Episode Summary: "Pelvic Floor Therapy Is For Men Too with Dr. Danielle Owens"

Release Date: May 13, 2025

In this insightful episode of Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness, the hosts explore the vital yet often overlooked subject of pelvic floor therapy. Joined by Dr. Danielle Owens, a Pelvic Certified Specialist from San Diego, the conversation delves deep into the benefits of pelvic floor therapy for both women and men, challenging common misconceptions and providing practical guidance for listeners looking to improve their pelvic health as they age.

1. Introduction to Pelvic Floor Therapy

The episode begins with Kim and Penn setting the stage for a meaningful discussion about pelvic floor health. They stress the importance of understanding pelvic floor therapy beyond its traditional association with women.

Notable Quote:

“Pelvic floor therapy is physical therapy that treats anything involving the pelvis. So it could be weakness, pain, incontinence, which is leaking urine, gas or fecal matter, pelvic organ prolapse, which is when your organs kind of fall down lower than they're supposed to, and any type.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [16:48]

2. Dispelling Gender Myths

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on debunking the myth that pelvic floor issues are exclusive to women. Dr. Owens emphasizes that men also benefit greatly from pelvic floor therapy, addressing issues like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Notable Quote:

“Men can have all of the same bladder issues. Incontinence, urgency, which is where you have to go to the bathroom more frequently... It also helps with erectile dysfunction.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [27:00]

3. Personal Journeys and Realizations

Kim shares her personal experience with pelvic floor therapy, highlighting how it transformed her quality of life, especially when preparing for The Amazing Race.

Notable Quote:

“I went on pelvic floor therapy so I could go on the Amazing Race. And it was amazing.”
— Kim Holderness [18:44]

4. The Scope of Pelvic Floor Therapy

Dr. Owens elaborates on the wide range of conditions that pelvic floor therapy can address, extending its benefits to children dealing with bedwetting and adults experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.

Notable Quote:

“Perimenopause is when you start to head towards menopause, and that's when your hormones are changing drastically... So that's also another time when women should go to pelvic PT.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [20:31]

5. Demonstrating Pelvic Floor Exercises

To provide practical value, Dr. Owens guides Penn and Kim through sample pelvic floor exercises, including Kegels and clamshells, illustrating how these can be incorporated into daily routines.

Notable Quote:

“Kegels are a small portion of pelvic floor therapy. If you strengthen everything, like all the supporting structures around it, that's where you get results.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [21:13]

6. Addressing Common Concerns

The hosts discuss common misconceptions and concerns related to pelvic floor health, such as the belief that only vaginal births cause pelvic floor issues or that pelvic floor therapy is solely for addressing incontinence.

Notable Quote:

“A lot of people think you'll only have pelvic floor issues if you've had a vaginal birth, and that's totally incorrect.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [29:39]

7. Benefits Beyond Incontinence

Dr. Owens highlights additional benefits of pelvic floor therapy, including improved sexual health, enhanced athletic performance, and better overall core strength.

Notable Quote:

“Pelvic floor therapy helps with erectile dysfunction by strengthening the muscles needed to pump blood to the penis.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [28:15]

8. Resources and Next Steps

Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Owens provides listeners with resources to learn more about pelvic floor therapy and how to seek professional help.

Notable Quote:

“They can follow me on Instagram at @pelvitone.psychicaltherapy or visit my website at pelvictonfromhome.com.”
— Dr. Danielle Owens [32:43]

Key Takeaways

• Universality of Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor issues are not gender-specific; both men and women can benefit from therapy.

• Broad Spectrum of Benefits: Beyond addressing incontinence, pelvic floor therapy aids in improving sexual health, athletic performance, and managing perimenopausal symptoms.

• Early Intervention Matters: Engaging in pelvic floor therapy post-pregnancy or as one ages can prevent or mitigate more severe pelvic issues.

• Practical Exercises: Incorporating simple exercises like Kegels and clamshells can significantly enhance pelvic health.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding pelvic floor therapy's pivotal role in maintaining pelvic health across genders and throughout various life stages. Dr. Danielle Owens' expertise, coupled with the relatable anecdotes from Kim and Penn, provides listeners with both the knowledge and motivation to prioritize their pelvic health, ensuring a better quality of life as they age gracefully.

For More Information:

• Dr. Danielle Owens’ Instagram: @pelvitone.psychicaltherapy
• Website: pelvictonfromhome.com