What You Need to Know About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Hello Warriors!

Welcome back to the Suburban Warrior newsletter. We’re taking a deep dive into a topic often misunderstood but incredibly important—pelvic floor health. Whether you’ve experienced symptoms like bladder leakage, painful sex, or lower back pain, this episode will help you connect the dots and discover actionable solutions.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction You Shouldn’t Ignore with Guest Expert, Meghan Tierney Lash

In this episode, I sit down with Meghan Tierney Lash, a seasoned physical therapist with over 24 years of experience in Orthopedics and Pelvic Health. Meghan co-owns One Physical Therapy & Wellness, a boutique clinic in the Philadelphia area known for its one-on-one sessions and Pilates-based approach to healing.

Meghan brings a unique orthopedic lens to pelvic health, considering the entire body—joints, muscles, and daily habits—to identify root causes. Her personalized model of one patient per hour ensures deep exploration of symptoms, from bladder habits to back pain, often revealing pelvic floor dysfunction as a key factor. By integrating Pilates and manual therapy, Meghan’s team helps patients rebuild healthy movement patterns and correct long-standing postural or muscular imbalances.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Pelvic Floor Muscles Need to Relax AND Contract
   Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t always about “weak” muscles. Many people have excess tension in their pelvic floor, causing issues like urinary retention, incontinence, and painful sex.

2. Everyday Habits Affect Pelvic Health
   From rushing bathroom breaks to chugging water before bedtime, your daily routines can exacerbate pelvic floor problems. Understanding hydration, healthy bathroom habits, and proper posture can be a game-changer.

3. Pelvic Floor Issues Go Beyond Postpartum
   While childbirth is a common cause, factors like past injuries, surgeries, hypermobility, and even stressful lifestyles can strain the pelvic floor. Menopause-related hormonal fluctuations also play a significant role.

4. Physical Therapy & Pilates for a Holistic Fix
   A one-on-one physical therapy model that includes manual work, breathwork, and mindful Pilates helps retrain the body. Reformer exercises can restore proper alignment and help you engage (and relax!) your core, diaphragm, and pelvic floor effectively.

5. You Can Self-Refer to a Pelvic Floor Specialist
   In many places, you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to see a physical therapist. Getting evaluated is often the first step to identifying root causes of symptoms—from leakage to nighttime bathroom trips—and creating a personalized treatment plan.

Ready to Warrior Up?

• Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

• Connect with Meghan: Visit One PT & Wellness or follow @oneptwellness on Instagram.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!