Pelvic Health

Increasing Fertility

Increasing Fertility

So! You’ve decided to take the leap into trying to conceive. As a very exciting (and sometimes nerve wracking!) time, a lot of things may feel overwhelming at first.

Here at Recharged PT, we’ve got all things pregnancy covered.

In the past, we have covered everything from what to expect each trimester to how to safely exercise and eat while pregnant. We have gotten into postpartum care and even the so-called “fourth trimester.” But another important factor to consider in your pregnancy journey is what to do before you get pregnant. Your lifestyle, mood and overall health can have a tremendous effect on your fertility and ability to conceive. And that is what we are here to talk about today. Aside from the mental, emotional, and relational dynamics involved in making this decision, your physical well-being is just as vital!

Bladder Prolapse

Bladder Prolapse

Cystocele (SIS-toe-seel) is when the bladder drops from its usual position and presses on the vaginal wall. A type of pelvic organ prolapse, cystocele or anterior vaginal prolapse, can occur if the pelvic floor muscles are weak, the organ is not in the correct spot in the pelvis in general (especially post child birth) or if there is too much pressure put on the pelvic floor. Common causes of a prolapsed bladder include repetitive stress over time (e.g., coughing, improper lifting) or during vaginal childbirth. 

3rd Trimester Fun!

3rd Trimester Fun!

The final trimester is all about growth and preparation – for you and baby! This can be another physically and emotionally challenging time as you prepare for birth; balance feelings like excitement, fatigue, and worry; and experience physical discomfort as the baby grows. This is also generally the time that you take lactation and birth prep classes.

1st Trimester of Pregnancy

1st Trimester of Pregnancy

Overall, the first trimester of pregnancy is all about change and your growth: your body and your baby’s. It is also a time of variability in symptoms, emotions, and adjusting to a new stage of life. It is important to be gentle with yourself during this time and do things to keep yourself healthy, happy and whole!

Birth Control- an overview

Birth Control- an overview

Today we want to talk about birth control (BC). There is a lot of information out there and it can definitely feel overwhelming to pick the type that is right for you, your body and your situation. And that is why we are here to help at Recharged PT! If you’re considering taking (or changing) birth control – commonly known as contraception – there are a variety of options available to you. Each one works a bit differently and comes with its own set of pros and cons. There is no “best” method of birth control.

The Skinny on Hormonal Health

The Skinny on Hormonal Health

Hormones are produced chemically by different glands throughout the body, such as your adrenal glands or sweat glands, to keep you as close to homeostasis as possible. This can include everything from the stress response with cortisol (which we’ve covered before) to hormones that affect digestion, temperature regulation, and mood. The pituitary gland, located deep in the brain, is the “puppet master” that controls the release of how much hormone and when to keep the body functioning. 

Pelvic Health and Pelvic Floor Therapy in Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Dr. Sky

Pregnancy & Exercise

Pregnancy & Exercise

Overall, physical activity is highly encouraged for most pregnant women – particularly if you are low-risk. Everyone can benefit from exercise in some form within certain precautions. The most important part is that it feels good to you.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Melbourne, FL. Pelvic Health Rehab. Pregnancy. Pregnancy and Exercise

Breath Work

Breath Work

Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath for a moment when life becomes too stressful or chaotic or overwhelming. But have you ever noticed how you take that deep breath?

Here at Recharged PT, we’ve talked *a lot* before about the importance of appropriate core engagement for pelvic health. This includes learning how to breathe properly. So today we are going back to the basics to learn how to breathe. 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Melbourne FL, Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Pelvic Rehab

Kegels

Kegels

There is a reason that Kegels are considered the classic pelvic floor exercise. They are very effective for a lot of pelvic floor issues — when done correctly for the right type of dysfunction. So before you start doing them, make sure they are the right exercises for you by chatting with a pelvic floor PT first.

Obturator Internus Pelvic Floor Pain

Obturator Internus Pelvic Floor Pain

The Obturator Internus (OI) is a muscle that sits deep in the hip girdle, running from the front of the pubic bones and inserting onto the greater trochanter (the top bony part of the thigh bone). The OI is a deep hip stabilizer, which means it helps stabilize the head of the femur (thigh bone) to keep it in socket. This muscle is also responsible for external rotation – or rolling out– of the hip and thigh. Additionally, the OI shares a fascial connection to most, if not all, of the deep pelvic floor muscles. People with dysfunction of the Obturator Internus often complete of a deep groin, hip or back pain that won’t go away with regular stretching.

Pelvic Health, Pelvic Floor Rehab, Pelvic Floor Exercises, Pelvic Pain, Pain with Intercourse, Melbourne, FL, Postpartum, Postpartum Rehab, Pee Leakage, Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Recharged Performance Therapy

Urge Incontinence

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence occurs when you have a sudden desire to go to the bathroom due a very quick and powerful bladder contraction. This is sometimes followed by the involuntary loss of urine before you can make it to a toilet. Urge incontinence (UI)  is characterized by the need to go often throughout the day – especially at night (nocturia) – with small amounts of urine actually released. “Frequent” means more than 8x during the day and >2 at night. Enuresis (bed wetting) may also occur.

Pelvic Health, Pelvic Floor Rehab, Pelvic Floor Exercises, Urge Incontinence, Melbourne, FL, Postpartum, Postpartum Rehab, Pee Leakage, Dr. Paige, Dr. Laura, Recharged Performance Therapy

Dribbling After You Pee

Dribbling After You Pee

Overflow Incontinence occurs when your bladder doesn’t completely empty when you go to the bathroom. You may or may feel the urge *to go* with this type of incontinence. But it is very common for only small amounts of urine to be released throughout the day as your bladder refills- which means you go to the bathroom all the time because you aren’t really emptying.

Stress Urinary Incontinence - Pee Leakage

Stress Urinary Incontinence - Pee Leakage

One important thing to *note* here is that a lot of “Dr. Google” resources on SUI is that Kegels (tightening your PF muscles) will help with leakage by making the muscles stronger. But this is usually not the case!! The vast majority of people with pelvic floor dysfunction (and SUI) have have PF muscles that are too tight – NOT too loose. Because muscles need to be a certain length to work optimally, a muscle that is too loose OR too tight can be weak. 

Vestibulodynia- Pain at the Opening of the Vagina

Vestibulodynia- Pain at the Opening of the Vagina

Vestibulodynia is chronic pain or discomfort that occurs around the opening to the vagina: the vestibule is where the lips of the vulva meet your vagina. It is a very sensitive part of your body and contains multiple glands to help with lubrication/discharge as well as the urethra. Pain may occur when the area is touched, during sex, when using a tampon or other certain movements like prolonged sitting. The area may even be chronically red and inflamed. 

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Superfoods for Your Pelvic Floor

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Superfoods for Your Pelvic Floor

An important subset of the physical component is what we eat: the type of fuel we give our bodies directly affects how we move through the world. Both physically and mentally.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pelvic Floor Rehab, Pelvic Floor Melbourne FL, Dr. Paige, Recharged Performance Therapy, Recharged Pelvic Floor

Doooowwwnn, Bessy!

Doooowwwnn, Bessy!

Here are 3 AMAZING ways to help your pelvic floor stay relaxed and amazingly strong… and guess what! They have NOTHING to do with Kegels!!

We don’t have to live with a tight pelvic floor. There are some simple, practical habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to help loosen everything up. If these tips don’t feel like enough, going to a pelvic floor physical therapist to evaluate your specific needs might help!

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Pelvic Floor PT, Pee Leakage, Urinary Frequency, Incontinence, Dr. Paige, Recharged Performance Therapy, Health, Hormones, women’s health

Mommy Tummy- Diastasis Recti

Mommy Tummy- Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is a condition normally seen at the end of pregnancy and after birth. It is normal until about 12 weeks postpartum. If you are still experiencing a “gap” after 12 weeks, you need to see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist for Diastasis Recti!

Good News- There is a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist for you here in Melbourne, FL!

September Update

September Update

Check out a quick update about Diastasis and Birth Prep here! You MAY just find a deal with your name on it at the bottom ;D

COVID-19 and Pelvic Floor Problems

COVID-19 and Pelvic Floor Problems

COVID-19 can highly effect things like pee leakage, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, pelvic organ prolapse and more.

This blog breaks down how COVID affects your pelvic floor in both its Mild version and the most severe versions of the virus.

Pelvic Floor Therapy, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Pee Leakage, Incontinence, Diastasis Recti, Pain During Intercourse, COVID-19, Life After COVID

Testimonials

“Dr. Paige helped me deal with pain that I would’ve otherwise accepted as normal. The best part? She worked with my schedule and came to me!”

—Katy F.

“Dr. Paige was able to diagnose my pain and discomfort all online! Virtual doctors are the way to go! ”

—Jill K.

“I am so thankful I found Dr. Paige. A leaky bladder is never fun to deal with— who knew I didn’t have to live with it?!”

—Mary B.