Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Hypermobility with Dr. Amy Stein

 

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews pelvic floor physical therapist and author Dr. Amy Stein, founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Stein discusses the strong overlap she sees between hypermobility and pelvic floor dysfunction (estimating about 70% of her patients), including patterns of pelvic floor gripping used for stability, pelvic pain, prolapse, hernias, constipation/IBS symptoms, possible pelvic congestion, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction across all genders.

 

She emphasizes a multimodal approach: calming tissues, building stability gradually with isometrics and deep core work, modifying exercise, and prioritizing nervous system regulation and mindfulness. Stein also addresses perimenopause/menopause and their effects on symptoms, tissue elasticity, muscle health, and the role of hormone therapy and topical creams. She describes her Wellness By Nature CBD products and advises seeking experienced pelvic floor PTs with thorough assessment.

 

Highlights of this episode include:

 

00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks

00:35 Meet Amy Stein

01:45 Hypermobility overlap

03:59 Amy’s bendy story

05:57 Common pelvic patterns

07:26 Multimodal treatment

09:47 Pelvic floor basics

12:07 Stability and exercise

15:35 Bowel and congestion

18:18 Perimenopause and hormones

22:48 Tissue changes and creams

24:18 CBD products explained

27:37 Lifestyle and whole body

31:27 Finding the right pelvic PT

33:40 Wrap up and resources