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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
While pelvic floor dysfunction is not ideal for anyone—after all, these deep stabilizer muscles support sexual function, bladder and bowel control, sound posture, plus arm and leg power, among other tasks—for people who like to pick things up and put them down (i.e. lift weights), it can lead to improper movement mechanics, as well as leakage mid-lift.
So if you regularly hit the weight room with the goal of getting stronger, doctor of physical therapy Corey Hazama, DPT, an expert with Pelvic Gym, a pelvic health education platform, says properly strengthening and engaging your pelvic floor is as important as any other muscle group you’re training. Below are six things you should know about the pelvic floor and its function if you lift —including exactly how to brace your core and breathe while strength training in order to optimize your efforts and avoid injury.
Read more: Well + Good | 6 Things To...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
5 Ways That Enduring the Pandemic and Bladder Health Are Related
It has taken a toll, but here are a few tips on what you can do about it
As pelvic health specialists, bladder health is one of our main areas of focus here at Femina PT and Fusion Wellness PT, and as this article at Well + Good states:
Our society has finally started to show some improvement in acknowledging the importance of having open, public conversations about bladder health—including the many ways that your urinary system impacts your lifestyle on a day-to-day basis—over the last several years."
The article touches on the root causes of bladder issues, how these causes were exacerbated by the fears that arose from the pandemic, and even disposable underwear for those dealing with urinary incontinence. It also asks the question "Has something changed for the worst in the broader scope of people's bladder health?" The answer to this is multi-faceted, and Hannah Schneider does a great job of analyzing each one of these facets.
Read more: Well + Good | The Pandemic...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
The Many Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Are Still Being Discovered
Despite its increased recognition as valuable therapy for many symptoms, there is still a lot to be learned
Natalie begins with some thoughts on what she was expecting from her session and how wrong she was about her preconcieved notions. She expected something akin to a Pilates class, perhaps in part because she had seen so much info on Pilates and yoga on our site. She may have been surprised to discover that Pilates and yoga are only one aspect of what we offer:
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Can Pelvic Floor Tension Spread to Your Head?
Everywhere you turn, it seems like there’s something new to know about the pelvic floor. Whether that’s healthy peeing tips or the fact that not everyone needs to do Kegels, there are often surprises. Fortunately or unfortunately, there’s another thing to add to this list: Pelvic floor tension can contribute to headaches. But don’t worry. This isn’t a pelvic floor riddle for you to untangle on your own. We asked Heather Jeffcoat DPT, pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and owner of FeminaPT to break down the connection.
Read more: Well and Good | Frequent...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Are Toilet Squat Stools Useful?
Read on to find out!
As far as modern inventions go, toilet squat stools are pretty useful without being super high-tech. They straighten the angle of your colon, which allows stool to move out of your body easier. In short: Toilet stools can make your bowel movements more seamless. However, Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, pelvic floor therapist and physical therapist of Femina PT in Los Angeles, warns that, even though squat stools might reduce the urge, it's still important not to strain.
Read more: Well and Good | Yes, Toilet...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Meet the Tushy Ottoman - It's One Chic Toilet Stool!
A stylish alternative that won't ruin your bathroom's vibe
Life is full of little dreams, grand aspirations, and micro-wishes. For me, one of those has always been to own a toilet stool, more commonly known as a squatty potty. You're probably thinking: Why don't you just get one? Well, in the decade since I left my parent's house, I've had an endless parade of roommates, and I thought maybe introducing a community toilet squat stool would be weird. The reason? Most of them are eyesores. They're not discrete and broadcast, "Hey everyone, I like to do my business THIS way!" I've never felt comfortable pitching a toilet stool to roommates—until I was introduced to the Tushy Ottoman.
Read more: Well and Good | Meet the...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
- 562 Views
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Looking for a Secret Weapon Against Constipation?
Look to Your Pelvic Floor.
Constipation can be physically uncomfortable, but it can also be downright frustrating. Whether factors like dietary habits, dehydration, or stress trigger your constipation, it can be tempting to fight it by forcing a bowel movement. Straining, however, isn't a great idea. It's not super effective, and it can increase your risk of anal fissures and prolapse.
Instead, a key to relieving constipation might actually involve relaxing your pelvic floor.
Read more: Well and Good | Your Pelvic...
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- Written by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
- 525 Views
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
If You Are Tired of Waking Up to Pee at Night, We've Got Some Answers
Getting up to pee during the night can be super disorienting. It turns out that it can give you some insight into your health. To be clear: Getting up to go to pee every once in a while is perfectly fine, according to Heather Jeffcoat, DPT , Fusion Wellness & Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles, California. But if you're waking up to pee (and you're not on medication like a diuretic) it might help to examine what's going on.
People can develop nocturia for a whole host of reasons. Some of the reasons, according to Dr. Jeffcoat, are mechanical or based on the literal musculature function of the bladder and pelvic floor.
Read more: Well and Good | Waking Up To...
** This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. **
