189- Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better in Rehab
Author: Dr. Desiree Cassell | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Women’s Health Specialist, Strong and Fit Momma
May 5, 2026
Duration: 19:58
Have you ever started doing the “right” exercises… only to feel more sore, more aware of symptoms, or more discouraged?
It can be easy to assume something is wrong or that your program isn’t working — but that’s not always the case.
In this episode, Dr. Des explains why some women temporarily feel worse before they feel better when beginning rehab or rebuilding strength. We discuss how healing often includes increased awareness, nervous system changes, new tissue loading, and learning how to move differently.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, doing too much, or if your body is responding the “right” way, this conversation will help you understand what’s normal, what to watch for, and how to keep moving forward with confidence.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Why symptoms can temporarily flare during rehab
The difference between soreness, awareness, and true setbacks
How the nervous system impacts healing
Common signs of normal adaptation vs red flags
What to do if your symptoms increase temporarily
Why proper progression matters
Why This Matters
Healing is not always a straight line.
Sometimes the body needs time to adapt, rebuild capacity, and learn new movement patterns before things start to feel easier. Understanding this process can reduce fear, prevent quitting too soon, and help you stay consistent with the work that matters.
This is exactly why structured guidance inside RESTORE and the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App can be so powerful — because you don’t have to guess what’s normal or what to do next.
✨ Learn more here:
https://balancedmomtality.com/the-app
Want a Guided Healing and Rehab Program to Help You Reconnect and RESTORE?
If you’re ready to rebuild your core and pelvic floor with a structured, step-by-step plan, check out RESTORE, my 12-week pelvic floor and core rehabilitation program inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App.
Inside RESTORE you’ll learn how to:
✔ release tension and improve mobility ✔ reconnect breath and pelvic floor coordination ✔ strengthen your core safely ✔ progress back to lifting, running, and higher-impact activities
All with guided lessons, workouts, and support from a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor education (with zero fluff) ✔️ Real-life tools to reduce pain, improve leaks, and feel like YOU again ✔️ Access to our private community and support
Inside RESTORE, we cover:
Breathwork + pelvic floor connection
Mobility + posture
Nervous system regulation
Core control + strength building
Real-life application to everyday movement
And how to stop leaking, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling disconnected from your core
You’ll walk away from RESTORE with clarity, confidence, and a body you trust again.
JOIN RESTORE NOW FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO LESSONS AND EXERCISES!! JOIN NOW AND SAVE %50!!
https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/checkout/86181d29-9811-4a33-80df-a82de21fa8fe
Or
💎 Learn More About RESTORE below, my 12-week program that walks you step by step through pelvic floor and core healing — so you can stop leaking, reduce prolapse symptoms, and feel strong again.
https://balancedmomtality.com/restore
💖 Or Want Personalized 1:1 Coaching and Support?
Book a virtual or in-person women’s health coaching/pelvic floor physical therapy session tailored to YOU. 📧 Email: PTDes@balancedmomtality.com
✨ Next Steps:
📲 Download the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App → for guided breathwork, mobility, and strength progressions you can do at home.
- Download PCM App iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pelvic-floor-core-more/id6740750561
- Download PCM App Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pqw8e051gua.pmh8skrtsapp&pcampaignid=web_share
Or Access Inside the web Browser: https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/
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