Episode description
Join hosts Matthew Winter and Paul Macaulay in this enlightening episode of the "Best of Both Worlds" podcast, where they dive deep into the vital topic of pelvic health. Special guest Rachel Tang, a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health, shares her extensive knowledge on the importance of the pelvic floor for women, particularly in the context of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Rachel explains the critical functions of the pelvic floor in controlling the bladder, vagina, and rectum, and addresses common but often untreated issues such as urinary problems and prolapse. Drawing comparisons to practices in France, she emphasizes the long-term benefits of targeted pelvic floor therapy post-pregnancy.
The episode also covers the importance of regular bowel movements and proper hydration for pelvic health. Rachel provides insights into the role of nutrition and the balance of fiber, water, and fat intake in maintaining healthy bowel movements. She also highlights the pelvic floor's role in stabilizing the body, supporting organs, and its involvement in urinary and rectal control, as well as sexual function.
In the latter part of the discussion, the focus shifts to the challenges and impacts of conditions like endometriosis. Rachel details how this condition, often dismissed as menstrual pain, leads to chronic pelvic pain and other complications. She highlights the crucial role of physiotherapy in managing pain and improving function, stressing the importance of proper diagnosis and comprehensive care.
The hosts and Rachel discuss recognizing patterns in pain that may indicate pelvic floor issues and the importance of healthcare professionals' knowledge in better screening and directing patients to specialists. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next discussion focused on men's health issues, inviting listeners to stay tuned for more valuable insights.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:03 - How are you out of 10?
00:05:21 - Summarising the role of pelvic floor in women
00:08:31 - A brief chat about constipation vs high frequency emptying
00:12:41 - Water intake, nutrition and bowel health
00:15:03 - Role of pelvic floor in weight bearing and movement control
00:15:25 - Breathing in rehabilitating the pelvic control
00:17:03 - Role of pelvic floor in pleasurable sex and arousal
00:18:25 - Stress, libido and pelvic tension
00:20:00 - Intercourse
00:20:45 - Clitoris, G-spot and arousal
00:22:00 - Orgasm and pelvic strength
00:23:20 - Female athletes and sex - problems with the research
00:24:05 - Psychological contributors to sexual performance
00:25:55 - Female athletes and incontinence
00:27:15 - Physical activity and pelvic floor dysfunction
00:29:12 - Principles of rehabiliating pelvic floor
00:31:05 - The problem with Kegels
00:32:26 - How to lift your pelvic floor and avoid bowel dysfunction- a practical lesson
00:34:03 - Relaxation and orgasm
00:34:50 - Non medical clinics claiming to treat the pelvis
00:38:00 - Key concepts for women - habits and exercise for the pelvic floor
00:41:00 - The problem with the glut obsession
00:43:10 - Banter - inappropriate observations - the problem with being a healthcare provider
00:43:52 - Is there a link between jaw pain, chronic spinal pain and pelvic floor dysfunction?
00:45:45 - Pregnancy and pelvic floor dysfunction
00:47:45 - Matt has an emotional moment!
00:48:09 - Hyper-mobility and pelvic dysfunction in pregnancy
00:50:00 - GH plus PB measurement to predict complications in labor
00:51:52 - Causes of pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
00:55:25 - Vaginal lubrication, hormones, arousal and sex
00:58:14 - Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
00:59:18 - Endometriosis and its role in chronic pelvic pain
01:02:50 - Indicators of endometriosis and pelvic floor as a contributor to pain
01:04:40