Pelvic floor health goes far beyond Kegels, and this episode breaks down what actually builds strength for running, lifting, and everyday life. Dr. Caroline Packard, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapy expert, joins the show to unpack why so many women struggle with leaking, pelvic floor tension, and poor return to run protocols despite doing Kegel exercises for years. We cover how pelvic floor exercise fits into a broader women's health strategy, why pelvic floor relaxation matters just as much as strengthening, and how deep core exercises and diastasis recti workouts connect to real-world movement like running and lifting heavy weights.
In this video:
- Why Kegels alone often fail to stop leaking
- The difference between pelvic floor tension and pelvic floor weakness
- How a proper return to run protocol protects postpartum and athletic bodies
- Deep core workout strategies that actually support the pelvic floor
- What pelvic floor physical therapy looks like in practice
Whether you're dealing with diastasis recti, prepping for a return to running, or just tired of generic pelvic floor exercise advice, Dr. Caroline Packard offers a clear, evidence-based perspective grounded in real clinical experience.
TIMESTAMPS ⏰
01:20 - Introduction
02:06 - Dr. Caroline’s Pelvic Floor Journey
04:21 - Prolapse, Symptoms, and Returning to Activity
07:00 - What Pelvic Health Includes
08:30 - Using Symptoms to Guide Exercise
11:18 - Pelvic Floor Health in Young Athletes
12:24 - When to Seek Help and Starting with Breath
18:30 - Returning to Running
24:59 - Strength Training with Pelvic Floor Symptoms
27:05 - Leakage During Heavy Lifting
29:00 - Breathing Strategies for Lifting
31:59 - Pelvic Health After Menopause
36:44 - One Foundational Step for Pelvic Health
37:39 - Dr. Caroline's Connect Pelvic Floor Fitness
Subscribe for more conversations on pelvic health, physical therapy, and women's health from experts who actually treat these issues every day.
#WomensHealth #PelvicFloor #PelvicFloorTherapy #ReturnToRun #physicaltherapypodcast
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