Krissy Dilger of SRNA moderated this "Ask the Expert" episode, “Pelvic Floor Therapy for Bladder and Bowel Management,” featuring Jessica Ekberg, a certified pelvic floor therapist. Jessica explained the various conditions treated by pelvic floor therapy, emphasizing the importance of posture and breathing [00:01:05]. She discussed how pelvic floor therapy is adapted for individuals with rare neuroimmune disorders [00:04:59]. The discussion included both physical exercises and emotional work integral to the therapy [00:07:42]. Practical tips for seeking pelvic floor therapy and insurance considerations were also covered [00:10:42]. The episode concluded with encouragement to explore this underutilized service [00:19:23].
00:00 Introduction
02:03 Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy
04:59 Pelvic Floor Therapy for Rare Neuroimmune Disorders
07:42 The Emotional and Mental Aspects of Pelvic Floor Therapy
10:42 Practical Insights and Patient Experiences
19:23 Getting Started with Pelvic Floor Therapy
27:38 Conclusion
Jessica Ekberg, OTR/L is a business owner, avid runner, former pants peer, prolapse owner, postpartum pain sufferer, mom of two, and certified pelvic floor therapist. Jessica is extremely passionate about helping men and women be the best version of themselves they can. Her goal is to bring Pelvic Floor Health discussions to the forefront of what she does, to help dispel myths and educate about facts. The lack of information and effective treatment in the community can leave people suffering in silence. Now that she has been working in pelvic health for almost five years, she realizes just how critical pelvic health is to all of us. She started her pelvic health journey after experiencing “a lot of problems” when returning to running post baby.
Jessica’s advice is to stop ignoring or putting off taking care of yourself. The core makes up the foundation of the body and if it is not functioning properly, it can impact several systems within the body. Some of the problems that clients present with are incontinence, hernias, pelvic pain including hips/back/genital/rectal/tailbone, respiratory difficulties, heavy/painful periods, menopause, endometriosis, pre/during/postpartum care, constipation, and sexual (including erectile) dysfunction. Jessica’s approach involves assessing the whole body, putting the puzzle together in order to determine the driver of the dysfunction and then developing a treatment plan to solve the problem. Her goal is to help clients return to doing all of the things they love, as quickly and safely as possible.