Show Notes
In Today’s Episode
In this episode of Table Talk, Melody sits down with physical therapists Becky Parr and Kristen Schulte to explore the evolving role of physical therapy in women’s health, athletic performance, and whole-person wellness. They discuss everything from pelvic floor dysfunction and postpartum recovery to inflammation, injury prevention, and why physical therapy should be viewed as proactive healthcare—not just rehab after surgery or injury.
Key Take Aways
- Physical therapy is preventative care, not just rehab. Annual PT check-ins can identify movement dysfunctions before they become injuries.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is common—but not normal. Symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, constipation, and postpartum pain are treatable.
- Women’s health challenges are often multifactorial. Stress, inflammation, nutrient depletion, hormones, and caregiving demands all impact healing and performance.
- Cash-based PT models allow for individualized, holistic care. Longer visits create space for root-cause problem solving and collaboration across healthcare disciplines.
- Female athletes need specialized movement support. Proper pressure management, biomechanics, and strength coordination can prevent issues like leakage and injury during training.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome + Guest Introductions
Melody introduces Becky and Kristen and sets the stage for a conversation on women’s health physical therapy.
00:43 – Becky’s Journey into Pelvic Health PT
From orthopedic sports medicine to specializing in pregnancy, postpartum care, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.
06:39 – Kristen’s Athletic Background + Founding PT 212
How her own injury and frustrating rehab experience shaped her patient-centered PT philosophy.
11:00 – Why Traditional PT Models Fall Short
Insurance limitations, protocol-driven care, and why both guests built cash-based practices.
16:30 – The Hidden Health Burden Women Carry
Stress, caregiving, inflammation, nutrient depletion, and why women often delay their own care.
24:05 – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Explained
Common symptoms, postpartum recovery, menopause-related pelvic changes, and available treatments.
31:48 – What is a Pessary?
How pessaries support pelvic organ prolapse and help women return to exercise safely.
35:39 – Menstrual Cups + Pelvic Floor Health
Addressing common concerns and proper usage considerations.
37:42 – Female Athletes: Injury Prevention + Performance Optimization
Why PT assessments can improve efficiency, strength, and movement quality.
41:00 – Why Leaking During Exercise Isn’t “Normal”
Pressure management, movement corrections, and simple fixes for common issues.
45:29 – How to Find the Right Physical Therapist
What to look for in a PT: individualized care, athletic understanding, and treatment philosophy.
51:28 – Final Thoughts + Resources
Why PT belongs in every woman’s long-term wellness plan.
Resources Mentioned
Table Talk Podcast — Resources & Links
Our Guests’ Practices
Dr. Becky Parr, PT, DPT — Resilience Physical Therapy (Dayton, OH; orthopedic & pelvic/women’s health, in-person, mobile & telehealth): https://resiliencept.net
Dr. Kristen Schulte Adkins, PT, DPT — Physical Therapy 212 (Troy, OH; sports/orthopedic PT, Classical Pilates, growing pelvic health): https://www.physicaltherapy212.com
- The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
Website: https://pharmtotable.life/provider - Find a PT in Your Area
APTA “Find a PT” directory: https://www.choosept.com/find-a-pt
APTA Pelvic Health PT locator (for pelvic/women’s health specialists): https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator-womens-health
Becky’s tip for vetting a PT: Use the locator to find someone in your area, then call the clinic and ask to speak with the therapist. Ask about their treatment philosophy and their specific experience treating athletes like you — the biomechanics of each sport differ, so a great runner’s PT isn’t automatically a great fit for a volleyball player. Read the therapist’s bio first, and look for a provider who’ll meet you where you’re at and get on board with your goals. - Therapies & Approaches Discussed
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Pelvic floor muscle training
Biofeedback therapy
Real-time ultrasound (transabdominal/transperineal imaging)
Pessary support devices
Functional movement screening
Running gait analysis
Manual therapy (hands-on treatment)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Nutrition and hydration support
Leading the way to better chronic disease management through functional and integrative medicine.