32. Pelvic Floor Therapy – with Dr. Theresa Pulickal

On today’s episode, Elle and Taylor are joined by Dr. Theresa Pulickal, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in pelvic health and a mother of 3 who loves nature and hiking, to talk about Pelvic Floor Therapy. We talk to her about the importance of pelvic floor strength and coordination, pelvic steaming for circulation and relaxation, and C-section scar tissue massage.

“It’s important to both lengthen and contract the pelvic floor for birth, not just contract and strengthen.” – Dr. Theresa Pulickal

“Focus on diaphragm and breath with pelvic floor contractions.” – Dr. Theresa Pulickal

“Any Birth is a Real Birth.” – Dr. Theresa Pulickal

“I wish we could be super open about pelvic health.” – Dr. Theresa Pulickal

Listen to the episode here.

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Today’s guest: Dr. Theresa Pulickal

Dr. Theresa Pulickal P.T., D.P.T., RYT, obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from Illinois State University. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2009 from Azusa Pacific University when her research was published in Journal of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. From a young age, Dr. Pulickal has always been committed to a healthy and active lifestyle. When it came time to choosing a career path, physical therapy was a natural choice because it provided the opportunity to combine her passion for fostering physical health with her strong desire to help others. Dr. Pulickal is a comprehensive clinician with strong clinical skills and is continuously seeking knowledge. Dr. Pulickal started her practice in pediatrics with severe neurological impairments and has completed a Registered Yoga Teacher certification through the Yoga Alliance to become more proficient in the fitness aspect of yoga as a therapy, Pranic Energy Healing, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral Mobilization, and an Aruyveda certification. Today she is working in pelvic health.

You can find her on her website, www.holisticptsandiego.com

Or on Google with “San Diego Birthing Network” and “Postpartum Health Alliance”

Resources related to today’s episode:

Anatomy Trains. Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists – Book by Thomas W Myers, Lmt Nctmb Arp

Sitz Bath Kits can be found at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon or other online retailers

Who are Elle and Taylor?

Elle Kennedy is a maternity, birth, and family photographer and doula based in Orange County, California. She’s a mother of two, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and an advocate for consent and respect for personal preferences during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. She homeschools, is polyamorous, loves tea and scones, and loves using her free time to create and bake.

Dr. Taylor Garcia is a Webster Certified Chiropractor located in the Orange County, California area, with a family practice that focuses on pregnant persons and babies. She is currently going through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s certification program and plans to have that completes by 2021. While not a mama yet, she is the consummate “mom friend,” and hopes to adopt with her partners in about 5 years. She is part of the LGBTQ+ community and polyamorous. She believes in focusing on health and wellness from before birth, and using that as a firm foundation for health and wellness throughout life. She believes in the importance of connection and consent in all aspects of life. She is a dancer, a writer, a bookworm, and a fan of music and musicals.