Pelvic Floor Therapy Isn’t Just for Postpartum: Pain, Constipation, Leakage & More with Dr. Stephanie Perez

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for pregnancy or postpartum recovery and a tight pelvic floor doesn’t necessarily mean a strong one. In this episode of Root Cause Conversations, Amanda sits down with Dr. Stephanie Perez, physical therapist and owner of Empowered Wellness in Pelham, Alabama, to talk about what the pelvic floor actually does and the symptoms that may signal pelvic floor dysfunction. From urinary leakage and painful intercourse to constipation, bedwetting, hip pain, and low back pain, Stephanie explains why symptoms that seem unrelated may have a pelvic floor component, and why simply doing more Kegels isn’t always the answer. Amanda and Stephanie also discuss pelvic floor health during perimenopause, why young athletes can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, the connection between constipation and bedwetting in children, and why men may benefit from pelvic floor therapy before and after prostate procedures. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • What the pelvic floor is and how it functions as part of the core • Why a tight pelvic floor is not necessarily a strong pelvic floor • Signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction • Urinary leakage, constipation, and healthy bathroom habits • The connection between constipation and bedwetting in children • Painful intercourse and pelvic floor changes during perimenopause • Why pelvic floor therapy isn’t only for women who have given birth • Pelvic floor concerns in athletes and younger women • Pelvic floor therapy for men and prostate health • What happens during a pelvic floor therapy evaluation • Why individualized treatment and home programs matter One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? You don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe—or assume that pain, leakage, constipation, or discomfort is simply something you have to live with. Understanding your body and asking better questions can be the first step toward finding the right support. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephanie Perez is a physical therapist and owner of Empowered Wellness in Pelham, Alabama. Her team provides pelvic floor physical therapy and whole-person care designed to help patients better understand their bodies, address the underlying contributors to their symptoms, and feel more confident in their health. RESOURCES Follow Dr. Stephanie Perez and Empowered Wellness: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicptmama/ Learn more about Empowered Wellness: https://empoweredwellnesspt.com/ Download Dr. Stephanie's Free C-Section Recovery Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16-gAmssdVGo6JSod5yo6yZVJ4GIUGtUC/view?usp=sharing ABOUT ROOT CAUSE CONVERSATIONS Root Cause Conversations explores the connections between the way our bodies function, the way we live, and our overall health and wellness. Host Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with professionals across healthcare and wellness to ask better questions, connect the dots, and help listeners become more informed advocates for themselves and their families. Root Cause Conversations Whole Person Health, Grounded in Truth. **Connect with Amanda** Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ *Navigating Tongue Ties* e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp