Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Dr. Amanda Simmons, Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic floor specialist at Ascend Pelvic Health, delivers a thorough clinical overview of pelvic floor anatomy, dysfunction, and evidence-based pelvic floor physical therapy.

Whether you are living with pelvic floor issues or a provider wanting to better support your patients, this session covers:

• Anatomy and function: the pelvic floor as a muscular "hammock," its role in support, continence, sexual function, and core stability

• The spectrum of dysfunction: understanding both overactive (hypertonic) and underactive pelvic floors, and why "just do Kegels" is often the wrong advice

• Incontinence explained: stress, urge, and mixed incontinence types, healthy bladder habits, and practical strategies for managing urgency

• Pelvic organ prolapse: prevalence, grading, symptoms, and why pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the gold standard treatment

• The core canister model: how the diaphragm, abdominals, and pelvic floor work together, and what happens when that system breaks down

• Constipation, heavy lifting, and daily life: practical guidance on toileting posture, safe lifting mechanics, and lifestyle modifications

• When to seek specialist care: what a pelvic floor PT evaluation looks like and what to expect from treatment

Includes a live Q&A with Dr. Whittaker addressing patient cases and referral pathways.