At different stages of our lives, women and men can experience a host of physical issues. What many of us don’t know is how much pelvic health can influence overall health and wellness.
“Whether they're having pain in their pelvis, back, or hips, or are having urinary or bowel symptoms or sexual issues, we can make sure that the pelvic floor is supported and that they're on a good exercise program that supports them during different stages of their lives,” says Stacey Futterman Tauriello, a physical therapist and founder of 5 POINT Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC in Millburn and New York City.
She and her team of physical therapists, Stephanie White and Jennifer Lynch, as well as acupuncturist, Leah Kim, work together to help clients live better lives by improving the strength and balance of the pelvis. Educating people is also a big component of the practice.
“Poor bladder habits usually start in childhood,” says Stacey. “We were often told to go before we leave the house ‘just in case.’ You should be able to hold urination for three hours, and one of the goals with pelvic health is nipping future problems in the bud.”
Another issue for young women is painful periods and endometriosis; these can also relate to pelvic health. “The support of a pelvic floor specialist during these times is so important because we can actually make sure that the pelvis is balanced and that the pelvic floor is kept at a nice neutral stance where it's not overutilized.”
Stress, says Stacey, can increase urgency and frequency, as can drinking things that can irritate our bladders like diet soda and beer. “The healthiest thing to drink is water and if you want to add a little fruit or a little cucumber, that's great.”
Her practice handles a lot of pregnancy and postpartum issues. “We believe that all pregnant women should have at least one visit with a pelvic health specialist to teach them body mechanics and posture, and make sure their pelvic floor is good for pushing,” she says. “We also make sure they understand what can happen postpartum.”
For women in their 40s and 50s, hormones start changing. Being able to understand their bodies and being able to exercise correctly and efficiently is important. “Women should start talking about any related issues with their healthcare providers in order to be proactive in keeping their bodies in a nice equilibrium,” says Stacey.
To learn more about obtaining your best pelvic health, go to 5pointpt.com.
1. Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic health focus on things like urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency - anything related to the bladder, plus anything related to the bowel, including bowel dysfunction, and pain during physical intimacy, prenatal and postpartum issues, and pre-and post-menopausal symptoms.
2. Don’t assume that any discomfort or issues you’re experiencing is part of the natural aging process or due to the aftereffects of childbirth. There are many things that can be done at all stages of your life to either get rid of or alleviate these symptoms.
- If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to see a pelvic specialist before giving birth to prepare your body for an optimal experience. You’ll also learn what issues may arise afterward and how pelvic exercises can help with those.
- For healthy bladder habits, avoid certain foods that might irritate the bladder such as beer, diet soda and anything containing artificial sweeteners. Drink water whenever possible, and if you don’t like it plain, add fruits and other healthy, natural flavor infusions. See the article is this issue for some great recipes.
