004 | Understanding the Pelvic Floor ft. Dr. Jenn Gelfand

Jenn Gelfand is a doctor of Physical Therapy and a specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy with over 13 years of clinical experience. She is also a yoga and barre instructor, and the founder and owner of Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health located in Portland and Saco, Maine. Her practice specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation including the treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, prenatal care, and postpartum recovery. She and her team provide evidence-based, individualized care and combine traditional physical therapy with yoga-based movement. They also offer acupuncture to foster a holistic treatment approach. Jenn believes that this work is not about fixing something that is broken or wrong with us. It is about optimizing how we move, breathe, and feel in our bodies in all stages of our lives. Jenn is passionate about making these topics accessible and educating anyone who will listen about the importance of pelvic health. In addition, Jenn leads yoga and pelvic floor workshops and educates yoga teachers in training in anatomy for 200 and 300hr YTT programs. 

You will learn about...

What is the pelvic floor? 
Conditions pelvic floor physical therapy helps to treat 
Why leaking is common NOT normal 
Signs and symptoms to look for and when to seek out a pelvic floor therapist 
The importance of connecting to breath first - getting back to the basics 
Tips on how to start strengthening your pelvic floor 
Noticing your posture and general body mechanics in everyday, functional movements 
When kegels are appropriate 
What is diastasis recti; being mindful of “coning” or “doming” of abdomen 
Safety with exercise before/after baby 
The power of how yoga and acupuncture work holistically with pelvic floor therapy to facilitate healing and recovery 


Resources: 

Jenn’s Main(e) Tip for Moms: “Let success look differently for you in postpartum; give yourself that grace and time. Also, set a timer on your phone to try and get in bits of movement whenever you can, collect that at the end of the day, and celebrate those small wins.” 
Instagram: @roottorisept
Website: Root to Rise Physical Therapy


Connect with Mackenzi:

Instagram: @mommyandmaine
Email: mommyandmaine@gmail.com