In this episode, Dr. Jana Richardson, an expert in pelvic health and physical therapy, takes us on an engaging journey into the world of mobility, strength, and overall well-being. From the history of physical therapy to the often-overlooked importance of pelvic floor health—for both men and women—Jana breaks down common symptoms, how to identify pelvic floor issues, and the exercises that can make a lasting difference. She shares insights on squatting, stretching, yoga, meditation, massage, and foam rolling, offering practical tips for anyone seeking to improve their physical health. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how targeted therapy can enhance everyday life and why pelvic health deserves more attention in modern medicine.
Physical therapy is more than just rehab—it’s a key to unlocking better movement, strength, and quality of life. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jana Richardson, a leading specialist in pelvic health, to explore the essential role physical therapy plays in both prevention and recovery. We’ll talk about the history of PT, the signs and symptoms of pelvic floor issues, and simple exercises that can make a big difference. Jana also shares her expert advice on stretching, yoga, meditation, massage, and more—plus why pelvic health is a crucial part of overall wellness for everyone.
(1:00) What’s important to know about physical therapy…and let’s learn about its history.
(3:38) Jana is an expert on pelvis health. She explains what it is and why it’s important for both women and men.
(6:00) What’s the most common symptom she sees in her patients?
(7:52) How to know the issue is a pelvic floor problem and not something else?
(12:15) What exercises can someone do to help manage pelvis floor issues?
(16:45) Why is squatting so important for mobility?
(17:26) Are massages important? What are the different types, and which ones are the best for mobility?
(20:02) How do you communicate the best pressure for you in a massage?
(21:17) What about foam rollers?
(22:20) What are the things that Jana feels the general public should know about PT?
(28:00) Jana talks about stretching, why it’s important and how to determine what stretches can help.
(30:00) On the subject of meditation – is there an amount of time that works best?
(31:35) What type of yoga can make a difference?
(34:10) At what point should a doctor refer a patient to PT?
(36:17) How many pelvic floor specialists are there and how does the future look for pelvic floor health?
(38:00) What else does Jana want to add?