Squeeze the Day: Learning to Love (and Respect) Your Pelvic Floor
I came across Dr. Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC through friend of Go Long, Dr. Lisa Klein, founder of Turning Teen. They had such an engaging conversation that I reached out to Amanda to see if she could talk about the basics of pelvic floor therapy and how to engage with a pelvic floor therapist. We cover a fair amount of ground and I hope you get as much out of the conversation as I did! I love how Amanda covers things in a very approachable way for everyone to understand, like she does in this Substack post!
About Amanda
Dr. Amanda Olson is a dedicated and passionate physical therapist specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Her areas of expertise include urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, pre and post-partum issues, endometriosis, MRKH, AIS, pelvic implications in runners, and oncology-related issues.
Most recently, Dr. Olson was the 2025 winner of the Elizabeth Noble Award. This award, presented by the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, recognizes those who have made a profound impact on patient care, education, and innovation in the field.
Dr. Olson earned her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in 2008 and has since accumulated extensive and diverse clinical experience. Additionally, she holds advanced certification as a pelvic floor practitioner (CAPP-PF) from the American Physical Therapy Association and the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute (PRPC).
NOTE: None of this is meant to be medical advice and this show doesn’t constitute a patient-provider relationship.
Major Topics Covered
Pelvic floor therapy is for all genders and ages. It is essential for women's health.
Pelvic floor therapists have rigorous training and credentials.
Pregnancy and menopause significantly affect pelvic health. So can suffering from autoimmune disease.
Cancer survivors often need specialized pelvic health therapy.
Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall health. Dilators can help retrain the sensory system for better intimacy.
Telehealth has expanded access to pelvic floor therapy. Insurance coverage for pelvic health is widely available.
Dilators are essential tools for improving pelvic health.
Surgery can significantly impact pelvic health and function. Patients should ask their surgeons about post-operative care.
Quick Takeaways
Amanda: Surgeons often don't warn patients about the effects of surgery on the pelvic area, even for laparoscopic procedures. Ask your surgeon about potential impacts on pelvic floor function and to request a referral to pelvic health physical therapy post-surgery. Any abdominal or pelvic surgery can disrupt the abdominal wall and affect pelvic floor coordination, potentially leading to issues like constipation, pain, or changes in muscle function.
Jill: Pelvic floor therapy may help with autoimmune symptoms, due to the role the pelvic floor plays in maintaining bowel continence and the impact of inflammation and stress. Patients with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), such as those with colitis and Crohn's disease, often experience more fatigue, systemic inflammation, and a combination of diarrhea and intermittent constipation. People living with chronic diarrhea, including those with celiac disease, often develop a guarding response in their pelvic floor muscles as they try to ensure they make it to the restroom in time. This can be addressed through pelvic floor therapy techniques like relaxation, coordination training, and behavioral strategies.
“There’s no such thing as a mini surgery. All of those have changes and those changes can be long felt.” — Dr. Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC
Resources Mentioned During the Show
Finding a pelvic floor therapist—APTA Pelvic Therapy: An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association
Ways to Connect with Amanda
Intimate Rose: Website, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Amanda’s Educational Channels (more about her love of running and how it relates to the pelvic floor): Website, Substack, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Ways to Connect with Go Long
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Schedule a complimentary consultation
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Go Long recommends listening to the entire podcast for context, but knows you are all busy people so below you will see timestamps. This episode is also available on YouTube.
Looking for an accountability partner who isn’t going to judge whatever the habit is that you are trying to change?
Timestamps
0:00: Intro and why Amanda changed her profession from working in pediatric neurology to becoming a pelvic floor therapist
5:42: Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for women
7:20: Going to traditional PT vs. pelvic floor therapist
12:15: How pregnancy and perimenopause impact your pelvic floor muscles (note: this includes women who have not given birth)
17:35: How pelvic floor therapy can help address some of the more common symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders
21:14: What you need to know about with surgery and the possible impact to your pelvic floor - part 1 (this also includes mastectomies)
27:10: How to find a qualified pelvic floor therapist and can you do it virtually, Insurance coverage and how long do pelvic floor therapists work with patients
33:15: Dilators as opposed to sex toys - what are the benefits and how to use them
39:00: Kegels - do they help or not? Short answer—It depends.
44:20: What you need to know about with surgery (yes, even laproscopic surgery!) and the possible impact to your pelvic floor - part 2
51:00: Where can people find Amanda and wrap up!
