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Femina Physical Therapy in the Media
Heather Jeffcoat, DPT and the team at Femina PT are routinely sought out by major online sources, print publications, and broadcast media for our knowledge of all things related to pelvic health. The recognition we have received as leading experts in our field has resulted in appearances on "Loveline with Mike and Dr. Drew" , US News & World Report, Huffington Post, ABC News, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Bustle, "Sex With Emily" with Dr. Emily Morse, and in New York Magazine and Health Magazine, to name but a few. The demand for our expertise is greater than ever as more and more women seek to remedy the issues that we work with on a daily basis.
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Everyone Has to Pee... Should You Use a Squatty Potty?
A squatty potty or toilet stool can make it easier to have a bowel movement, particularly if you're dealing with constipation. But is it worth sitting on one just for peeing too?
The answer is yes.
A deep squat position or feet on a toilet stool is preferred for both urinating and bowel movements,"
says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles and President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Here's why it helps, and how to know if you need one.
Read more: Livestrong | Should You Use a Squatty Potty When You Pee?
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Things You Should Have Been Taught in Sex Ed
Here's Some Sex Education You Actually Need, Including How Much Porn Is Too Much and Whether You Really Need to Pee After Sex
Let's just say there's a lot that's not always covered in sex ed.
Sometimes the sex education we learn around the world isn't, well, that educational. So we've spoken to sex educators, doctors, and medical experts of all kinds to compile some information we think everyone should have access to. This list is not exhaustive, and will probably always need adding onto, so feel free to let us know what you may still be curious about at the end!
Read more: Buzzfeed: Some Sex Education You Actually Need — Including...
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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 Headaches? Pelvic Floor Tension...
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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 Squat Stools Are Useful—But...
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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 Tushy Ottoman, a Chic Toilet...
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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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 Floor Can Be a Secret Weapon...
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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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 Pee at Night? Here’s What a...
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- Written by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
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Heather
Busting the Myths Behind Vaginal Tightness with Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Friend groups, skinny jeans, zip-lock seals. These are things that are tight! But vaginas? Not so much.
Actually, the myth that vaginal canals are supposed to be narrow, compact, little, and tight are all myths perpetuated by misogynistic, sex-negative society in order to make vulva havers feel self-conscious of their bodies. Ugh.
Below, sexual health professionals bust the common myths behind vaginal tightness in more detail.
They also outline what to do if you genuinely feel that your vaginal canal is too narrow, or the shape (or elasticity) of your vaginal canal is causing your discomfort in life or lovemaking.
Read more: Healthline | Busting the Myths Behind Vaginal Tightness
