#42: Menstrual Cycle: What is a pelvic floor PT's role?

Hey there, welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast!  

I am your host, Dr. Shirlea North and I dive into lymphedema, lipedema, and various pelvic health dysfunctions. My goal is to provide to you a better way to understand these conditions so that you empower yourself with knowledge to advocate for yourself. Let NorthStar Physical Therapy guide and navigate you on your journey to optimal health!

In relation to Pain Awareness Month, let’s talk about the menstrual cycle that women go through every single month and what a giant pain that is! 

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I often talk about the menstrual cycle with my clients because it does play a role to how our body responds to things and I can prescribe exercises and activities to alleviate the pain felt during this time of the month. 

Listen to this episode and empower yourself understanding your cycle and the phases that your body goes through. It is normal to feel pain during our menstrual cycles, but certain changes can be done to help us cope better. Be an advocate for yourself! 

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• Discussion on the challenges faced by individuals with a uterus during their menstrual cycle
• Pelvic floor physical therapy's role in managing pain related to the menstrual cycle
• Importance of tracking the menstrual cycle
• The normal cycle length of menstruation
• Phases of the Menstrual Cycle, symptoms for each cycle, and what you ought to do during each phase
• Exercise Prescription Based on Menstrual Cycle
• The need for collaboration with other providers
• Real-life stories on the unpredictability of the menstrual cycle
• Seasonal Health Consideration
• Conclusion

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If you have any questions about this episode or anything related to the services that we offer, please feel free to reach out so we can help you. 

If you have other topics in mind that you want me to talk about, hit me up and I’ll make sure to consider it for my next podcast! 

See you in 2 weeks!