We’re excited to welcome Paige Genova back to the podcast!

Paige Genova is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, all about whole-person wellness in pelvic health. Paige is a fellow mama, clinician, and business owner/founder of Vital Pelvic Health in Ohio.

In today’s conversation, we explore a cutting-edge approach: pain reprocessing therapy. As the only pelvic health OT certified in this technique, Paige shares her unique perspective on helping patients overcome not only pain, but also the fear that keeps them stuck in chronic symptom cycles.

Pain reprocessing therapy is grounded in the science of neuroplasticity - the brain and nervous system’s ability to change and adapt. What makes this approach so powerful is its simplicity and compassion for patients, so they can reclaim their lives and move forward without fear.

Chronic pelvic pain can be isolating, scary, and deeply misunderstood, but it doesn’t HAVE to be. Make sure to come back for even MORE wisdom from Paige in our upcoming part 2 episode - you won’t want to miss it!

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• Exploring how chronic pain treatment is evolving + what pain reprocessing therapy actually is
• Taking an integrative approach to chronic pain by understanding the nervous system’s role in chronic symptoms
• Helping patients understand that their healing journey will look different than expected + won’t be a straight line to “pain-free”
• Confidently treating patients with neuroplasticity as pelvic health therapists + breaking down what neuroplasticity means
• Real-world examples of how neuroplasticity develops + how it shows up in chronic pelvic pain
• The fascinating concept of “mind over pain” & the incredible power of the brain to heal

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 9 | Whole-Person Wellness: Exploring the Blend of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pelvic Health with Paige Genova
• Ep. 41 | The Truth About Chronic Pain: Rewiring the Brain + Restoring Hope & Healing
• Connect with Paige on Instagram @paige_thepelvicot and @vitalpelvichealth
• Join Paige’s newsletter here
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Chronic pain can feel like an endless loop, but understanding why it’s happening can make all the difference!

In today’s conversation, we dive into the truth about chronic pain, neuroplasticity, and how our bodies and minds can sometimes get stuck in a cycle that amplifies discomfort and fear. We see this often with the clients in our practices; the very real physical AND emotional challenges that come with retraining both the brain and body to feel safe again can be a lot to navigate!

We’re also discussing the differences between chronic and acute pain, why treating the whole person vs. just the affected pain site is crucial, simple + effective tools to work toward ‘retraining’ your brain, and more.

We hope this episode was enlightening and empowers you to find hope and healing on your journey. It’s time to reclaim your quality of life, and move forward with confidence!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Facing discomfort head-on when chronic pain meets new experiences
• Chronic pain vs. acute pain + why the difference matters
• How your brain and pain are deeply connected
• How chronic pain can rewire the brain over time
• The mistake of treating *only* the pain site instead of the whole person
• Recognizing when to seek additional support if you're not meeting your goals with pelvic floor physical therapy
• Signs your brain’s “protection mode” is holding you back
• Simple tools to help retrain your brain + calm your nervous system
• Embracing the idea that 2 things can be true at once + different can still be GOOD

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Why Do I Hurt? By Adriaan Louw PT
• Ep. 26 | From Pain to Pleasure: Overcoming Vaginismus and Dyspareunia with Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Check out https://pelvicrehab.com/
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode is a SPICY one, as we’re covering a bit of a ‘taboo’ topic: SEX!

In today’s conversation, we’re breaking taboos and gaining awareness on the clitoris, female pleasure, sexual health, and more. Unfortunately, there is still such a lack of research and education regarding the female body; all of it is shrouded in mystery and misinformation in our society.

Thankfully, we’re finally understanding more about the clitoris (the female organ whose sole function is PLEASURE), and how important it is for us as women!

We know how difficult it can be to navigate painful intercourse and intimacy challenges (especially surrounding female pleasure). It’s vital that you have open communication with your partner, and explore resources like pelvic floor and sex therapy to support you when necessary.

We hope this episode gave you a fresh + empowering perspective on sexual health and pleasure. If you’ve still got questions, we’re happy to dive deeper in future episodes - this is a conversation we’ll DEFINITELY be coming back to!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Mind-blowing stats regarding the clitoris
• Why the clitoris + pleasure in general tends to be ‘taboo’ & uncomfortable topics in our society
• Navigating painful intercourse + why having a professional to talk with in the sexual wellness space can be helpful
• Regular communication with your partner about your pleasure & intimacy
• Assumptions that we have as women about who we ‘need’ to be with intimacy

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 12 | From Disconnect to Connection: Sex Therapy, Desire Discrepancies, and Finding Joy in Intimacy (PART 1 with Lauren Scafe)
• Ep. 13 | A Candid Q&A: Low Desire, Postpartum Changes, Painful Periods, Hemorrhoids, and More (PART 2 with Lauren Scafe)
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Something that’s often overlooked but crucial to our health and well-being…

POOPING!

This is a topic we’re both passionate about, because we know how impactful pooping (and, well, not pooping) can be on your everyday life.

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing why pooping shouldn’t be a struggle. Dealing with constipation (whether you’re a child or adult), can be extremely difficult, and it’s something that should be addressed ASAP. Regular bowel movements MATTER, but they shouldn’t require you to strain, hold your breath, or take forever to happen!

Your pelvic floor and bowel movements are very much connected; pelvic floor therapy can be a total game changer when it comes to improving your bowel health.

Honestly, pooping should be easy. But if it’s not…your pelvic floor *might* need a little TLC, and we can definitely help you with that!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Addressing constipation issues right away vs. waiting until they get ‘worse’
• Why regular bowel movements shouldn’t require straining, breath holding, or take a long time
• How constipation impacts the pelvic floor
• Signs that something is ‘off’ with your bowel movements
• How GI issues can disrupt regular bowel movements
• Tips to help you with better pooping

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 7 | Unlocking Relief: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Improve Constipation
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Something that’s been popping up a lot for both of us in our practices recently is this idea about certain exercises being ‘bad’ for you.

We’re often asked if you should avoid exercise due to ‘XYZ’. We really wanted to break down some misconceptions and share our thoughts in this episode!

In today’s conversation, we’re discussing the concept of ‘moving confidently’, and what exercise safety in pelvic health looks like. We don’t believe there’s any such thing as bad exercise or movement. Sometimes, you just need proper guidance and understanding of YOUR body.

Health and wellness should never be treated as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Your unique goals should be taken into consideration, and you should be treated as the whole person that you are - not just what your symptoms are!

Whether you’re pregnant, freshly postpartum, or in another season of life completely, you CAN be equipped with the knowledge to help you exercise safely & joyfully. As pelvic health therapists, we’ll get to the root cause, and help you start moving confidently again!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Real life patient stories in our practices
• Taking the ‘whole person’ into account vs. just their symptoms
• The concept that your health is individualized & shouldn’t be treated with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach
• Realizing that you may have more (or less) capacity for certain activities, depending on the season of life you’re in
• What to keep in mind when you’re newly postpartum & cleared for exercise again
• Getting comfortable with *really* knowing your body so you can do what you love & confidently live your life
• The often overlooked importance of pelvic health assessments & treatment

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

We’re incredibly honored to welcome an amazing guest, Taylor Rains, onto the podcast today!

Taylor Rains is the Founder and CEO of The Social Collective, a digital marketing agency. With a Master's in Organizational Leadership, she is passionate about empowering others. A dedicated advocate for survivors of abuse and sex trafficking, she balances her career with family life, being married to Austin, and a proud mama to Lincoln. Currently, she is competing for the title of Miss Kansas USA.

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about healing through trauma, and finding resilience, empowerment, and fun. Taylor is all about challenging the narrative; she’s courageous, and is NOT going to be held back from pursuing her dreams.

From experiencing trauma, to now competing in her first pageant for the title of Miss Kansas USA, Taylor is passionate about helping women find hope, and live joy-filled lives!

Taylor has experienced the life-changing power of therapy, and has seen how vital community is. She believes in living out loud, having fun along the way (because..why not?!), and has taken ownership of her story and her life.

Taylor is a beautiful, bright light in this world, and her story is truly remarkable. If you’re looking to find more purpose, strength, and joy in life (regardless of what you’ve been through), this is an episode you will NOT want to miss!

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• Taylor’s journey with CPTSD that ultimately led her to competing for the upcoming Miss Kansas USA pageant
• How Taylor’s CPTSD episodes typically affected her + how she ultimately found closure
• The crucial role therapy played in Taylor’s healing
• Wrestling with ‘shame’ + how to move past this in order to find grace & healing
• Viewing yourself as a ‘whole’ human being who deserves compassion
• Taylor’s ‘prep’ for the Miss Kansas USA pageant
• Changing your perspective to find more joy and FUN in your everyday life
• Why having a consistent ‘anchor’ and community in your life is VITAL

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 35 | Imperfect Wellness: Embracing Balance, Self-Compassion, and Realistic Health Goals
• Follow Taylor on Instagram @taylorrains321
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode is featuring Roxi SOLO - she’s taking the reins for this one, and answering some listener questions!

In today’s conversation, Roxi is diving into a pelvic health Q&A session. She’s addressing topics surrounding pelvic floor relaxation, correct posture while holding your kids, key considerations for pelvic floor changes post-hysterectomy, what movement and posture can look like during pregnancy, and more.

While this episode isn’t *quite* like a typical one, we hope you enjoyed it - especially if you’ve been curious about pelvic health or pregnancy wellness. We hope you took away a few nuggets that can benefit you in YOUR life!

Also - keep your questions coming, because we LOVE receiving them. We plan to do more Q&A episodes in the future (with Megan of course)!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Ways to help with relaxing your pelvic floor
• Factors to consider when holding your kids
• How a hysterectomy may impact your pelvic floor + ways to strengthen post-hysterectomy
• Keeping good posture during pregnancy
• Tips for finding YOUR balance with movement & exercise during pregnancy
• ‘Bracing’ during pregnancy

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode topic is one of our favorites to discuss, and one of the biggest reasons as to WHY we started our podcast: imperfect wellness.

Wellness isn’t about striving for ‘perfection’, but rather, embracing balance, self-compassion, and realistic goals in our mental, physical, and emotional health.

Even though NOBODY is perfect, it can be super easy to fall into the all-too-familiar ‘comparison trap’. We see what everybody else is doing on social media, and we automatically think that we’re not doing good ‘enough’, right?!

In today’s conversation, we’re sharing more about our journeys with ‘imperfect wellness’, 4 key principles of imperfect wellness, and tips to help you embrace this into YOUR life. While we’ve struggled with perfectionism tendencies and fear of failure, we’ve also learned that giving ourselves grace, compassion, and allowing ourselves to adjust (or simply ‘rest’ more) during certain seasons is SO necessary!

We hope this episode encourages you to find more joyful + sustainable ways to navigate your wellness journey. It’s time to break free from the pressures of perfectionism, and embrace imperfect wellness in ALL areas of your life!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• What ‘imperfect wellness’ means to us
• Why 2 things can be true at once
• Realizing that failure does NOT have to be the ‘worst thing ever’
• Key principles of imperfect wellness
• Practical tips to help you embrace imperfect wellness

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website