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lori Brotto a Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and a Registered Psychologist as well as PHD student, Natalie Brown who is currently conducting research related to treatment of vaginismus to discuss: The relationship between our emotional brain and physical body The pelvic floor’s involvement when vaginal penetration is painful Comm...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Adrienne Sim to discuss:  What is stress incontinence and why does it happen Common beliefs and myths surrounding stress incontinence Some ways that women are currently managing stress incontinence What the evidence based guidelines suggest for management  The strong evidence to support pelvic health physiotherapy  What you can...

In this episode, I sit down with Kimberley Johnson, a PhD student doing fabulous research in psychology with a specific focus on perinatal and pelvic health to discuss:  Birth related pelvic floor trauma and the association with higher rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  Kimberley’s personal experience that led to her research questions The study hypothesis - Lack of pelvic floor focus...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physiotherapist Anita Lambert to discuss: How pelvic health physiotherapists can play a role in helping women prepare for birth The anatomy of birth Is there a right and wrong way to push? How do birth positions play a role? Different ways you may be coached to push Ways to feel prepared and empowered  What the research says How to bring this topic up with y...

In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, Michelle Lyons to discuss:  The link between pelvic health physiotherapy and menopause Meaning of the terms perimenopause and menopause Role of estrogen and progesterone in the body How the various body systems (brain, digestive, heart, bladder, vagina, bones, muscles, tendons etc) may respond to hormone changes  The importance of our monthly cycle...

In this episode, I sit down with Celia Peters, runner and mom. Celia shares her struggles with postpartum recovery despite doing everything she could to prevent them. She brings a honest and refreshing perspective while inspiring others to become experts in their own body.  Celia’s goal to be proactive and prevent postpartum issues What things she did to prepare during pregnancy and for birth Thin...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physiotherapist, Jill Mueller to discuss:  An explanation of endometriosis Common symptoms How a diagnosis is made Causes Treatment options How pelvic health physiotherapy can help Resources to help you advocate for yourself Jill Mueller has been a physiotherapist since 2001. Her interest in Pelvic Health Therapy stems from experiencing her own journey with...

In this episode, I sit down with Elise Ruel, full spectrum doula, breastfeeding educator and childbirth educator to discuss: What it means to prepare for birth? Birth as a natural process that cannot be “controlled” but rather “helped”  Ways that cultural differences and beliefs play a role in birth preparation The benefits of thinking through your wishes, fears, and preferences The benefits of be...

In this episode, I sit down with Naturopath Dr. Susan Frame to discuss:  What is moxibustion?  How does it work? What does the research say? How it can be used as a tool to turn a breech baby How many sessions are required? What does this look like for clients? When should women be referred in their pregnancy? Dr. Susan Frame is a naturopathic doctor in Kelowna BC with a special interest in women&...

In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Courtney, registered midwife from Malachite Midwives in Kelowna BC to discuss: Epidurals and midwifery care Ways an epidural may affect labour and birth variables Making an informed decision that is right for you The negative stigma around epidurals  Ashley Courtney grew up in France and Africa, yet ended up in Toronto for most of her elementary schooling. H...

In this episode, I sit down with therapist, Kate Borsato to discuss: What is birth trauma? The reasons everyone has a unique experience Birth trauma and PTSD Birth person vs partner trauma? Do most women recognize their birth was traumatic? What symptoms/feelings might be experienced? Are there any automatic services in place? How can people seek out help themselves? Kate is a perinatal mental hea...

In this episode, I sit down with fellow physiotherapist, Brittany Klingmann to discuss: What do the guidelines say? Benefits of exercise during pregnancy Reasons exercise may not be recommended during pregnancy What type of exercise is recommended? What to talk to your Dr about  Can you start something new in pregnancy? What we do as physiotherapists to help keep you active  Brittany is an Orthopa...

In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, Lacey Forsyth to discuss:  What are hemorrhoids?  Symptoms Causes How hemorrhoids are related to the pelvic floor Treatment options Lacey Forsyth is a Registered Physical Therapist, Mama of 2 and Founder of Bump Physio & Co. Lacey graduated from the University of British Columbia’s MPT program (UBC) in 2014 after receiving her Master of Arts de...

In this episode, I sit down with physiotherapist, Antony Lo to discuss: Common myths about the core: “ I have a weak core” “You need to actively engage your core all the time” “Suck in your tummy” “Maintain a neutral spine” “Doming/coning = danger” “Your TA isn’t firing” “You need to master exercises on your back before progressing” How we as health care and fitness professionals should continue t...