Most people don’t think about their pelvic floor—until something starts to feel off. Leaking. Pain. Pressure. Prolapse. But these symptoms don’t appear overnight. Pelvic floor dysfunction is often something that’s been building quietly over time. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Kathy Bochnowski, Founder, PT, OCS, Cert-DN, joins us for a real, honest, and long-overdue conversation about pelvic floor health—what it is, why it matters, and how to actually address the root cause of common symptoms. What Is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It plays a critical role in: Bladder and bowel controlCore stability and postureSexual functionPregnancy, birth, and postpartum recoveryWhen these muscles are weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms—many of which are often dismissed as “normal.” Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Urinary leakage (especially with coughing, sneezing, or exercise)Constipation or bowel issuesPainful sexPelvic pain or pressureLow back, hip, or tailbone painA feeling of heaviness or possible prolapseThese symptoms are common—but they are not something you have to live with. Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just affect one area—it can impact your entire body. Even small symptoms (like occasional leaking) can be early signs of deeper imbalance and may progress over time if left unaddressed. The good news: most pelvic floor issues are highly treatable with the right support. What We Cover in This Episode What the pelvic floor is—and why it’s often more vulnerable in womenThe full range of pelvic floor symptoms (urinary, bowel, sexual, and pain-related)Why leaking, constipation, and painful sex are not “just part of being a woman”How early symptoms can point to more advanced issues like prolapseThe connection between pelvic floor health and back, hip, and tailbone painWhat pelvic floor physical therapy actually looks like (and why it’s not just Kegels)What to know before and after pregnancyWhy the standard 6-week postpartum checkup often falls shortWhy it’s never too late to seek support—at any age or stageWho This Is For Anyone with a pelvic floor. This includes women at every age and stage—whether you’ve had children or not, whether you’re in your 20s or navigating perimenopause, whether your symptoms are new or something you’ve been quietly managing for years. The Bottom Line Pelvic floor dysfunction is common—but it’s not inevitable. Most symptoms are preventable. Many are treatable. And you don’t have to accept leaking, pain, or discomfort as your baseline. About Kathy Kathy Bochnowski, Founder, PT, OCS, Cert-DN, is a pelvic floor physical therapist based in Park City, Utah, with over 21 years of experience in pelvic health. She works with women, men, and children, helping them restore strength, function, and confidence in their bodies. Learn more at: https://portal.holistichealthhub.app/happy-body-physical-therapy The Great Connect is part of The Human Array — holistic health for real humans, no gurus required.
