Why women’s health?

Beyond the Pelvic Floor: Comprehensive Orthopedic Care for Women

When people hear "women’s health physical therapy," they often think of pelvic floor issues like incontinence or postpartum recovery. While these are important areas of care, they only scratch the surface of what I treat in my clinic.

As a women’s health-focused physical therapist, I provide expert care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions that impact women at all stages of life. From joint pain and muscle strains to post-surgical rehab and chronic pain management, I focus on how orthopedic issues intersect with the unique biomechanics, hormonal changes, and life experiences women face.

Conditions I Commonly Treat:

• Low back, hip, or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain

• Neck and shoulder dysfunction

• Knee pain and patellofemoral syndrome

• Tendinitis and overuse injuries

• Sciatica and nerve pain

• Pain during pregnancy or postpartum

• Osteoporosis-related concerns

• Postural dysfunction

• Recovery after orthopedic surgeries

Why Specialized Women’s Orthopedic Care Matters:

Women often experience pain differently than men due to anatomical and hormonal differences. For example, changes in estrogen levels can affect joint mobility and muscle tone, and postural demands during pregnancy can strain the spine and hips. My goal is to take these factors into account and create treatment plans that are truly tailored—not just to the injury, but to the individual.

A Whole-Body Approach

I look beyond the isolated site of pain to evaluate how your entire body is moving and functioning. Whether your knee pain is due to hip instability, or your shoulder issues stem from poor posture or core weakness, I treat the root causes—not just the symptoms.

So, if you're dealing with aches, pains, or movement issues—whether or not they relate to the pelvic floor—know that you're in the right place. I’m here to support your full orthopedic health, so you can move better, feel stronger, and live without limits.

Amniotic Fluid Testing

Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in a healthy pregnancy. This protective liquid surrounds the baby in the womb, cushioning them and supporting the development of vital organs like the lungs and digestive system. Because of its importance, healthcare providers often evaluate the amount and condition of amniotic fluid through specific testing during pregnancy.

What Is Amniotic Fluid Testing?

Amniotic fluid testing is a way to measure the volume and sometimes the quality of the fluid surrounding the baby. These tests help identify if there’s too much fluid (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios), both of which can be linked to complications.

There are a few different ways this can be assessed:

1. Ultrasound Evaluation

This is the most common method. During a routine or diagnostic ultrasound, the provider may measure:

• Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): Measures the depth of fluid in four areas of the uterus. A normal AFI is usually between 5 and 24 cm.

• Single Deepest Pocket (SDP): Measures the deepest visible pocket of fluid. It’s often used in multiple pregnancies.

2. Dye Dilution Test

Rarely used, this involves injecting a dye into the amniotic sac and then withdrawing a sample to measure dilution. It’s typically only done in specific clinical research settings.

3. Amniocentesis

While primarily used for genetic testing or assessing fetal lung maturity, amniocentesis can also evaluate the makeup of the fluid itself, including signs of infection or meconium.

Why Is Amniotic Fluid Testing Important?

Monitoring amniotic fluid can give vital clues about the baby's health. Some reasons your provider might order this test include:

• Measuring fetal growth concerns

• High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy

• Premature rupture of membranes

• Decreased fetal movements

• Post-term pregnancy

What If Fluid Levels Are Abnormal?

• Low Fluid (Oligohydramnios): May increase the risk of labor complications, fetal growth issues, or cord compression. Treatment may include increased monitoring, hydration, or early delivery depending on severity.

• High Fluid (Polyhydramnios): Can be linked to gestational diabetes, twin pregnancies, or fetal anomalies. Management depends on the underlying cause.

What’s the link between POTS and the pelvic floor?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, often causing a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance when standing. But what many people don’t realize is that POTS is also closely linked with pelvic floor dysfunction—and connective tissue health may be the missing link.

What Is POTS?

POTS causes the heart rate to spike by 30+ beats per minute (or more) when moving from lying to standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. Along with cardiovascular symptoms, many people with POTS experience:

• Urinary urgency or incontinence

• Constipation or digestive issues

• Pelvic heaviness or pain

• Difficulty with core and pelvic muscle coordination

These symptoms often stem from nervous system dysregulation—but also from the quality of connective tissue supporting the pelvic organs and structures.

The Role of Connective Tissue

Many individuals with POTS also have hypermobile joints or connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). These conditions can cause ligaments and fascia to be more lax or stretchy, which may lead to:

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Joint instability

• Muscle overcompensation or chronic tension

• Poor postural control

When the pelvic support system is compromised, the pelvic floor often tries to pick up the slack—resulting in overactivity, weakness, or pain.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a powerful tool in managing the complex interplay between POTS, connective tissue disorders, and pelvic dysfunction. Treatment may include:

• Gentle, personalized pelvic floor muscle retraining

• Core and postural support to reduce stress on joints

• Breathwork and body mechanics to minimize symptom flare-ups

• Bowel and bladder education for better function and comfort

• Strategies to support prolapse and reduce pelvic heaviness

At our clinic, we understand the unique challenges of living with POTS, EDS, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Our approach is gentle, personalized, and rooted in whole-body care.

“The Menopause Manifesto”

In my latest read, “The Menopause Manifesto” has me thinking a lot about the information we have in our youth shapes our persecution in adulthood. Menopause information is often only wheat our friends or family tell us. Not the healthcare system. This leads to confusion, misinformation, or silence. Whether you’re approaching menopause, in the midst of it, or supporting someone who is, understanding what’s happening in the body can help you navigate this stage with more confidence and control.

What Is Menopause? Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It’s officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period and usually occurs between ages 45 and 55. However, the transition can begin several years before—the phase known as perimenopause—when hormone levels start to fluctuate.

Common Symptoms: While menopause is a normal part of aging, the symptoms can vary widely from one woman to another. Some experience only mild changes, while others may find the transition significantly disruptive.

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Mood swings or anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Vaginal dryness

• Decreased libido

• Weight gain or changes in body composition

• Brain fog or memory lapses

• Urinary changes, including increased urgency or leakage

These changes are largely due to declining levels of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate many aspects of a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.

Long-Term Health Considerations

Lower estrogen levels can also affect long-term health. After menopause, women are at a higher risk for:

• Osteoporosis (bone thinning)

• Heart disease

• Pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and prolapse

Managing Menopause: What You Can Do

• Exercise regularly, including weight-bearing and pelvic floor exercises

• Prioritize sleep and stress management

There are options out there to address more severe side effects. These options do not have to be a forever routine.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be effective for many women, but it’s not for everyone. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits.

• Non-hormonal medications and natural supplements may also help with certain symptoms.

Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Changes in estrogen levels can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to bladder leaks, discomfort during intimacy, or a sensation of heaviness. A pelvic floor therapist can help restore strength, function, and confidence through specialized exercises and education.

“Do-I? Doula?”

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike a midwife or doctor, a doula doesn’t perform medical tasks but focuses solely on your comfort and well-being throughout the journey.

There are also postpartum doulas, who specialize in supporting new parents after birth by helping with newborn care, recovery, emotional adjustment, and even light household tasks.

Benefits of Having a Doula

Research has consistently shown that doulas can have a powerful, positive impact on birth outcomes. Some of the benefits include:

• Reduced risk of interventions, including C-sections and epidurals

• Shorter labors and improved birth experiences

• Increased satisfaction with the birth process

• More emotional support for both the birthing person and their partner

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes and postpartum recovery

Doulas are especially valuable in helping you advocate for your preferences, remain calm and informed during labor, and feel more confident during a vulnerable time.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, having a doula by your side means you’re not alone. Their calming presence, expert guidance, and hands-on support can turn an overwhelming experience into an empowered one.

If you’re curious about hiring a doula or how they can complement other care providers like midwives or pelvic floor therapists, we’d love to help connect you to resources.

What is a Pelvic Floor Specialist?

What Is a Pelvic Floor Specialist?

If you’ve ever experienced issues like bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort during pregnancy or postpartum recovery, you might benefit from seeing a pelvic floor specialist—but what exactly do they do?

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that support your bladder, uterus, rectum, and other organs. These muscles play a major role in core stability, sexual function, and controlling bowel and bladder activity.

When the pelvic floor becomes weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it can lead to a variety of symptoms—many of which are common but not “normal.”

So, What Is a Pelvic Floor Specialist?

A pelvic floor specialist is usually a physical therapist who has advanced training in evaluating and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor. They help people of all genders and ages regain function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

What Do They Treat?

Pelvic floor specialists commonly treat:

• Urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pain during sex

• Constipation or bowel dysfunction

• Prenatal and postpartum discomfort

• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

• Core and pelvic instability

What to Expect

Treatment may include gentle internal and external muscle assessments, guided exercises, manual therapy, education, and personalized home programs. The goal is always to help you feel more in control of your body—without surgery or medication.

Pelvic floor therapy is about restoring strength, function, and confidence. If you’ve been living with symptoms that affect your daily life or your sense of comfort, you don’t have to “just deal with it.” A pelvic floor specialist can help.