4. You Mean, It's Not All Kegels?!

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In developed countries like the United States, one in every four women experience at least one or more pelvic floor dysfunctions. This can bring symptoms like urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain, and or more. Unfortunately, these issues bring a lot of shame and many women who are in need of intervention might not even know that pelvic floor therapy exists. So today, i’m learning more with Dr. Charis Hamilton. She is a pelvic health physical therapist specializing in women's health, specifically caring for pregnant and postpartum women.

After having children of her own, my dear friend Dr. Hamilton started experiencing these symptoms herself. Her OBGYN told her it was safe to go back to Crossfit but she knew that didn’t feel right. So she made it her mission to learn more and now, helping other women with this issue has become a great passion for her. We first define what the pelvic floor even is, then debunk common misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor health. Finally, we talk about the experience of going to a pelvic floor therapist. We hope that by the end of this episode, anyone listening who has experienced the symptoms mentioned feels confident and comfortable to seek intervention.

In this Episode, We Cover:

How Charis Started her Pelvic Floor Therapy Practice
Why She decided to become a pelvic floor therapist
The amount of schooling for physical therapists
Pelvic Dysfunctions that Charis felt after having her first daughter
How the 6 week mark is not a good indicator of when to go back to the same level of activity
What is the pelvic floor?
How does the anatomy change during pregnancy and postpartum
What can happen during labor and delivery
What do patients complain about?
The number of women who experience pelvic floor dysfunctions in developed countries
Having the conversation about pelvic floor dysfunctions
The disconnect within the healthcare system
Why Kegels are not as effective as you think
The immigrant family cultural barrier
Is talking about Pelvic Floor Therapy TMI?
What to read if you want to learn more
How to get in contact with Dr. Hamilton
Everything that plays a role in how you hold tension

Who is Dr. Charis Hamilton, DPT?

Charis Hamilton is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist specializing in women's health, specifically caring for pregnant and postpartum women. After earning my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, she moved to Port Orange, Florida to be with her husband. Shortly after, Charis was pregnant with her first daughter, Weslyn. She enjoyed her pregnancy and was able to stay active with minimal pain. It wasn't until after the birth of her daughter when she started having her own pelvic floor dysfunctions which has led to her passion in women's pelvic health. She founded MaternalFit Pelvic Physical Therapy after completing post- graduate training in women's health, pelvic health and pelvic floor therapy and becoming a certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. She is dedicated to caring for women with an active, holistic and whole- body approach customized to your specific individual needs. Whether it's treating aches and pains during pregnancy, to rehabbing the postpartum body for return to exercise or dealing with incontinence throughout any stage of your life, She is here to listen and help.