What is this thing the pelvic floor, and ‘bouncing back’ after pregnancy with PT Nicole DeBrie.

This is Part 1 of a 2 part interview with the lovely Nicole DeBrie, physical therapist to women. Today she speaks about the importance of the pelvic floor in women’s health and being active as well as what happens to our body when we carry and deliver a baby. Kara shares her story of the difficulty of ‘bouncing back’ after having a baby and returning to the running trails. 

• The pelvic floor is one important group of muscles for us women.

           Nicole describes what these muscles

           are and do.

• Common issues that can occur with pregnancy that PT can help with: diastasis recti, pelvic girdle pain, urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, prolapse and swelling.
• After your six week appointment with the MD and you are clear to go, but you feel differently. Some pain is not normal and we need to give ourselves time and patience to heal.

So You Know She Is Legit...

Nicole DeBrie is a pelvic floor physical therapist in Kansas City, MO. She specializes in treating both males and females with pelvic pain, back pain, SI joint pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, bowel dysfunction, prolapse, pain with intercourse and pregnancy-related pain or issues.

Nicole studied at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2012. She then completed her doctorate of physical therapy at Rockhurst University in 2016. Nicole was drawn to pelvic floor physical therapy immediately upon being exposed to this population during PT school. She completed a full-time internship at Foundational Concepts (a clinic specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders), receiving extensive training in pelvic floor physical therapy, before accepting a position there as a full-time physical therapist in 2016. She has continued to further her knowledge in pelvic floor PT through continuing education courses with the Herman and Wallace institute. Nicole is working towards obtaining her Women’s Health Certified Specialist (WCS) certification through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Nicole has a special interest in treating women with pre- and postnatal muskuloskeletal conditions. She strives to help women during and after pregnancy maintain or return to their desired level of function or exercise. As an avid endurance runner and two-time Boston Marathon qualifier herself, Nicole feels she can relate with this active population. Nicole believes there is no “cook-book recipe” on the right way to recover from or navigate through pregnancy. She is devoted to working with patients individually to meet their unique needs and goals.

When not at work, Nicole enjoys running, hiking, traveling, brunching and doing all-things outdoorsy!

How to Connect with Nicole:

 Nicole is at Foundational Concepts, a specialty physical therapy group that specializes in the pelvic floor. Check out their website and blog for further information about pelvic floor and women’s health issues.

https://www.foundationalconcepts.com/