151: Male Pelvic Health & Yoga with Dr. Susie Gronski
Pelvic health is a recurring topic on this podcast, but most of the time, it is about pelvic health in general or particular to female-bodied people. However, pelvic health is something important to male-bodied people too, so in this episode, Dr. Susie Gronski sheds some light on male pelvic health and the issues surrounding that.
Dr. Susie Gronski describes herself as “the physiotherapist for your privates”. She is a licensed doctor of physical therapy, a board-certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioner, and a certified health coach. On her podcast In Your Pants, Dr. Susie approaches the topic of pain, pelvic health, and sexuality with open and transparent conversations. Apart from providing 1:1 hands-on consultations with her patients to teach them how to be the expert in treating their pelvic pain, Dr. Susie is also a registered yoga teacher and brings that aspect into her work.
What are some of the concerns that male-bodied people have regarding their pelvic health, and how can yoga or PT help? In this interview, Dr. Susie addresses a variety of topics – from pelvic pain to urinary issues, from how pelvic health relates to sexual function, to myths around pelvic health.
If you know someone who is male-bodied or if you are a male-bodied person yourself – this episode has great information that will be beneficial in understanding more about male pelvic health.
Key Takeaways:
[6:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode – Dr. Susie Gronski.
[7:53] What is the work that Dr. Susie does and who does she do it for?
“There’s a lot of isolation and stigmatization and taboo around helping male-bodies.” ~ Dr. Susie Gronski
[8:38] What has the challenge been as a female-bodied person addressing male body part issues?
[12:58] Be aware of the language and terms you use around the topic of pelvic health!
[14:27] What are some of the main issues that male-bodied people face with regard to pelvic health?
“The prostate has been blamed for a lot of male pain issues, but if you look at the research and the literature, the stats are about 95-97% of them have no correlation to an infection at all.” ~ Dr. Susie Gronski
[19:10] Dr. Susie shares an anecdote of a patient she is working with.
[22:15] Pain is a very personal experience that varies greatly from person to person, and particularly with men, there is a lot of stigma around how they should act or seek help.
[23:50] Lower back pain can also be related to pelvic health. Dr. Susie explains how.
[26:29] How does the male pelvic floor function differently from the female pelvic floor?
[30:50] What is the relationship between pelvic pain and stressful images or experiences?
“Part of my role is to help them to be aware of that protective response, and question whether or not that’s necessary for them in that moment.” ~ Dr. Susie Gronski
[35:47] What are the benefits of going to see your pelvic health PT or going to yoga class for some of these issues?
[40:33] It is important to not always be focused on engaging the pelvic floor muscles but to maintain some balance to optimize function.
[45:52] How can we encourage men to attend a pelvic health class or a yoga class?
[47:50] When should men see a pelvic health PT for any issues they’re experiencing?
[53:53] Dr. Susie recommends that people should see a PT who specializes in male pelvic health, and she explains why.
“Sexual health issues are intertwined with psychological or psychogenic components as well.” ~ Dr. Susie Gronski
[56:19] What are some resources Dr. Susie recommends to find a male pelvic health specialist?
[58:13] What is Dr. Susie’s podcast about?
[58:38] What is the biggest myth or misconception men have about their pelvic health?
[1:01:59] What are Dr. Susie’s thoughts on hernias and exercise in male bodies?
[1:05:53] What were your key takeaways from this episode?
Links:
- Dr. Susie Gronski
- In Your Pants Podcast with Dr. Susie Gronski
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 150: Start a Membership Site with Amanda McKinney
- Other resources on Pelvic Health
- Mayday! Mayday! My Pelvic Floor Is Malfunctioning…, By Dr. Susie Gronski
- Pattern of activation of pelvic floor muscles in men differs with verbal instructions: Pattern of Activation of Pelvic Floor Muscles, by Paul Hodges et. al.
- Study of stress and relation to pelvic floor
- Pelvic Pain Support Program
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget
- Find a pelvic health PT:
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- Pelvic Guru – Global
- Pelvic Health Solutions – Canada
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU, by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth
- Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals
Really enjoyed this session and especially Dr Susie’s comments about pain. So glad that pelvic health is now part of yoga as I remember when it wasn’t and could never understand why every part of the body received attention but not the pelvis! And very glad to see awareness of common health issues with men’s issues addressed head on.
Thanks for taking the time to share your comment here Cathy and to share how you enjoyed this episode with Dr. Susie. It is so important that men are also being included in the topic of pelvic health — I agree!
Thank you, Cathy! So glad you enjoyed the episode.