Dr. Becky Allen’s journey into physical therapy and pelvic floor specialization is as inspiring as it is relatable. Initially aspiring to be a teacher and volleyball coach, an injury changed her trajectory. "I hurt my back pretty bad playing volleyball," Becky recalls. "Physical therapy helped me recover and inspired me to pursue this field." Graduating from PT school in 2016, she initially worked in outpatient orthopedics before discovering her passion for pelvic floor therapy, thanks to the persistent encouragement of her midwife.
The Pelvic Floor: A Key Component of Our Health
So, what exactly is the pelvic floor, and why is it so important? Dr. Becky explains, "The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, fascia, and tendons that form a sling at the bottom of the pelvis. It supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and plays a crucial role in stability, sexual function, and even breathing."
Everyone, regardless of gender, has a pelvic floor. It's involved in everything from walking and running to breathing and sexual activity. When the pelvic floor is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of issues, such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and even back pain.
Moving Beyond Kegels
One common misconception about pelvic floor therapy is that it’s all about Kegel exercises. While kegels, which involve the contraction and lifting of pelvic floor muscles, can be beneficial, they are far from the whole solution. "A muscle shouldn’t just contract—it also needs to relax and lengthen," Dr. Becky emphasizes. "Constantly squeezing can lead to muscle fatigue and dysfunction."
Dr. Becky advocates for a more comprehensive approach to pelvic floor health, one that considers the entire body and its interconnected systems. She points out that pelvic floor issues are often symptoms of problems elsewhere in the body, such as stress, gut issues, or even something as seemingly unrelated as foot mechanics.
A Holistic Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy
At Genesis and Wellness, the team of pelvic floor therapists, affectionately known as the “Jenna Sisters,” adopts a holistic approach to treatment. They look beyond the pelvic floor to understand the root causes of dysfunction. "We understand how the pelvic floor works with the rest of the body," says Dr. Becky. "This includes considering a person’s lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health."
This holistic perspective is crucial because the pelvic floor does not operate in isolation. Issues like chronic low back or hip pain often have a pelvic floor component. Addressing the pelvic floor as part of a broader treatment plan can lead to more effective and lasting relief.
Educating and Empowering
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Becky is dedicated to education. She coaches other providers, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, trainers, and chiropractors, on both clinical skills and business leadership. "I love helping others grow their practices and improve their patient care," she says.
Conclusion: Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters
Pelvic floor health is vital for everyone, not just pregnant or postpartum women. Chronic pain, incontinence, and other issues can significantly impact quality of life, and addressing these through pelvic floor therapy can make a tremendous difference. If you're experiencing persistent pain or dysfunction, it might be time to consider a pelvic floor assessment.
Dr. Becky Allen and her team at Genesis and Wellness are leading the charge in comprehensive pelvic floor care, providing not just treatment but also education and empowerment for patients and providers alike.
If you currently need support with any pelvic floor issue click below to start your journey with booking a free consult call!
Comments