Gut health is a key indicator in overall health and, as this study shows, may also be linked with the pain we feel. Our gut microbiome consists of many different healthy flora and bacteria. When it is balanced, we feel calmer, happier, and healthier. Out of balance, we experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and a host of digestive problems. Deficiencies in the gut microbiome are also related to autism and Parkinson's disease. This research published in Anesthesiology

What does uterine placement have to do with our health? Everything! Our pelvic spaces are a complex intersection of stability and movement, top and bottom, intake and release. Many important nervous, circulatory, and fascial structures originate in this area. And smack in the center of it all is the uterus. The uterus is the Queen around which all of the other organs and tissues orient. What happens when the Queen forgets her good posture? Current Western medicine gives us a

Check for these trigger points if you have pelvic or genital pain! Knots are a source of pain in many conditions including those in the pelvic area. Really! If we do consider trigger points as a contributor to our incontinence or genital pain, we will usually think of only addressing those that occur in the pelvic floor. And that’s super valuable! But trigger points in external muscles can also create the pelvic discomfort. Below is a list of external muscles that can ref

Gluteal amnesia. Dormant butt. Dead butt. All of these names are just another way of saying that your glute muscles aren’t firing as much or when they need to, potentially causing low back pain and lower body tension. Our gluteus maximus muscles are the largest and one of the most powerful muscles in our body. They are key to hip stability, jumping, and standing from bending. Our glute max muscles are what allow us to maintain upright standing and are therefore a key to po

It feels like sciatica. But it could be SI joint dysfunction instead! Sciatica is a (literal) pain in the butt! One that you want to be to of ASAP. In a previous article, I outlined how piriformis syndrome can mimic sciatica symptoms and what you can do to help yourself at home. But what if you don't have piriformis syndrome? SI joint dysfunction could be causing your symptoms. Your sacroiliac (SI) joint is the connection between your sacrum, the beautiful triangle shaped bon

It’s easy to assume that the awful tingling pain running from your low back down the back of your leg is sciatica, but it could actually be something much easier to deal with! Chances are you are already familiar with the concept, if not the actual experience, of sciatica. Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve due to some dysfunction in the lumbar spine such as herniated or degenerating discs, fractures, or arthritis. It can radiate burning/tingling/sharp pain from

Flexing your pelvic floor, commonly known as “doing Kegels,” has gained huge popularity over the past couple of decades. And for good reason. Gaining better control of your pelvic muscles can enhance your sexual health and enjoyment as well as benefit your digestive and respiratory systems. Kegels can help to improve urinary incontinence and decrease pelvic pain. Plus, this exercise can be done literally anywhere at any time! But there are two major, common misconceptions a

“Sitting is the new smoking.” I'm sure you've heard this phase at least once in the recent past. Our modern culture is inundated with activities best done in this immobile position. It is taking years off our lives and contributing to a slew of health problems like low back pain and obesity. Many of these issues are connected to the ill effects this position has on our pelvic floors. Sitting for prolonged periods destabilizes the sacroiliac joint, exacerbates poor postural ha

What does it mean to have a strong core? Raise your hand if you think of six-pack abs when someone says the phrase “strong core.” Would it surprise you to learn that you can have a perfectly chiseled stomach and still have a weak core body? Strange, but true! Our core encompasses all of the muscles between and including our respiratory diaphragms and pelvic floors. I have also heard wiser, more experienced people than I suggest “core” includes any muscle that connects to our

Not long ago, a regular client came in complaining of shortness of breath as was as her usual pain. With a history of asthma and sinus issues, this wasn't super unusual. But the symptoms were becoming so pronounced, my client was concerned with the possibility of a hospitalizing asthma attack. Because she remained composed and there were no audible or visual signs of distress, I was unaware of the extent of the situation. (Side note: please, please, please let your therapist

Low back pain. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 70% of adults in industrialized countries will present with this enigmatic, draining problem. Draining because it can quickly eat your finances, comfort, health, and joy as you work to resolve it. Enigmatic because often low back pain is determined idiopathic, or of an unknown cause. When a cause is suggested, it can range from psychological to structural. Structurally, the usual suspects are herniated