Ep. 144 Healing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Beyond Kegels

Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Menopause Rise and Thrive | Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause
Ep. 144 Healing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Beyond Kegels
Jun 11, 2026
Dr. Sara Poldmae | Healer, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Functional Medicine Practitioner

Are you dealing with bladder leaks, pelvic pressure, constipation, or that nagging feeling that something just isn’t working the way it used to? If so, you’re far from alone. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, yet many are told their only options are Kegels, invasive treatments, or simply learning to live with it.

In this episode, I’m joined by physical therapist and Tighten Your Tinkler co-founder Christina Walsh to discuss a different approach. Christina shares her personal journey with pelvic floor dysfunction, the surprising lessons she learned through her own healing process, and how women can begin supporting their pelvic floor naturally through functional movement, nervous system regulation, and simple daily habits.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, frustrated, or unsure where to turn for help, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that healing is possible.

In this episode:

[02:17] Christina shares how her own experience with pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse led her to create Tighten Your Tinkler

[04:18] Why Christina and her co-founder faced resistance when bringing their non-invasive approach into traditional medical settings

[06:12] The functional movement method that helps women improve pelvic floor symptoms without relying on Kegels or invasive devices

[07:05] The connection between the nervous system, muscle tension, and pelvic floor dysfunction

[08:44] Why many women don’t find relief from Kegels—and what may work better instead

[10:19] Simple toileting posture changes that can reduce strain and support pelvic floor healing

[12:38] The often-overlooked role of hydration and electrolytes in bowel health and pelvic floor function

[13:15] Christina explains her free at-home decompression position and how it can help reduce pelvic pressure, tension, and discomfort

[16:05] Why learning to listen to your body may be one of the most powerful tools for long-term healing

[17:40] The unexpected whole-body benefits women often experience when addressing pelvic floor dysfunction at its root cause

[18:58] How Christina’s Root Cause Quiz helps women identify symptoms, connect the dots, and determine their next steps

[20:29] Resources, support, and practical tools available through Tighten Your Tinkler

Connect with Christina Walsh:

A physical therapist and New Orleans mama of two living with pelvic dysfunction, Christina Walsh understands the power of transforming pain into purpose. Together with Tighten Your Tinkler cofounder Jenn Lormand, Christina helps women with pelvic floor issues find healing without Kegels or invasive devices. Drawing from her own vulnerable story and decades of professional experience, she delivers actionable advice mixed with a message of hope.

When she’s not supporting the Tighten Your Tinkler community online, Christina loves experiencing local New Orleans culture with her family, avoiding makeup (unless it’s Mardi Gras), and laughing with friends.

Website: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tightenyourtinkler

5-Minute Root Cause Quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tinklerquiz

At-Home Decompression Position: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/backandhiprelief

Coupon Code: RENEW for $50 off the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature Program.

Connect with me, Sara Poldmae:

·       Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps more women find this space so we can all rise and thrive together

If you've been craving a real reset, I'd love to invite you to join me in Tuscany this October for Restore Again in Tuscany, a small-group wellness retreat designed to help you reconnect with yourself, restore your energy, and experience the beauty of Italy alongside an incredible community of women.

Learn more here:
https://www.wetravel.com/trips/restore-again-in-tuscany-restore-studio-at-meadow-hill-wellness-3989113364#about-this-trip

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!

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