Advertise on podcast: The Pelvic Floor Project

In this episode I discuss with fellow physiotherapist, Dr. Caroline Packard: The accepted progression in orthopaedic recovery from rest to range of motion and strength and then load progression, impact, sport/activity specificityThe lack of implementation of this in pelvic health related conditions like prolapseThe focus on diagnosis and activity restrictions/limitations vs. Symptom management and then processing beyond to limit symptom recurrence Barriers to bridging this gap (cost of appointments, care provider experience, lack of equipment to mimic patient exercise)Options for patients to bridge the gap between kegels and clamshells to lifting and impact exercise (1:1 vs independent)The online self paced program Caroline has created Dr. Caroline Packard, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy , certified yoga instructor, lifelong  athlete, and founder of Connect Pelvic Floor Fitness , an online platform combining pelvic floor education with progressive strength training for women. After navigating her own experience with pelvic floor dysfunction, Caroline built the program she wished had existed:  one that leads with education, integrates breath and core function, and builds lasting,  functional strength designed specifically for how women’s bodies work. With 15+ years of clinical experience, she is a trusted voice on women’s pelvic health, fitness, posture, and movement. Through the platform and her clinical practice, she's helped more than 100,000  women address pelvic floor dysfunction and rebuild functional strength. Caroline is on a mission to help women understand that they are not broken, and that there is a clear, proven path forward.  HOW TO CONTACT CAROLINE Caroline's self paced program  Special Offer for The Pelvic Floor Project listeners: Try it free for 2 weeks! Then get 20% off annual memberships with promo code: TPFP20 Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Embodia   Year of mentorship Embodia for pelvic health Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with researcher and associate professor at the University of Alberta, Dr Margie Davenport:  The abundance of fear based and confusing information circling about exercise in pregnancy and postpartumWhat does the research actually tell us?Reasons for the message to “be careful” The discrepancy between how we treat patients after knee/hip/heart/back surgery vs postpartum women The difficulty for caregivers to keep up to date on new evidenceWays to help spread the evidence based information Dr. Davenport was the Chair of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy, and the 2025 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep throughout the First Year Postpartum. This work led to the development of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy, Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology/American College of Sports Medicine Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization. Dr. Davenport leads the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health (www.exerciseandpregnancy.ca), and has published more than 200 manuscripts related to physical activity and sport during preconception, pregnancy and the postpartum period. Over the last decade she has worked with a number of National/International organizations including FIFA, the World Health Organization, International Olympic Committee, Sport Canada, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and the American College of Sports Medicine to support physical activity during and following pregnancy.  HOW TO CONTACT DR. DAVENPORT Instagram  Website Active study links LINKS MENTIONED 2019 Canadian Guideline For Physical Activity Throughout Pregnancy 2025 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep Throughout The First Year Postpartum THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Embodia   Year of mentorship Embodia for pelvic health Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode I discuss with Kayla Switlishoff, Nurse Practitioner from the radiation oncology team at BC Cancer Kelowna: The benefits of having pelvic health and quality-of-life conversations before cancer treatment beginsHow pelvic cancer treatments can affect bladder and bowel functionPotential changes to sexual health, including pain, vaginal changes, fertilityTreatment-induced menopause and the physical and sexual health changes that can come with itExercise and movement before, during and after cancer treatmentThe role of pelvic health physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitationWhy some side effects may appear during treatment or months to years laterWhat patients can do before treatment to prepare and advocate for their future healthGynecological Life and Ongoing Wellness GLOW) clinic currently being delivered at the BC Cancer Kelowna center to address survivorship concerns with gynecological cancer patients. Kayla Switlishoff is a Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing within the radiation oncology team at BC Cancer Kelowna. She attended Mount Royal University and graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2013. She then attended the University of British Columbia and obtained her Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner degree in 2021. She started her NP career providing care to underserved populations at Outreach Urban Health as well as working as a NP hospitalist in Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She then followed her passion of women’s health and oncology while completing additional training to start at BC Cancer Kelowna in 2023 and currently works with the gynecological and genitourinary tumour groups. She recently obtained her Menopause Society Certified Prescriber designation and has been one of the co-developers along with Dr. Hamid Raziee of the Gynecological Life and Ongoing Wellness GLOW) clinic currently being delivered at the BC Cancer Kelowna center to address survivorship concerns with gynecological cancer patients. It has been a dream of hers to have a clinic which could address sensitive topics that cancer patients experience in their recovery phase after experiencing similar circumstances with her own health. In her free time, she loves being a mother to her 20-month-old son, baking sourdough, keeping active and spending time with family and friends.  For inquires contact BC Cancer  (Kelowna): 250-712-3900 Please speak with your oncologist for referral to GLOW  Support the show

This episode is Part 2 of a series on Erectile Dysfunction.  In this episode I discuss with Vancouver based Conselor Justin Paulsen: How mental and emotional factors play a role in EDHow stress and the nervous system affect erectile functionPorn use and its relationship to EDMasculinity and identity tied to erectionsPerformance anxietyRelationship factors Pelvic floor patterns and physiotherapyMisconceptions about kegelsHow can therapy help? (sex therapy, couples therapy)Successful sex’ beyond penetrationHow can people rebuild confidence after repeated ED experiences?Medical red flags Justin Paulsen (he/him) is a virtual Psychotherapist, Couples Counsellor and Clinical Sexologist based in Vancouver. He works with individuals and couples on mental health concerns, relationship and communication concerns, and sexual concerns. His research background is in penis complications such as erectile dysfunction and premature or delayed ejaculation. Justin works from a holistic solution-focused approach as he works together with clients to take a look at thoughts, feelings, and the nervous system to help you manage stressors and build stronger relationships and fulfilling sex lives - almost like a personal trainer for your emotional, relational, and sexual health! Along the way you may laugh, cry, and celebrate as you work towards your goals Be sure to check out Episode 127 with Urologist Dr. Chris Bitcon first which addresses: What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? At what point does it move from a temporary issue to a condition requiring a doctor's visit?Primary causes (prostate treatment, vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological)What can you do before you go see a urologist?Treatment options THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with Kelowna based urologist Dr. Chris Bitcon: What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? At what point does it move from a temporary issue to a condition requiring a doctor's visit?Primary causes (prostate treatment, vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological)What can you do before you go see a urologist?Treatment optionsDr Chris Bitcon is a practicing Urologist in Kelowna. Dr. Bitcon grew up in Kelowna and is the epitome of a BC boy: involved in every sport under the sun and loves being outdoors.  He completed medical school at UBC’s Island Medical Program in Victoria and urology residency at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He went on to complete a co-fellowship through the University of Toronto, specializing in both minimally invasive/robotic surgery as well as pediatric urology. Though he has two sub-specialties, he remains passionate about being a true general urologist and treats all urologic conditions. EPISODE 128 will be PART 2 of this episode with Justin Paulsen (Psychotherapist/Couples Counsellor/Clinical Sexologist) THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this solo episode, I talk about: What may happen in a pelvic floor appointment (specific to internal assessment)The importance of finding a therapist that feels right to you (we don’t all practice the same)My clinical practice process and how each patient influences thisWhat happens when you have your period THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with fellow physiotherapist Carina Siracusa Explanation of our body’s bowel and bladder function At what level Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke affect these systemsMedication considerations and side effectsHow is the pelvic floor related and how it is NOTHow we can help as physiotherapists How patients can advocate for themselvesDr. Carina Siracusa has been a practicing physical therapist since she graduated from Ohio University with her doctorate in physical therapy in 2005. She has practiced in the areas of pediatric, neurologic, oncologic, and pelvic floor physical therapy in her tenure as a physical therapist. She currently works in the neurologic rehab department at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio, seeing patients of all ages and abilities with pelvic floor dysfunction. She also serves as the oncology rehabilitation coordinator and the wheelchair clinic coordinator in this hospital system. She has been teaching for the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy since 2010 in the pelvic health series. She has also taught as adjunct clinical faculty at several universities. She has given multiple presentations all over the world on the topics of neurologic and pediatric pelvic health. She also teaches several two-day courses on the subjects of pediatric and neurologic pelvic health. Instagram: @carinadpt Mentoring available through Carina: @SynapsePTMentoring THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with psychologist Kristy Money: Her experience growing up in a mormon community surrounded by purity culture and the difficulties of making the “switch” to sexuality and pleasureSexual shame Mind/body connection Ideas for where you can start if you sense you could use some guidance Kristy Money, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, feminist advocate, and expert in women’s sexual health. She has written widely on trauma, consent, and purity culture in outlets like the Salt Lake Tribune and Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and has been featured in The New York Times, HuffPost, and The Guardian. Her podcast work—Healthy Mormon Journeys and Mormon Transitions—each garnered over 500,000 downloads in their first year, and her guest episodes on Mormon Stories remain among its most listened-to. Drawing on her academic training and personal experience with anorgasmia, Kristy offers compassionate, research-backed tools to help women reconnect with their erotic selves. Her voice resonates deeply with women navigating post-religious identity, sexual healing, and embodied self-discovery. She's the founder of Hill Country Neuropsychology and lives in Texas with her husband and five children. HOW TO CONTACT KRISTY Website: www.kristymoney.com THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with founder of Menopause Chicks, Shirley Weir: Certain brands of Menopause hormone therapy are now covered in BC as of March 1st as part of the new National PharmaCare programWhat we know about benefits to using menopause therapyThe surge in information and physician educationAND most importantly, how you can feel empowered to talk to your provider and pharmacist to ensure you are doing what is right for youShirley Weir introduces herself as a "menopause chick" and is here to remind all of us: we deserve to feel amazing! This is a significant pivot from how most of the world thinks about perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause, and Shirley is leading this important paradigm shift. She is 59 years old, reached menopause at 49, and for the last 12 years has been educating, advocating, and answering thousands of women's health questions via MenopauseChicks.com and its popular private online community, with over 60,000 members. Shirley's vision is for everyone to have access to evidence-based health information in order to navigate perimenopause-to-postmenopause with confidence and ease! And her goal today is for you to walk away from this session thinking, "Hmm... I never thought about menopause that way before!” LINKS MENTIONED www.menopausechicks.com Facebook  THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, Occupational Therapist Dr. Quiara Smith and I discuss: Potty learning vs potty trainingWhat do we need to see in our kids to know they are ready to potty train?Ideal age?How does the pelvic floor relate to potty training?What is required for night time continence?TipsHow childhood habits can translate to adult symptomsShould we reward?Constipation Dr. Quiara Smith, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CEIM has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for over 15 years in both California and Hawaii working in various settings including hospitals, schools, an equine center providing hippotherapy as a treatment tool, and outpatient clinics. Her pediatric experience encompasses serving neonates through adolescents with various medical conditions and diagnoses. Dr. Smith began working with pediatric pelvic health patients in a Children’s Hospital in the SF Bay Area in 2015 and found her passion in OT in this area of practice. Realizing the social, emotional, and psychological challenges that pelvic floor dysfunction places on children and families, Dr. Smith decided to create the very first boutique private pediatric pelvic health occupational therapy clinic of its kind in the US in 2020. Her private practice, Aloha Integrative Therapy , exclusively treats children and adolescents with pelvic floor dysfunction and toileting challenges. Dr. Smith utilizes a holistic and integrative approach to pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction. She partners with her canine assistant, Nelly, a Labrador/golden retriever cross, in guiding children toward continence with confidence. Dr. Smith currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program at Hawaii Pacific University.  LINKS MENTIONED Course: A Holistic and Integrative Approach to Pediatric Pelvic health Instagram @alohaintegrativetherapy Tinyhood Courses: Potty Training Prep: Setting Your Toddler up for Success Potty Training: The Stress-Free Guide to Success THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with fellow physiotherapist and researcher, Gráinne Donnelly, the effect that social media has on diastasis rectus abdominis: The recent study published that evaluated Instagram content related to DRA, exercise, and sports, and explored its perceived impact on the behaviours of women with DRA.The majority of diastasis related content on Instagram is not evidence basedFear based vs empowering based information Gráinne Donnelly is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in pelvic health with over 15 years of experience spread across the public health, private practice and clinical research. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) professional network and charitable body where she is the Editor for the Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. She is currently completing her PhD at Cardiff Metropolitan University and her recently edited book “Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor: Science to Practice” was released by Elsevier in November 2025 and will be officially published in April 2026. HOW TO CONTACT GRÁINNE Instagram Website LINKS MENTIONED #diastasisrecti: a mixed-methods analysis of Instagram posts and their influence on women's exercise and sports participation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40618057/ Lead researcher: @silviagiagio.physio THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout! https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode I discuss with a Kristen Mark, a client of mine who wants other new moms to know they aren’t alone when they panic about their postpartum body ABOUT KIRSTEN I’m Kirsten Mark. A mama. A wifey. A business owner.  I had my first baby girl at 16 and second baby girl ar 35 years old. My two daughters have taught me more about life, than any book ever could. Married to Brian Mark, who insists I’m coocoo for Cocoa Puffs (he’s not wrong), but loves and supports me endlessly. I’m loud, energetic, slightly moody (we’re working on it), and a full-blown lover of life. I am a proud business owner and CEO of The Winner’s Circle App, where I help transform bodies and minds, and guide over 2,000 women to rewrite their stories. I’m here to show you that you don’t need perfect timing, a perfect past, or a certain personality to succeed. You simply need the guts to go after what you want  THANK YOU TO THE EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT IRIS: discount code and website: https://www.lovemyiris.com/ Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this solo episode, I discuss: Just because you have a pelvic floor symptom, doesn’t mean your pelvic floor is “damaged” or “broken” The majority of people have no idea how their bowel, bladder and sexual systems workYou are not supposed to actively hold your core or pelvic floor “engaged” during the dayYou do not need to wait 6 weeks to work with a physio after birth, hysterectomy, prostate surgery etc etc We all have a pelvic floor and their are benefits to talking about it. THANK YOU TO THE EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT IRIS: discount code and website: https://www.lovemyiris.com/ Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist, Lucy Snider to discuss: Low libido, low sexual desire Spontaneous vs Responsive desirePain with intercourseIs something wrong with me if I don’t want to have sex?Is it my hormones?Differences in male vs female anatomy when it comes to arousal?The sexual response cycle (desire, arousal, orgasm, resolution)How is the pelvic floor related?Lucy Snider (she/her) is an experienced Psychosexual and Relationship Psychotherapist and Sexual Health Educator based in Kelowna, BC. She has been working in the field of mental health since 2009. Originally from the UK, she spent 10 years in London working in sexual health for the British National Health Service (NHS) and in private practice. She received her master’s degree in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy from the renowned Tavistock Relationships training centre in London. Lucy has extensive training and experience in working with relationship and sexual difficulties, including with survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. She also has considerable experience in the field of sexual health and sex education. She can provide treatment for sexual dysfunction where no organic cause can be found and is experienced with helping people explore their sexual and gender identity. She is an approved hormone and surgical assessor for TransCareBC. She specializes in helping couples and individuals who are experiencing relationship or sexual difficulties by providing a safe, non-judgemental space for you to freely explore these sensitive issues as well as practical help and advice to help you overcome your problems. She works in a holistic, sex positive way with all clients regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. She uses an integrative therapeutic approach which combines a variety of therapeutic models to tailor an individual treatment plan for each client.  HOW TO CONTACT LUCY: www.bcsexualwellness.com X Instagram Facebook LinkedIn THANK YOU TO THE EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT IRIS: discount code and website: https://www.lovemyiris.com/ Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show

In this episode, I discuss with Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS, Dr. Dolores Fernandez:  The unique benefits of vaginal moisturizer, lubricant and estrogenSymptoms that may indicate someone would benefit from a eachImportant factors when choosing (ingredients, cost, packaging)Suggestions for applicationSide effectsWhat many other products on the market are missing The factors that make IRIS uniqueDr. Dolores Fernandez is a Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS, a science-backed self-care brand dedicated to creating clean products that support vulvovaginal health and ending the stigma around vulvovaginal care. She's here to remind us that vulvar skin deserves just as much attention as any other part of our body because, honestly, 'skin is skin.' Dolores brings warmth, scientific research, and a lot of passion to her work both in the clinic with her patients and when working with IRIS, always striving to make these important conversations more open and accessible. HOW TO SEE MORE FROM IRIS: Instagram www.lovemyiris.com Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT THANK YOU TO THE EPISODE SPONSORS SRC Health: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4. Discount Code: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT IRIS: discount code and website: https://www.lovemyiris.com/ Discount Code: PELVICFLOORPROJECT Thanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/ [email protected] Support the show