Cleveland Pelvic Wellness Center

Cleveland Pelvic Wellness Center Physical Therapy and Pelvic Wellness

A lot of our patients when asked if they experience constipation will say "Yes, but this is the way I've always been my ...
04/06/2026

A lot of our patients when asked if they experience constipation will say "Yes, but this is the way I've always been my whole life". Most people assume that constipation is just a gut issue, but it is not. The gut plays a big role in elimination, but the pelvic floor musculature does as well. So those that are chronically constipated may have pelvic floor dysfunction.

When evacuating stool, the GI system gets the stool moving through the colon and once it reaches the gate, the colon gets sensory feedback from the stool and tells our brain it's time to go to the bathroom. Our pelvic floor muscles then have to relax and get out of the way to eliminate the stool. If the pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax and move out of the way, it blocks the exit leading to constipation!

Chronic constipation can put individuals at risk for more health issues like hemorrhoids, fissures, bloating, pain, and even worsen bladder symptoms. So it is important for not only GI health, but overall health to address constipation. Pelvic floor PT can help, so call or visit our website today to schedule!

Recent clinical trial performed by the University of Nottingham demonstrates a possible link between improvements in art...
04/02/2026

Recent clinical trial performed by the University of Nottingham demonstrates a possible link between improvements in arthritis pain and the daily use of inulin fiber. About 15% of those 30 years and older suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) with 25% of those over the age of 40 suffer from knee OA.

Inulin fiber is a prebiotic fiber normally derived from chicory root. As a prebiotic, its main job is to feed the good bacteria in the gut. Our gut has an important environment called our microbiome that allows for good gastrointestinal function. Inulin fiber can help to optimize our gut microbiome, leading to the production of hormones like GLP-1 and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyrate. These compounds are important for improving overall pain regulation, muscle health, and they also demonstrate links to improvements in grip strength.

The INSPIRE study is a randomized controlled trial that examines 4 different groups with knee pain: inulin fiber alone, physiotherapy alone, inulin fiber and physiotherapy, and a placebo group. Results show that both the independent inulin group and the independent physiotherapy group improved in overall knee pain. While only the group that took inulin fiber also demonstrated improvements in grip strength and pain sensitivity.

At CPW, even though we are physical therapists, we realize that good physical health isn't just about working with the muscles and bones. We understand what we put in our bodies affects our physical health. We stay up-to-date on the newest research that could potentially help our patients.

Lidocaine is a topical anesthestic that is used for reduction of pain. With vulvodynia, chronic pain disorder in the v**...
03/19/2026

Lidocaine is a topical anesthestic that is used for reduction of pain. With vulvodynia, chronic pain disorder in the v***ar, lidocaine is usually discussed as a topical option to reduce pain and discomfort during in*******se. However, lidocaine can sometimes cause irritation and burning following application to the v***a.

The National Vulvodynia Association recently shared that one of their board members was prescribed a compounded 5% lidocaine with an Ellage base. The Ellage base is used in compounding pharmacy as it is self-emusifying and mucosa-adhesive, so it is ideal for the mucosal environment of the v***a vestibule. This prevents irritation or burning following application, thus making the use of lidocaine more tolerable and improving s3xual function.

This can be discussed and prescribed by your medical provider. They can give you referrals and information to a compounding pharmacy to create this topical anesthetic.

Long awaited and much needed. Cleveland Pelvic Wellness is now offering care. See Dr. Belle if your kiddo needs help w...
02/08/2026

Long awaited and much needed. Cleveland Pelvic Wellness is now offering care.

See Dr. Belle if your kiddo needs help with:

-Bed Wetting
-P*e or P**p Accidents
-Constipation
-Urgency/Frequency (“I have to go NOW” or often)
-Infrequent voiding (p*eing only 2–3 times a day)
-Straining to p*e or a weak, stop-start stream
-Incomplete emptying or needing to go again right after
-Holding behaviors: crossing legs, grabbing the perineum (“p*e dance”)
-Pain with urination or bowel movements without infection
-Pelvic, abdominal, or perineal pain
-Period help (pain with periods, instructions on how to use period products like tampons, cups, or discs

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! SO MANY KIDS NEED HELP!

As pelvic floor PTs we always talk about what is abnormal, but what exactly is normal urinary function?Normal urinary fu...
01/28/2026

As pelvic floor PTs we always talk about what is abnormal, but what exactly is normal urinary function?

Normal urinary function includes no leakage, the ability to delay the urge, void window every 3-4 hrs, no pain or straining, no hesitation with start of stream, feeling like you are completely emptying, and if under the age of 60 - sleeping through the night without getting up to p*e.

Just because it’s your typical urinary symptoms, does not mean it’s typical urinary function. If your urinary function deviates from these norms, you may have pelvic floor dysfunction and should see a pelvic floor PT! Good thing we know a few! 😉

Hello everyone! Cleveland Pelvic Wellness Center will have an abbreviated holiday schedule, starting on December 22, 202...
12/16/2025

Hello everyone!

Cleveland Pelvic Wellness Center will have an abbreviated holiday schedule, starting on December 22, 2025 and normal hours will resume after the New Year.

Please remember that our first concern is your health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Westlake office 216.200.6978 or our South Euclid office 216.200.6959 to check holiday availability or if you have any questions or concerns.

We wish you safe, happy holidays and look forward to seeing you soon. 🎄 🕎🎁🎆🎉

As physical therapists, we love to make everything a workout💪🏽... except pooping! 💩 Bowel movements should be a relative...
12/15/2025

As physical therapists, we love to make everything a workout💪🏽... except pooping! 💩 Bowel movements should be a relatively quick and easy process that do not require a lot of pushing or straining. When we strain, it can cause a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor and lead to other issues. Here are some tips to prevent straining when having a bowel movement:

1. Proper elimination position into deep squat position - Get that squatty potty or use something around your house!

2. Don't hold your breath and push - Use the exhale to your advantage to assist with abdominal activation and pelvic floor relaxation. Pretend to blow bubbles or blow out birthday candles to save you pelvic floor!

3. Maintain good hydration - drink plenty of water, but also make sure to replenish electrolytes which helps with overall stool consistency.

4. Eat plenty of fiber - at least 25 g for women and 30 g for men are general recommendations. Getting this through diet or supplementation is also key for maintaining good stool consistency which prevents need for straining.

Have you ever been told that you're hypermobile? Are you more flexible than most? Do you hyperextend your joints or say ...
12/10/2025

Have you ever been told that you're hypermobile? Are you more flexible than most? Do you hyperextend your joints or say you’re “double jointed”? Have you ever been diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? Do you also experience pain or other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?

Hypermobility is when someone is more flexible than the norm, usually due to increased mobility and stretchier connective tissue. Connective tissue's job in the body is to hold things in their designated place while also allowing movement throughout the body. It provides the body with structural support. When connective tissue is stretchier, this can cause instability throughout the body especially in the pelvis. The Beighton Score is a measure of hypermobility. During this assessment, bending thumbs to forearms, hyperextension of elbows and knees, extending pinky to back of hand, and touching palms flat to the floor with straight legs are assessed. A score of >/= 5/9 indicates hypermobility.

When hypermobility is present, the pelvic floor musculature tends to get tighter to try to provide stability to the system. Tightness in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to dysfunction. Individuals with hypermobility are statistically more likely to have pain with in*******se, low back/hip/pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, constipation or incomplete emptying of the bowels, IBS, and more. Tight muscles cannot be strong muscles, so it leads to overall weakness as well contributing to continued dysfunction.

Of course the best course of treatment is pelvic floor PT! Where addressing the hypermobility and providing more dynamic stability through muscle strengthening of the surrounding musculature like the core, glutes, etc. And addressing any tightness in the pelvic floor to improve symptoms. Pelvic floor PTs can educate those who are hypermobile on how to optimize movement and exercise without putting themselves at greater risk for dysfunction. We work with you to address the root cause and improve your overall function!

Vulvar hygiene is very important for the overall health of the individual. The va**na contains its own little ecosystem....
11/27/2025

Vulvar hygiene is very important for the overall health of the individual. The va**na contains its own little ecosystem. The ecosystem is naturally acidic with a pH ~4.5. This acidic environment helps to support and optimize the natural growth of healthy bacteria that keeps the va**nal tissues healthy. For a long time, the recommendation for va**nal hygiene was the use of water alone because the va**na acts like a "self cleaning oven". However, a new review called Vulvar Care: Reviewing Concepts in Daily Hygiene by Bohbot, Rebelo, and Nappi shows that using only water can compromise the va**nal microbiome which leads to increased inflammation, irritation, and dryness. This challenges years of previous recommendations and replaces it by recommending v***ar owners to use mild, pH-balanced cleansers. pH balanced cleansers from brands like Love Wellness, Good Clean Love, and Honey Pot preserve the natural va**nal microbiome which reduces risk for irritation. Supporting va**nal health includes proper hygiene. Make sure to make good choices on supporting your va**nal microbiome which improves overall health!

**nalhealth ***arhealth

Did you know that your breathing is related to your pelvic floor? The diaphragm is the main muscle of inspiration and th...
11/19/2025

Did you know that your breathing is related to your pelvic floor?

The diaphragm is the main muscle of inspiration and this muscle works synergistically with the pelvic floor. They work together in a "piston effect", as one of them descends so does the other and vice versa. During inhalation, the diaphragm descends and domes down to let more air into the lungs. This lengthens the pelvic floor to descend into relaxation. During exhalation, the diaphragm recoils up to let air out and the pelvic floor follows by ascending up into the pelvis.

Performing diaphragmatic breathing can help with relaxation, nervous system regulation, and pelvic floor mobility. Since the diaphragm spans underneath the ribs 360 degrees, true diaphragmatic breathing occurs with 360 degree rib expansion during inhalation. When breathing with your diaphragm during inhalation while sitting in a chair, you will feel your rib cage expand in all directions and your pelvic floor muscles descend putting pressure into the chair. And on exhalation, will ascend back up away from the chair. This is a great exercise to help with pelvic floor mobility which is key for optimal pelvic floor function!

No pelvic floor is the same. Pelvic floor dysfunction takes many shapes and forms. The way PFPTs look at pelvic floor is...
11/18/2025

No pelvic floor is the same. Pelvic floor dysfunction takes many shapes and forms. The way PFPTs look at pelvic floor issues is by categorizing it as either a weak pelvic floor or a tight pelvic floor. Symptoms can look very different between these two categories, so it is important to differentiate.

A tight pelvic floor is when the muscles are tense and have difficulty relaxing. This can look like pain with in*******se, constipation, pelvic/low back/hip pain, bladder pain, urinary frequency or urgency, difficulty emptying the bladder.... and much more!

A weak pelvic floor is when the muscles lack strength, endurance, and coordination. This takes forms of urinary leakage, bowel leakage, prolapse, core weakness, inability to control passing of gas, decreased sensation during in*******se... and again much more!

A lot of our patients fall in the middle and have some indications of weak AND tight pelvic floor musculature. Like we said before, everyone is different. But the one thing that these all have in common is that they can be treated by a pelvic floor therapist. And it's safe to say, we know a few really good ones! 😏

Call to schedule with us today!

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the v***a or external female genitalia. Symptoms include burning, dry...
11/17/2025

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the v***a or external female genitalia. Symptoms include burning, dryness, irritation, stinging, and sometimes sharp shooting pain. These symptoms then lead to further dysfunction like pain with in*******se, difficulty wearing certain types of underwear from sensitivity, and pain with wiping after voiding.

A retrospective study conducted by Kiesner and Bittoni demonstrates the association of oral contraceptive use and prevalence of vulvodynia. This study showed that 50% of the participants that used oral contraceptives complained of pain in the v***a. Women who take combined oral contraceptives are 5x more likely to experience vulvodynia while those that take progestin only contraceptives are almost 3x as likely to experience vulvodynia.

Oral contraceptives cause hormonal changes which affect the health, lubrication, and vascularization of va**nal tissues. Depletion of these hormones causes dryness, irritation, and pain in those tissues. Access to oral contraceptives is VERY important and provides many individuals control over their own lives and body. But just like other medications, it is important to note that they can have negative side effects as well. These symptoms may be a side effect of oral contraceptives, but you do not need to suffer. Our therapists can help to assist with these issues and improve quality of life if this applies to you!

Address

14077 Cedar Road
South Euclid, OH
44118

Website

http://www.BeFreeCLE.com/

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