Truthfully, I knew very little about pelvic floor health before I met Nikki, a dear friend of mine and an incredible physical therapist whose reputation precedes herself. Ask around about pelvic floor PT a few times in the Denver area, and you will surely end up being connected with her. It’s inevitable.

I am excited (and feeling incredibly blessed) to introduce to you our first guest expert, Dr. Nikki Dority, who is here to tell us all about the basics of pelvic floor health and wellness AND give you a few tips on how to maintain pelvic floor wellness through pregnancy and postpartum. She also answers the questions you guys sent in the other night through Shugie’s Instagram. So, look out for yours below. 🙂

Let’s welcome Nikki to the blog.

Hi Nikki! Thank you for being here. Can you tell Shugie readers a little bit about who you are and the work you do? How did you get to where you are today?

Hi, thanks for having me! I  grew up back east, studied PT in college, and then was commissioned into the US Army, working in the medical sector. I then moved to Colorado for graduate school and received my Masters Degree and Doctoral degree at UCHSC in Denver. Following graduation, I began working in the PT field, focusing in orthopedics and women’s/pelvic health. Throughout my tenure, I owned multiple businesses and startups, focused on medicine, wellness, and self-care. With two partners, I built a Wellcare center here in Denver, Nurture. I continue to practice PT, as well,  focusing on women’s healthcare – prenatal, postpartum and pelvic floor. I have had 20 plus years in physical therapy, and am passionate about integrating all aspects of PT and the biomechanics of the system to ensure holistic care.

I love your story and evolution!! Ok, let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us, top-level, what is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is the bowl of muscles inside of the vagina. Their role is to act as a support for the bowel and bladder organs, as well as the uterus and vagina. The pelvic floor also serves to control the sphincters of the urethra, vagina, and uterus. 

How is the pelvic floor affected during pregnancy and birth?

During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles work harder to support the weight of the growing baby.  The pelvic floor also helps to control the bladder and bowel functions.

Tell us, how do you know when it’s time to see a specialist/ pelvic floor PT?

Here are some  telltale signs:

• Tearing of the perineum during delivery

• Separation of the abdominal wall postpartum

• Any pelvic pain, ie) pain with intercourse

• Difficulty toileting

• Changes in bladder or bowel habits 

How can we keep our pelvic floor healthy during pregnancy and postpartum?

• Continue to exercise as you had prior to pregnancy. 

• AND as the pregnancy progresses, monitor your high-impact exercise, as it may increase the pressure on the Pelvic Floor musculature. 

• Avoid activities in which you can get hit in the abdomen or fall on the abdomen

• It is very important you do not get overheated – avoid 90 degrees or greater ambient temperature throughout your pregnancy, as you can.

• Continue to do your kegel pelvic floor exercises
• Water! Water! Water!

*Discuss with your OBGYN: prenatal vitamins, folic acid supplements, iron, and other prenatal supplements

*Work with your OBGYN regarding any COVID topics 

Do you have any tips for us on finding a PT you vibe / connect with?

This is an intimate form of care, so finding the right fit is crucial. It is helpful to speak to your PT prior. Finding therapists through word of mouth and recommendations is the best if you align well with your goals and needs. Finally, getting recommendations from your OBGYN is also very helpful, as they have properly vetted the PTs they work together with. 

What does a typical PT session look like?

Typically your initial pelvic PT evaluation will focus on your history, chief complaints, analysis of your posture, and developing an initial HEP, which will include goals, changes to the movement pattern, education on functional activities, and decision making around the pelvic floor work.

Pelvic floor work typically does not occur until the patient’s second visit, to ensure rapport, a feeling of mutual respect, and safety for the patient. These factors are essential in this type of work, as it is very personal. Safety is a must. Finally, you and your PT are a team. Always. Communication is paramount. 

How do we book with you?

If clients would like to schedule an appointment with me, please text or call me at 720-299-1260. 

Dr. Nikki Dority. 

Incredible information here from Nikki! As always, the goal of Shugie is to provide you with info from the BEST wellness experts and be the conduit for meaningful conversations around postpartum care. You deserve it.

I hope you guys liked this opportunity to hear postpartum wellness experts and get some exclusive take-away action items to use at home. We will be introducing more practitioners on Shugie soon. What other topics would you like to explore? OMW to find some experts for you. 

Xx 

Kaitlin