DeeDee* had gone to see a urogynecologist to discuss both the pelvic pain and urine leakage she had been having. At 30 years old, she was frustrated (and embarrassed) to be leaking on nights out and to be having so much fear and anxiety as a result.

While she had been waiting for the appointment, she recalls reading a magazine article about some of the experiences that women put up with, thinking they are normal when they are most definitely not. Her visit with the doctor confirmed that her pain and leakage issues were indeed not normal. The specialist referred DeeDee to KCP for pelvic floor physical therapy.

She admits that she did not know much about pelvic floor therapy but decided to give it a try. During her first appointment, she says “First and foremost, Ashley (pelvic floor therapist) made me feel very comfortable. She was big on education and helping me understand what was going on in my body. I really appreciated the holistic approach.”

While at KCP, DeeDee shared some of the other recurring issues that she had been having, which included back pain, knee pain, pelvic instability, and hypermobility. She learned how to “connect the dots” of how her pelvic floor weakness contributed to other issues as well as how to identify the different types pain she was experiencing. In addition to working with Ashley Williams on her pelvic floor, she also began working with Joyce Kight to address her pelvic instability.

DeeDee says, “I think that the two-pronged approach with both therapists helping me is not something that would happen normally. Most places would just print some exercises for you to do and say godspeed.” Working with both therapists, Daisy learned how to relax her pelvic floor, how to engage her core, and how to employ diaphragmatic breathing.

“At KCP, I learned how to manage my symptoms and maintain my body. It gave me more autonomy in my life and took away my fear and anxiety. I used to dread getting up in the morning, because I would always think ‘What is going to hurt?’ It sounds so basic, but it really helped give me my life back,” she says.

“It’s just such a relief. I thought I had to power through this pain. As women, we’re used to showing up 100%. We try to make sure that things are running smoothly in our households and we’re maintaining a seat at the table in our careers. We feel like everything has to be a battle. I wish that other women who are struggling out there and fighting these invisible battles could know that you can CHOOSE not to. Help is out there,” she says.

Now, DeeDee enjoys going on hikes with her dogs, going to concerts, cycling, and not being scared to try new things. “I’m not a tennis player or gymnast or dedicated athlete,” she says, “but having the freedom and peace of mind to be able to live and move in your own body is so important – I can’t stress that enough.”

Her physical therapist, Ashley, says, “DeeDee told me that she previously had little awareness of her body and what could be contributing to her overall health. We worked together on finding a program that was tailored to her tolerance and goals. Now, she has a better understanding of how to care for her body, and I’m so happy to see her doing the things she enjoys.”

*Name changed to protect client privacy.