ATHLETIC INCONTINENCE
Athletic incontinence is urinary incontinence ONLY experienced during athletics or sport. About 40-50% of female athletes report athletic incontinence, many of whom have not had children! The most common movements that cause athletic incontinence are deadlifts, squats, jumping, and running. Leakage tends to happen with more weight on the bar, higher impact (like a higher or longer jump), and under fatigue (at the end of a workout). What do all these movement patterns have in common? They cause more STRESS on the pelvic floor and increase the intra-abdominal PRESSURE (the pressure within the abdomen resulting from the interaction of the abdominal wall and internal organs).
How can you learn to address athletic incontinence?
AN INTRODUCTION TO ALL THINGS PELVIC FLOOR!
Have you ever been curious about pelvic floor physical therapy? Never heard of it, perhaps? Or thought it was just for your Grandma? This blog series is going to serve as an introduction to the basics of all things pelvic floor including a look into a typical treatment session, common pelvic floor conditions, and how a pelvic floor therapist (like me!) can help you navigate pelvic floor health.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH DRY NEEDLING
As a young kid, I hated needles. So, when our new PFP physical therapist, Diana Jordan, DPT, said she also offered dry needling services, I didn’t exactly jump at the idea. However, a sore hamstring muscle from an overly enthusiastic running schedule changed my mind. I wanted to give it a try. Here’s my experience with dry needling.
PHYSICAL THERAPY IS AT PFP
Hi All! I’m Diana Jordan, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and newest member of the team at Pittsburgh Fitness Project. I earned my DPT degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023 and specialize in orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapy. I’ve been training and competing in powerlifting and weightlifting for 8+ years and I’m passionate about helping lifters and active individuals feel stronger and more confident during their training.