Pelvic Health Matters w/ Dr. Katrina Heath

Oh no, I need to go to the bathroom again!

Does this sound familiar? Many women struggle with bladder and bowel dysfunction, while others do not. What causes these issues?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from various factors, including pelvic floor weakness, ligament laxity, surgery, childbirth, muscle spasms, urinary retention, and certain diseases like diabetes. High blood sugar levels can lead to neuropathy, affecting bladder and bowel control. Excess weight can also increase intra-abdominal pressure, exacerbating incontinence.

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel function.

Types include:

• Stress incontinence: Leakage due to coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
• Urge incontinence: Sudden, uncontrollable urges that lead to leakage before reaching the bathroom.
• Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
• Fecal incontinence: Loss of bowel control, often due to weak pelvic muscles or GI issues.

Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating these conditions.

They can:

• Reduce urinary and fecal urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
• Address pelvic pain and vaginal dryness from menopause.
• Help manage medications that impact urination.
• Strengthen pelvic floor muscles beyond Kegels.
• Teach relaxation techniques for proper bowel and bladder emptying.

If you struggle with these issues, know that help is available. Pelvic floor therapy can restore function and improve your quality of life.

Katrina Heath, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) LKNConnect’s newest expert contributor. With over 23 years of experience in pelvic health physical therapy, Dr. Heath has served patients across North Carolina, Michigan, and New Jersey. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Atrium Health and Penn Medicine, where she helped launch a pediatric pelvic floor program. We’re excited for her to share expert insight and wellness tips with our Lake Norman community— Mondays on LKNConnect!

Dr. Katrina Heath – Mobile Physical Therapist

Contact Information

Phone: 704-412-2001

Email: [email protected]