Pelvic Floor Health w/ Dr. Katie Usher | Ep 52

The Driven Athlete

Unlock the secrets of pelvic floor health with the Driven Athlete Podcast's latest episode featuring Dr. Katie Usher, a pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Kaizen Pelvic Wellness. Dr. Katie shares her personal journey into this specialized field and provides a deep insight into the wide array of pelvic floor issues she treats, from pregnancy and postpartum challenges to chronic pain and frequent nighttime urination. This episode promises a comprehensive understanding of how these often-overlooked issues impact overall well-being and underscores the importance of seeking specialized care.
Why do some athletes and new mothers struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction, and what can be done to address it? Dr. Usher delves into the underlying causes, including trauma, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic constipation, while highlighting the importance of the bladder-brain feedback loop and proper breathwork. This conversation also extends to the crucial link between the diaphragm, core stability, and musculoskeletal health, offering practical steps for enhancing core awareness and muscle engagement. With a special focus on the challenges faced by athletes and postpartum women, Dr. Usher emphasizes the need for tailored exercises to prevent injury and improve performance.
Childbirth is a monumental event, but it comes with its own set of physical and emotional traumas. Dr. Usher sheds light on the significance of postpartum pelvic floor therapy and how it can aid in recovery from various types of birthing experiences, including emergency C-sections and natural births with complications. The discussion broadens to encompass the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction among athletes and the necessity of foundational stability exercises before engaging in intense workouts. By addressing these issues openly, this episode advocates for better training practices and support systems, ensuring long-term health and optimal performance. Tune in for a transformative discussion that might just change how you approach your own health and fitness journey.

Chapters

1. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Wellness (00:00:00)

2. Neural Education for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (00:06:58)

3. Core Stability and Diaphragmatic Breathing (00:12:11)

4. Physical and Emotional Trauma of Childbirth (00:25:17)

5. Athletic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Threshold (00:39:51)

6. Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Therapy (00:50:20)

7. Open Communication in Sports Therapy (00:56:17)