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About Me

I’m a women’s and pelvic health physical therapist and health writer. I create clear, trustworthy content that brings clinical expertise into real-world guidance. My work is research-backed, thoughtful, and written with the same care I give to every patient. Women deserve health information that’s both accurate and empowering.

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Recent Work

The Origin Way •

9 Best Pelvic Floor Exercises for Stress Incontinence

If you have stress urinary incontinence — aka you pee a little (or a lot) when you sneeze, cough, jump, or otherwise experience an increase in pressure inside your abdomen — you know that even small leaks can be a big deal. Stress incontinence impacts everything from your social life and sexual health to your mood and productivity at work. That's why it's better to treat leaks sooner, rather than later.Pelvic floor physical therapy is a recommended treatment option for stress urinary incontinenc...
The Origin Way •

Beyond Bikini Medicine: Women’s MSK Health Differences

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders don’t discriminate. They can impact anyone — and cause significant pain and disability, regardless of a person's biological sex. But as discussed in the previous blog in this series, research shows that people assigned female at birth (AFAB) face disproportionately higher risks of developing MSK conditions, experience greater pain and dysfunction, and are often dismissed or undertreated for their symptoms when compared to those assigned male at birth. It’s these d...
The Origin Way •

Beyond Bikini Medicine: Why Women's Health PT is Full-Body PT

There’s little question that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) need specialized care for musculoskeletal issues that impact their breast and pelvic health — the anatomical and functional differences between the sexes are obvious to everyone, with or without a medical degree.But what about MSK care for the rest of the body? In large part, our current medical system continues to take an outdated, “bikini medicine” approach to musculoskeletal care, in which all female body parts not...
The Origin Way •

GLP-1 Constipation Relief: Pelvic Physical Therapy Help

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing the game when it comes to diabetes and weight management. Researchers are also exploring their potential benefits for things like smoking cessation, substance use disorders, and even polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), widening their impact far beyond diabetes and obesity.But despite all of the promise, GLP-1 medications often come with frustrating gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. For many, constipation is one of the most stubborn and...
GoodRx •

Hair Loss Due to Menopause: What to Do About It - GoodRx

There’s no doubt that hair changes with age. Those silvery gray strands can be hard to ignore! But if it seems like menopause is changing your hair in other ways, too — like maybe it’s thinning or becoming brittle and dry — you aren’t just imagining it. As you enter menopause, your hair can change in several ways. Menopause can lead to hair loss and hair thinning, and it can even change the appearance of your strands.Keep reading to learn how menopause causes hair loss and what you can do to hel...
The Origin Way •

What to Expect After Fibroid Removal Surgery: A Week-by-Week Guide

Uterine fibroids are a type of non-cancerous growths made of smooth muscle tissue that develop on or within the uterus. They’re incredibly common — 80% of people with a uterus will have fibroids by age 50. While some fibroids cause no symptoms, others can lead to heavy periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and even fertility challenges.When symptoms become severe, surgery may be the best option. A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, and may give you longer-lasting relief from symptoms, but...
The Origin Way •

11 Reasons for Pelvic Physical Therapy Postpartum

We get it. After nine months of pregnancy, the intense, Iron Man-level feat that is childbirth, and the nonstop demands of parenthood, you’re probably more than ready for a break — emotionally, at least. But your body, still a bit shook from all that has been going on, may have a few choice words about the experience.While the 6-week postpartum check-up is a great milestone, it’s often not enough to address the physical recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. This is where a pelvic physical ther...
The Origin Way •

Pelvic Pain and Mental Health: The Mind-Body Connection Explained

Imagine Emma — a 28-year-old graphic designer — shifting uncomfortably in her desk chair. A familiar dull ache in her pelvis has flared up again, making it hard to focus on work. This kind of discomfort isn’t new for her — it’s been there for months. And despite trying everything from better posture to more water, nothing really seems to help for very long.Emma’s story is more common than most people realize. And it highlights the incredibly important two-way connection between your physical bod...
The Origin Way •

How to Prevent Osteoporosis

When it comes to bone health, most of us don’t think much about it — until we’re given a reason to. Maybe it’s a DEXA scan that shows early signs of bone loss. Maybe it’s a fracture that seems to come out of nowhere. Or maybe it’s just a quiet, nagging sense that your body doesn’t feel quite as strong, stable, or resilient as it used to.In reality, osteoporosis isn’t just a concern for “older women.” It’s a lifelong conversation — one that starts earlier than most people realize. While building...
The Origin Way •

Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is something many of us know all too well — and it can be incredibly frustrating. It’s that dull ache in your lower back after a long day at your desk, the stiffness in your knees when you go for a morning walk, or that sharp jolt of pain that shoots down your leg when you bend over. Whether it happens because of injury, hormonal changes like in menopause, or just the natural wear and tear of daily life, MSK pain can slowly wear away at your comfort, confidence, and qu...
The Origin Way •

Bone Pain vs. Muscle Pain

Have you ever woken up feeling like you went a few rounds with a heavyweight boxer in your sleep? Maybe the bones ache all over your body, or your muscles feel like they’ve been through a marathon (or given birth) — even though scrolling social media was the most intense activity you did last night.If you're wondering, “Why do my bones hurt?” or “Why do my muscles hurt?”, you're not alone. Understanding the difference between bone pain and muscle pain can help you get the right treatment and eas...
The Origin Way •

Hip Surgery Recovery

Below is a general overview of what you can expect as you recover from hip surgery.More involved procedures like a total hip replacement may take up to a year to fully heal, while less invasive surgeries like arthroscopy may have a shorter recovery period.The recovery timeline after a hip surgery will vary from person to person. Several factors can influence this process, including:If you want more individualized guidance — we can help you with that too. Book a visit with one of our physical the...
The Origin Way •

The Best Piriformis Syndrome Exercises

The largest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. This super long nerve twists and turns around different bones and dips and dives through all sorts of muscles. It stretches all the way from your low back to your feet, splitting into two nerves (the common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve) usually near the back of your knee.Along the way, there are many spots for the sciatic nerve to get pushed on, compressed, and trapped. And when this happens, it can cause all sorts of sciatica-like...
The Origin Way •

Physical Therapy for Headaches: 6 Exercises to Calm the Pain

Headaches can bring a busy day to a grinding halt, making even the most simple task feel overwhelming. While there are many types of headaches, tension and neck-related headaches (aka cervicogenic headaches) are especially common — and often linked to muscle tightness, poor posture, or stress. Physical therapy offers a hands-on, drug-free approach to managing these headaches by addressing their root causes.From targeted exercises to manual therapy and posture correction, physical therapy can hel...
GoodRx •

Can You Lose Muscle When You’re Sick? Yes, Here’s Why - GoodRx

Have you ever noticed how hard it feels to build muscle and feel strong — and how easy it feels to lose muscle when you skip a few days at the gym? This feeling that you have to either “use it or lose it” seems especially true when you’re sick and are forced to take a break from the gym. But are you actually losing muscle when you’re sick? Or, does it just take longer for your strength to recover once your symptoms are gone? Muscle loss (also known as muscle atrophy) is quite common when you’re...
The Origin Way •

How to Relieve Diaphragm Pain During Pregnancy

Breathing is usually effortless. We breathe in, breathe out — sometimes faster, sometimes slower — and it all just seems to happen automatically. But that isn't always the case during pregnancy, when it can feel like your baby is squeezing the air out of your lungs.This is because your diaphragm — the main muscle that helps control breathing — is significantly impacted during pregnancy. As your uterus expands in through each trimester, it can put pressure on the muscle, causing pain and discomfo...
The Origin Way •

The Outsized Impact of MSK Issues on Women's Quality of Life

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders don't just cause physical pain. They can significantly impact a person's quality of life, mental health, and ability to function at work and in their personal lives. And as with many aspects of women's health, the effects of MSK conditions are not experienced equally between the sexes. Research shows that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often face more severe consequences from MSK disorders, experiencing disproportionate levels of disability, emot...
GoodRx •

Retinol vs. Retinoid: Which One Should You Use? - GoodRx

The term “retinol” is practically synonymous with antiaging skin care. With so many beneficial effects on the skin, it’s easy to understand why so many people are eager to make this powerful skin care ingredient part of their daily routine. But when it comes to retinoids, the number of products in the skin care aisle can be overwhelming. How do you know which retinoid is best for you and your skin concerns? Keep reading, and we’ll break down the differences between retinol and retinoids. Retinoi...
The Origin Way •

Kegel Balls for Women: Expert Answers to All Your Questions

Usually, when you're looking to build muscle, the best thing to do is add some resistance, like dumbbells or resistance bands. This creates a type of stress that helps your muscles grow in both size and strength. Is the same true for the pelvic floor muscles though — do you need to add resistance with something like a Kegel ball for optimal pelvic health?The answer, like many things when it comes to women's and pelvic health, isn't straightforward. While Kegel balls can certainly be beneficial f...
The Origin Way •

Postpartum Rib Pain? Here Are 10 Possible Causes

Ah, the joys of postpartum life — baby snuggles, diaper changes, and... rib pain? Just when you thought your body was going to take a break from throwing curveballs, along comes postpartum rib pain to give you something else to worry about.Unfortunately, postpartum rib pain is more common than you might think, and it can range from a mild irritation to a real pain in the... well, ribs. The good news is you don't have to suffer with rib pain postpartum. Because let's face it, you've got enough on...
GoodRx •

Pulled Back Muscle Treatment: Relieve Pain and Promote Healing - GoodRx

You bend over to take out the trash, and boom. You feel a sudden pain and spasm in your back. You’ve likely pulled a back muscle, and you may be hobbling around for a few days.  Pulled muscles usually happen when you push your muscles too hard — or stretch them too far — during a certain activity or exercise. While most pulled back muscles can heal on their own with some rest, there are things you can do to help manage your pain and speed up your recovery.A pulled back muscle, also known as a mu...
The Origin Way •

How to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: 8 Expert Strategies

Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp twinge, pelvic pain during pregnancy is both extremely common and extremely uncomfortable. Studies show that up to 70% of pregnant individuals will experience some form of pelvic pain. Just because it happens frequently doesn’t mean that you have to grin and bear it. For the full rundown on pelvic pain during pregnancy, check our Expert Guide to Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy. Currently in pain and looking for fast relief? Keep reading for eight helpful strategi...
GoodRx •

Skin Benefits of Witch Hazel: Is This Natural Ingredient Good for Skin? - GoodRx

Witch hazel is an ancient plant that has been used for centuries and is still used in many skin care products today. Witch hazel has many skin benefits. It can help treat a variety of minor skin issues. But what’s in witch hazel that makes it useful? Keep reading to learn about the skin benefits of witch hazel and how to make it part of your skin care regimen.Hamamelis virginiana — more commonly known as witch hazel — is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers. Extract from the twigs, leaves, a...
The Origin Way •

How to Relieve Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: 8 Expert Strategies

Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp twinge, pelvic pain during pregnancy is both extremely common and extremely uncomfortable. Studies show that up to 70% of pregnant individuals will experience some form of pelvic pain. Just because it happens frequently doesn’t mean that you have to grin and bear it. For the full rundown on pelvic pain during pregnancy, check our Expert Guide to Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy. Currently in pain and looking for fast relief? Keep reading for eight helpful strategi...
The Origin Way •

An Expert Guide to Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

With all of the changes that happen to your body during pregnancy, things are bound to get uncomfortable, especially in your third trimester. As your baby bump gets bigger (and bigger, and even bigger), it’s nearly guaranteed that you'll struggle to get up the stairs, tie your shoes, or extract yourself from a deep-seated sofa. But while discomfort may be par for the course, one thing that's never normal is pain.Unfortunately, aches and pains are so common during pregnancy that when pelvic pain...
GoodRx •

Ozempic and PCOS: What Are the Benefits and Risks? - GoodRx

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication that’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar, reduces the risk of heart and kidney disease, and promotes weight loss.  Currently Ozempic is FDA approved for treating only Type 2 diabetes. But other possible uses for Ozempic are being researched — including treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a chronic condition that affects up to 13% of people with ovaries. PCOS causes symptoms like weight gain and in...
The Origin Way •

Relax Your Pelvic Floor: Expert PT Guide & Pelvic Health Tips

When you hear the words "pelvic floor exercise," you probably instantly think of kegels. But when you have pelvic floor muscle tightness (find out the 10 signs to look for), kegels can often make your symptoms worse. More often, it is helpful to focus on exercises that relax your pelvic floor muscles by encouraging movement, blood flow, and calming your nervous system.Pelvic floor tightness, also known as a hypertonic pelvic floor, occurs when the muscles at the bottom of your pelvis become over...
The Origin Way •

Postpartum Foot Pain Explained

You've probably heard of "mom butt" — the changes that can occur to your backside after having a baby. But have you heard of "mom feet"?While many folks expect their bodies to change during pregnancy, few anticipate the lasting impact it can have on their feet. Not only is it common to experience changes in the size and shape of your feet during pregnancy, but these changes can persist postpartum — sometimes permanently — and put you at risk for more aches and pains in your lower legs and feet.J...
GoodRx •

How Long Does Mastectomy Recovery Take? Here’s What to Expect - GoodRx

More than 100,000 women in the U.S. have a mastectomy every year. During a mastectomy, breast tissue is removed. A mastectomy is usually performed to treat breast cancer. In some cases, it may be done preventively in people with a very high risk of developing breast cancer.  Mastectomies can be life-saving, but they can raise a lot of emotions and questions about what to expect after the surgery. If you and your family know what to expect after mastectomy, recovery can feel a lot less intimidati...
GoodRx •

What to Eat After Embryo Transfer to Support Implantation - GoodRx

Trying to get pregnant with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART) — like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) — can be a time-consuming and lonely process. People going through ART often find it to be emotionally and physically draining. It’s natural to want to do anything you can to increase your chances of getting pregnant. An embryo transfer is a key step in the ART process. Lifestyle factors like eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet and taking a...
GoodRx •

Can We Delay Aging of the Ovaries? Here’s What Sciences Says Can Help - GoodRx

Is there anything louder than the sound of your biological clock? Maybe it sounds like a nagging pressure from your mother. Or, increasingly loud footsteps as you walk towards the edge of the so-called fertility “cliff.” Whatever it sounds like to you, if you’ve ever considered starting a family, it’s natural to start wondering about your ovary health and fertility, especially as you get older.One frustrating fact about the ovaries is that they get older a lot sooner, and a lot faster than the r...
The Origin Way •

Know the Surprising Signs of a Weak Pelvic Floor

If you’ve ever leaked when you laughed, even if it was only the tiniest bit, you already know what can happen when your pelvic floor is getting weak. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the symptoms you could (or might already) be experiencing due to a lack of strength in these small yet significant muscles.Your pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting your pelvic organs and controlling bladder, bowel, and sexual function — and yet, they often go unnoticed until...
GoodRx •

Do IV Drips Work for Hangovers? What You Need to Know - GoodRx

When you wake up with a hangover, it’s natural to want to feel better fast. Maybe you have a go-to hangover cure like black coffee and a greasy breakfast burrito, or a sports drink and ibuprofen. Lounges featuring IV (intravenous) therapy are rising in popularity. So, you may be wondering if IV drips work for hangovers too. But before you schedule an appointment, it may help to know if there’s any scientific evidence to show they work. Are IV drips really worth the hype? An IV drip is a way to d...
GoodRx •

Postnatal Vitamins: What Are They and Who Should Take Them? - GoodRx

We all know we should be eating a well-balanced diet. But it isn’t always easy to meet the recommended daily nutritional requirements. This is especially true in the postpartum period, when your daily routine is a little chaotic. When you have a new baby, it can feel hard to find time for a shower, let alone time to prepare nutritious meals three times a day. But it’s an important time to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients. Certain vitamins and minerals are important to help your body...
The Origin Way •

Yes, You Can Have After Uterine Prolapse

You've recently given birth, and now you’ve been diagnosed with uterine prolapse. Suddenly, your mind is racing with questions and worries about how your body has changed. One thing you're likely to be wondering: "Can I still have sex?"The short answer is yes — provided you want to have sex. Sex won’t injure your uterus (or any other organ that may be prolapsed). But the long answer is worth the read, because there’s so much to understand about sex and prolapse.See below for for the facts on sex...
The Origin Way •

What Happens to Your Pelvic Floor Muscles During Labor?

Childbirth is a Herculean feat, pushing your body to its limits—especially your pelvic floor muscles. These important muscles stretch to about 3 times their normal length during vaginal delivery. To get an idea of the level of stretch we're talking about, grab a 4-inch rubber band and see what happens when you stretch it to 12 inches.The impact of childbirth on your pelvic floor and overall pelvic health is significant and not talked about enough. According to the 2024 Origin Pelvic Health Study...
The Origin Way •

Menopause and Frozen Shoulder: How to Get Relief

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a frustrating shoulder condition that can sneak up on you. It causes the capsule around your shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint) to thicken and stiffen, leading to a gradual loss of motion and function in the affected arm. Frozen shoulder is often accompanied by significant pain, especially at night, which can wreak havoc on your sleep.While frozen shoulder can occur without any obvious cause, it often coincides with the timing of menopa...
The Origin Way •

Anxiety & Pelvic Pain: Is Stress the Hidden Cause?

Anxiety is a powerful emotion. It’s one that can be both beneficial and detrimental. While it helps keep you more vigilant in emergencies, more often than not, anxiety presents as intense emotional destress that can feel like physical pain — a tension that grips your entire body.This is particularly true for those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), where anxiety can exacerbate pelvic pain, leading to common symptoms like pain with sex. But how exactly does anxiety contribute to pelvic...
GoodRx •

Tarsal Tunnel Release Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery - GoodRx

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) can happen when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. It can cause symptoms like burning on the bottom of your foot, numbness, or weakness in the muscles of your foot. There are many nonsurgical treatment options to help with TTS, like exercises, activity modification, and orthotics. But when these conservative treatment options don’t bring enough relief, the next step is often tarsal tunnel surgery.The most common type of t...
The Origin Way •

Can Botox Injections Help with Pelvic Floor Symptoms?

When you hear the word "botox," the first thing that comes to mind are its cosmetic benefits. Those well-known, wrinkle-smoothing effects that can roll the years back on mature skin in a matter of days, and produce results that last for months.However, botox’s ability to tame muscle tension has many applications that go beyond skin deep. For those suffering from overactive (aka tight) pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, botox injections can be a game-changer — especially when combined with other tr...
GoodRx •

Morton’s Neuroma Surgery Recovery: What to Expect - GoodRx

Once you decide to have Morton’s neuroma surgery, it often means that relief from your foot pain is near. Surgery is usually successful in decreasing the pain and numbness in your foot. But it’s important to take the necessary steps to care for yourself, and your foot, as you heal.There are things that you can do before and after Morton's neuroma surgery to help you feel your best. These things will help you to recover faster, prevent complications after surgery, and make sure your symptoms don’...
The Origin Way •

The Best Exercise for Perimenopause & Menopause

Origin Physical Therapist and women's health specialist Alison Molnar, PT, DPT, contributed research to this post.If there was ever a time in your life to make exercise a priority, it’s in perimenopause and menopause. The benefits are just too good to miss out on. Research shows that physical activity can make the notoriously uncomfortable transition through perimenopause and menopause infinitely easier to deal with.Regular workouts can help calm vasomotor symptoms (think: fewer hot flashes), bo...
The Origin Way •

7 Causes of Back Pain After a C-Section & How to Feel Better

If you've recently had a c-section, you're bound to be dealing with aches and pains in your abdomen as your incision heals. When you add back pain to the mix — which happens to 70% of people who give birth via c-section — your daily discomfort can increase exponentially.You may feel like there's no comfortable way to feed or carry your baby, sleep through the night, or do everyday chores like laundry and dishes. It's no wonder that research has found that back pain after c-section can take a tol...
The Origin Way •

Expert Q&A: What is Pelvic Floor Dry Needling?

But, like most things related to pelvic health, research exploring the application of dry needling to pelvic pain conditions is still emerging. Some case studies have shown promising results. For example, case studies and case series have shown that dry needling may help:For example, one systematic review found that dry needling was an effective treatment option for reducing myofascial pain in people with acute and chronic low back pain, and that pain improvements happened quicker than with othe...
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What Does Pelvic Floor Pain Feel Like?

Pelvic floor pain is often brushed off as something women and people with vaginal anatomy "just have to deal with" or misdiagnosed by uninformed healthcare providers. So if you're currently dealing with pain in or around your pelvis, we're glad you made it here!There are many reasons this type of pain can be puzzling. For example:Each type of pelvic floor pain has its unique characteristics and can signal various underlying conditions. If you haven't yet found a doctor who understands your pain,...
The Origin Way •

Does Queefing Mean You Have a Weak Pelvic Floor?

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, nothing makes me happier than answering questions about your pelvic floor. So I'll get right to answering this one: Your pelvic floor does play a role in queefing. But according to recent research, queefing does not signal a weak pelvic floor. In fact, it may mean the opposite.Keep reading to learn what the latest science says about the relationship between queefing and your pelvic floor.The technical term for queefing is vaqinal flatulence. A queef happens...
The Origin Way •

Pee During Sex? It Could Be a Pelvic Floor Disorder

Of all the less-than-desirable things that can happen during sex — realizing your zipper is stuck, losing your character during role-play, getting a hamstring cramp — accidentally peeing on your partner is pretty high on the list. What's surprising is how common it is; up to 56% of people who are sexually active report peeing a little or a lot during sex. Nonetheless, it can be extremely distressing when it happens to you.The worry that at any moment you could accidentally leak pee can entirely...
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Expert Q&A: Can You Strengthen Pelvic Floor Without Kegels?

Tired of kegels for now — and maybe forever? We have good news. Research shows that exercising muscles in your abdominals and hips can automatically engage and exercise your pelvic floor.If you need convincing, here's the scientific backup:To understand how activating surrounding muscles can fire up your pelvic floor, you need to know a little about fascia. Keep reading for a crash course, then scroll down to see 5 of our favorite non-kegel exercises for the pelvic floor, complete with detailed...