94- The Inside Scoop on the Internal Vaginal Assessment from a Pelvic PT and Why and How You Should Do Your Own

94- The Inside Scoop on the Internal Vaginal Assessment from a Pelvic PT and Why and How You Should Do Your Own

Author: Dr. Desiree Cassell | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Women’s Health Specialist, Strong and Fit Momma February 11, 2025 Duration: 32:47
Hey Lady! Have you ever wondered what the status of your pelvic floor is? If you know how to kegel correctly? Or maybe if you have tightness and kegels could make things worse? Or if you have prolapse that you should be keeping an eye on? These are all things that I am checking for as a pelvic floor PT during the internal assessment, among many other things! However, I find that these are things most women have never been told because their pap smears or other pelvic assessments done by a Gynecologist are not looking or assessing the function of your pelvic floor. While they may inform you of prolapse or atrophy in your muscles, they are mostly looking for infection, healing, abnormal tissue and bigger red flags.  This is why many women come to me and are so amazed by what they learn from the internal vaginal assessment and many times we are finding and explaining the cause of their pain or symptoms for the first time.    This is why I believe every woman should get an internal vaginal assessment so they can better understand the basic status of their pelvic floor and so they can compare throughout their life.  It isn’t always easy to get into a pelvic floor PT and so I also think it can be very valuable to know how to perform your own self- assessment periodically, especially if you notice symptoms showing up or getting worse.  While doing an internal assessment on yourself isn’t as thorough as getting one by a Pelvic Floor PT, it is so much better than nothing! Just reconnecting and becoming aware of the sensitivity, tightness or level of strength that you can feel at the vaginal opening and perineum can be a game changer! That is why I also help my Restore members perform and interpret their own self-vaginal assessments!   RESTORE is my first 8 wk online signature program hosted inside my new platform that will be an APP soon Pelvic Floor, Core & More! Inside that program I walk you through the basics of healing, restoring your breathing, posture, core function and overall strength and return to impact and intensity.  All with the guidance of me, a Pelvic Floor PT, in your pocket making sure that you are getting individualized support and feedback through the program during our weekly group coaching calls! This option is great for those that can't afford a one-on-one session for $200-$240, those that don’t have access to a pelvic floor PT in person or those that want to have a structured organized program with support as they are phasing out of acute therapy treatments and working more independently.     👉 APPLY for RESTORE    https://zk54zbgub54.typeform.com/to/bkF2AUKm    As always, if you are experiencing any pelvic floor/women's health issue like urinary incontinence/leaking, pelvic pain, pain with sex, urgency, heaviness/prolapse or any other back/hip/joint pain and you want a totally individualized approach, then let's get you booked for a virtual one-on-one coaching session or in person physical therapy session for a more individualized plan and one-on-one instructions so you can feel confident in your body and start healing today!!    ~XO Dr Des   Make Sure to reach out to> PTDes@balancedmomtality.com  AND/OR Join my FREE Facebook community for ACCOUNTABILITY and a safe and supportive place to share and support each other!> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1696216757461633/    Join my VIP Insider group and receive my Newsletter full of great tips and tricks and upcoming resources! > https://newsletter.balancedmomtality.com/   Follow and get tips/tricks on:  Facebook> @thebalancedmomtality Instagram> @the_balanced_momtality   Learn > www.balancedmomtality.com

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
Podcast Episodes
173- Strong Is Not Tight // Why True Core Strength Feels Different [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:56
If your core feels tight all the time… that’s not strength. If you’re constantly sucking in your stomach, clenching your abs, gripping your glutes, or holding your pelvic floor “just in case” — this episode is for you. S…