30 | OCTOBER 31 • 2024 

conditions that may be causing the 
symptoms. Then the doctor refers 
the patient to a pelvic floor physical 
therapist for an initial assessment that 
may include muscle strength testing 
and a review of lifestyle habits such 
as diet, exercise, fluid intake and 
bathroom routines. Some therapists 
ask patients to keep a “bladder diary” 

to identify behavioral issues such as 
holding urine too long or not drink-
ing enough water. 
“It is important to determine 
what’s going on first,
” 
said Stacey Lash, MPT 
WCS, physical ther-
apist and founder of 
Pelvic Abdominal 
Rehabilitation Physical 
Therapy in Huntington 
Woods.
A customized treat-
ment plan using a combination of 
exercises and other therapeutic tech-
niques is created for each patient. 
Whole body movements, such as 
lunges, squats and weight-bearing 
activities may be used in addition 
to Kegels, an internal exercise that 
strengthens pelvic floor muscles. 

Patients are given a home program 
to augment the therapy sessions and 
help maintain results.
“Many women don’t know how 
to do a proper Kegel. It’s not just a 
matter of isolating the muscle but also 
learning how to breathe properly,
” 
said Lash, who gives educational sem-
inars to various women’s groups. “By 
teaching patients these breathing pat-
terns, we’re promoting pelvic health 
and reducing the risk of prolapse or 
incontinence in the future.
” 
Internal manipulation is also part of 
the protocol.
“Some women might find it very 
invasive. I got over that and reaped 
the benefits of the treatment,
” said 
Sylvia. “I’m just glad my gynecologist 
recommended this instead of drugs 
and surgery.
”
Pelvic floor therapy can be benefi-
cial to women of all ages, according 
to Kaiser-Blasé, who has referred 
patients from 19 to 82 for treatment. 
A large percentage of referrals involve 
women with pregnancy-related symp-
toms. 
Six weeks after giving birth, Susan 
M. was suffering from diastasis recti, 
pain and pulling at and around the 
surgical site, incontinence, consti-
pation and pain during intercourse. 
After working with Lash for 10 weeks, 
each problem was resolved. 
“I started out feeling discouraged 
after having an unplanned C-section 
and not sure where to start to address 
my issues. I came out feeling better 
than I’ve felt in a long time,
” she said.
While women make up the major-
ity of her practice, Lash also treats 
children for bedwetting or constipa-
tion caused by a pelvic floor disorder. 
She also sees men who are recovering 
from prostate surgery, which can 
weaken the pelvic floor.
Bodzin sees a generational differ-
ence in the way women view medical 
issues relating to pelvic floor health.
“It’s a conversation younger peo-
ple are having, which is great. Many 
older women don’t know there are 
solutions,
” she said, adding that more 
medical professionals need to be edu-
cated about the benefits of pelvic floor 
therapy. 

continued from page 28

Stacey 
Lash, MPT 
WCS

Stacey Lash, 

MPT WCS does 
pelvic floor 
therapy on a 
patient.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Andrea Verier

MA, MS, LMHC, LPC

Florida and Michigan
941.315.8797
AVerierLMHC@gmail.com

ARE YOU READY 
TO COLLABORATE & 
EMBRACE CHANGE AT 
YOUR OWN PACE? 

Therapy can help you find balance, 
direction, and meaning, while effectively moving 
toward goals. I am known for my straight-forward 
approach coupled with kindness, and authentic 
connection. Together we can evolve your thoughts, 
feelings and behavior patterns so you can climb out 
of entrenched habits and become more engaged in 
positive living!

PERSONALIZED 
PSYCHOTHERAPY