Show Notes
Today is an extra special episode! We have physiotherapist Cath Willis back (go find the episode on breast health from April 2018) to talk about #bladder leakage, or technically known as urinary incontinence. She breaks down the types and causes for urinary #incontinence, what physiotherapists look for as part of assessment and ways we can help treat this, as well as understanding the importance bladder leak protection products such as Always Discreet. Not only is Cath a wealth of clinical knowledge in her roles as a pelvic health physiotherapist for Queensland Health and Movements Solutions Physiotherapy in Brisbane, she was our previous Chair of the APA's Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health National Group, is the New Chair of the APA's National Advisory Council, and teaches the undergraduate Gender Health subject to physiotherapy students at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. On that note, I want to say a very big thank you to Always Discreet as this entire episode has been made possible by their support. For more than 30 years across the world, Always has been helping women with their menstruation needs thanks to its comprehensive line of period pads and liners. The brand gained global accolades for some of its previous topical campaigns, including “Like A Girl” and “End Period Poverty.” As a brand, Always’ purpose has been to empower and help females everywhere live life to their fullest potential. Not only have they created a superior line-up of bladder leak protection products called Always Discreet, they have helped to educate women around the globe about the help from doctors and physiotherapists available for bladder leakage rather than just telling women to use their products and ignore it. But, what makes the Always Discreet range so great? It’s specifically designed for incredible protection from bladder leaks (vs. menstruation needs) It features breakthrough technology via a super-absorbent core that turns liquid into gel and locks in odours Its products on the range are surprisingly thin and discreet, helping you feel more comfortable and confident going about your everyday life Now sit back and enjoy!
More from The Pelvic Health Podcast
Pelvic pain care doesn’t just involve patients learning to feel safe, it demands clinicians feel regulated too. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Thea Bowler, a gynaecologist and fertility specialist with advanced training in pelvic pain, pain management, and laparoscopic surgery. Thea combines evidence-based medicine with a compassionate, whole-person approach, helping patients and practitioners understand that true healing begins with safety and awareness of the nervous system. Alongside her is Paula Hindle, a physiotherapist and educator known for her integrative, nervous-system-informed approach to pelvic health. Paula blends movement, breath, and body connection with trauma-informed care, helping women (and the clinicians who treat them) move from protection into trust and ease. Together, this powerhouse duo from Vera Wellness discuss the nervous system’s role in pelvic pain, and how their new resource supports both patients and practitioners. We explore what it means for clinicians to regulate themselves, how that helps prevent burnout, and why our own state directly influences patient outcomes. Unfortunately we are missing the wonderful Dr. Peta Wright, who is part of this brilliant team and founder of Vera. This conversation is for anyone treating or living with pelvic pain — and for every practitioner who needs the reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
On this episode of The Pelvic Health Podcast we were joined by Dr Laura Whitburn, Senior Lecturer and researcher at La Trobe University, to explore The Meaning of Labour Pain and the groundbreaking research behind it. Dr Whitburn’s work reframes labour pain—showing that the way women interpret and give meaning to pain during childbirth plays a pivotal role in their experience and coping, and that pain perceived as purposeful and productive is often associated with greater resilience and more positive outcomes. Drawing on qualitative studies and contemporary pain science, she highlights how social context, mindset, and supportive care can shape women’s pain experiences in labour. Tune in to hear her insights on how this research can empower women and inform more woman-centred approaches to childbirth.
Part 2 is finally ready for everyone to listen to - or watch on YouTube! If you haven't listened to or watched Part 1, head back catch up, this is our continued conversation. Jo, Tam and myself dive further into my PhD studies - looking at pelvic floor symptoms between women doing CrossFit and women only running, objectively assessing pelvic floor support in supine versus standing, and more of the ins and outs of a PhD. We also discuss some more benefits of transperineal ultrasound in the clinic. For more info on learning this: Lori's online courses HERE Tam's wonderful PELVIC HEALTH COMMUNITY Jo: The Physiotherapy Clinic Lori's PhD THESIS!!!! Enjoy!
🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️ We're thrilled to share our conversation with Alison Deslandes, specialist sonographer and endometriosis researcher, who's breaking down the game-changing role of ultrasound in endometriosis detection. If you are missing out on the current action at the World Congress on Endo, catch her here and stalk her on insta. ✨ In this episode, we dive into:
In Part 1 of this special series, Jo and Tam flip the script and interview the newly Dr. Lori Forner about her PhD research on exercise-based heavy lifting, pelvic organ support, and the use of transperineal ultrasound in physiotherapy. We explore her research, specifically exercise-based heavy lifting and pelvic organ support in Part 1 where the next episode (Part 2) discusses the use of transperineal ultrasound in physiotherapy and her research exploring assessment positions. 💡 Grounded in evidence, clinically relevant, and just the beginning... 🎥 And we’re now on YouTube! You can watch this episode there too! Don't forget about the upcoming PB Conference in Sydney, June 13, 2025. Check it out HERE and register!