189- Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better in Rehab

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/  🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe t

There's a lot of noise out there about "bouncing back" after having a baby, often centered on intense workouts and restrictive diets. Pelvic Floor, Core & More | Healing Beyond Kegels cuts through that clutter with a different, more sustainable approach. Hosted by Dr. Desiree Cassell, a pelvic floor physical therapist and women's health specialist, this podcast is a resource for mothers at any stage-whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the early postpartum months, or years beyond and still dealing with the lingering effects of pregnancy. The conversations here move far beyond basic Kegel exercises, diving into practical core rehabilitation, nervous system regulation, and holistic self-care strategies that fit into a real, busy life. You'll hear about functional movements that build strength without fear, ways to prepare your body for labor with confidence, and compassionate guidance for the long journey of postpartum recovery. Dr. Cassell brings her professional expertise and personal experience as a strong and fit momma to every episode, offering actionable advice that prioritizes feeling capable and healthy over adhering to punishing routines. This is a space where the complexities of the female body are honored, not rushed, providing a sense of community and grounded knowledge for anyone looking to heal and thrive through motherhood.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pelvic Floor, Core & More | Healing Beyond Kegels: Core Rehab, Prenatal Fitness, Birth Prep, Postpartum Recovery, Nervous System Regulation, and Holistic Self-Care for Moms
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194- Thriving in the Chaos of Motherhood (Without Losing Yourself) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
Motherhood can feel beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, fulfilling, and chaotic — often all at once. So many moms are carrying the mental load of everyone around them while quietly feeling disconnected from themselves,…