197- What Your Rib Cage Has to Do With Leaking, Diastasis & Core Weakness

Most women think of their core as their abs—but your core is so much more than that. Your rib cage, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and abdominal wall all work together as a pressure management system. When one piece isn't functioning well, the entire system can struggle. In this episode, Dr. Des dives into one of the most overlooked components of core and pelvic floor health: the rib cage. We discuss how pregnancy, postpartum recovery, stress, posture, and even modern lifestyles can impact rib mobility, breathing mechanics, and ultimately your ability to generate strength and support. If you've been dealing with core weakness, pelvic floor symptoms, diastasis recti, chronic tension, or feel like you've hit a plateau in your recovery, this episode may help uncover a missing piece of the puzzle. In This Episode, We Explore: ✨ Why your rib cage is an important part of your core system ✨ How breathing, posture, and pressure management are connected ✨ The effects of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and stress on rib mobility ✨ Common signs your rib cage may not be moving well ✨ The difference between rib flare and healthy rib movement ✨ How rib mobility affects your pelvic floor and core function ✨ Simple exercises to improve rib cage mobility and breathing Why This Matters A strong core isn't just about stronger abs. Your ability to breathe, rotate, move, and manage pressure all depend on how well your rib cage and diaphragm function within the larger core system. Improving rib mobility can often improve breathing, reduce tension, enhance core activation, and help your body move more efficiently. This whole-body approach is exactly what we focus on inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App and RESTORE, where we address the entire pressure management system—not just the symptoms. ✨ Learn more here: https://balancedmomtality.com/the-app If this episode helped you think differently about your core, share it with a friend who's been working on her abs but may actually need to start with her ribs. 💛 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