Woven Health

Did you know your pelvic floor plays a role in having a bowel movement?

Constipation isn't always just about what you're eating. Do you find yourself straining for a long time?

Your pelvic floor muscles need to be able to relax and lengthen when you're trying to have a bowel movement. If those muscles stay tense or you're frequently straining, it can make things more difficult.

Some signs that your pelvic floor may be contributing include:

• Straining frequently
• Feeling like you can't completely empty
• Spending a long time on the toilet
• Needing to change positions or push around your pelvic area
• Feeling like you "just can't relax" enough to go

And no—you shouldn't have to simply accept chronic constipation as normal.

Your pelvic floor is part of a bigger system, and there are several things that can contribute to bowel symptoms.

If this sounds familiar, pelvic floor physical therapy may be able to help you better understand what's going on. 💚

Your pelvic floor isn't just about Kegels!

Why does my shoulder hurt when I reach overhead? 🤷‍♀️

Shoulder pain with reaching overhead can come from a lot of different things—and it doesn't necessarily mean something is seriously wrong.

Sometimes the shoulder itself is contributing. Other times, mobility, strength, posture, activity changes, or even the way the shoulder blade moves can play a role.

You also don't have to completely stop using your shoulder.

A physical therapy evaluation can help figure out why a movement is painful and what your body may need to move more comfortably and confidently.

If reaching into a cabinet, putting on a shirt, washing your hair, or working out has become difficult, don't just assume you have to live with it.

💬 What shoulder movement bothers you the most?

It's hard to come up with words that begin to describe the events that happened 25 years ago.

Where were you when you first learned about the attacks on September 11, 2001?
If you feel comfortable sharing, we’d love to hear your story and remember together.

We will never forget. ❤️🤍💙

Happy Labor Day!

Today is a good reminder that rest is productive, too.

Whether you're chasing kids, working hard, caring for others, exercising, or simply trying to keep up with life — your body deserves time to recover.

So today, give yourself permission to:
✨ Slow down
✨ Take a deep breath
✨ Move in a way that feels good
✨ Enjoy time with the people you love
✨ And maybe do a little less than you normally would 😉

Your body works hard for you every day. It deserves some care, too.

The clinic will be closed today and will resume regular hours tomorrow.

Happy Labor Day from Woven Health! 🤍

Can your pelvic floor be both tight AND weak?

Yes!

This can be confusing because we often think of a tight muscle as a strong muscle.

But a muscle that's constantly tense isn't necessarily functioning well.

Your pelvic floor needs to be able to:

✔️ Contract
✔️ Relax
✔️ Lengthen
✔️ Coordinate with your breathing and movement

If a muscle is constantly "on," it may have a difficult time producing an effective contraction when you actually need it.

That's why pelvic floor therapy isn't always about strengthening more.

Sometimes the first step is helping the muscles learn how to relax and coordinate better.

Your pelvic floor has a job to do—and that job requires both strength and flexibility.

One thing I wish more people knew:

Physical therapy isn't just for when something hurts.

PT can also help you:

🏃 Prepare for a new exercise program
🏋️ Build strength safely
🤰 Prepare your body for pregnancy and postpartum recovery
⚾ Prevent or reduce the risk of sports injuries
🧘 Improve mobility
⚖️ Improve balance
💪 Get stronger as you age
🎯 Return to activities after an injury

You don't have to wait until something is "bad enough."

Sometimes the best time to address a problem is before it becomes a bigger one.

What is something you'd love to be able to do more comfortably or confidently?