Pilates for Pelvic Floor Health

What does the pelvic floor actually do, and why does pelvic floor health involve so much more than Kegel exercises? Joy is joined by Dr. Charisse Balance, PT, DPT, RYT, a physical therapist specializing in chronic pain, pregnancy, and postpartum care with advanced training in Myofascial Release, Myofunctional Therapy, and yoga. Dr. Balance breaks down the different layers of the pelvic floor, their functions, and their role in everything from sexual health and bowel and bladder function to core stability, Pilates practice, and overall movement. She explains the differences and relationships among structures such as the levator ani and perineal muscles, and why understanding pelvic floor anatomy requires looking beyond a single isolated group of muscles. Explore the important relationship between the pelvic floor, diaphragm, and breath, including why the timing of diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic floor contraction matters. Learn how mobility and elasticity in surrounding structures, such as the psoas and piriformis, can influence pelvic floor function, along with the fascial connections between the pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, adductors, and the rest of the body. They also examine common forms of pelvic floor dysfunction, why pelvic floor physical therapy involves far more than strengthening exercises, and how a nervous-system-informed approach is the first step when addressing pelvic pain, tension, or dysfunction.  Listeners will also learn what internal myofascial release is, how trained pelvic health professionals may use it, and simple pelvic floor exercises and strategies to support pelvic floor awareness at home. Whether you’re a Pilates instructor, movement professional, pregnant or postpartum client, or simply interested in better understanding pelvic health, pelvic floor anatomy, core stability, diastasis recti, breathing, pelvic floor physical therapy, postpartum recovery, and whole-body movement, this episode offers a deeper look at one of the body’s most important—and often misunderstood—systems. **Content warning: This episode discusses sexual health and sexual function in clinical terms. It may not be suitable for younger listeners.** This episode is powered by Balanced Body®.