Urinary incontinence (leaking) is an incredibly common struggle for runners, both male and female. Specifically for women, more than 50% of athletes report dealing with leakage. Understandably this struggle is underreported and often unaided when people do ask for help. Andrea and Megan interview Dr. Beth Shelly, a pelvic floor specialist. Dr. Shelly dives into the research on leakage, the anatomy of the pelvic floor, risk factors, treatment and more.

Beth Shelly is a Doctor of Physical Therapy board certified in women’s health and biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction. She has practiced for over 35 years, specializing in women’s and men’s health. Beth completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa in 2007 with the completion of her research in the methods PTs use to learn PFM examination. Her private practice in Illinois specializes in pelvic health and lymphedema. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
08:18 - An overview of urinary incontienance
11:50 - The musulature of the pelvic floor
18:30 - Risk factors for urinary leakage in runners
26:06 - Possible causes of urinary leakage
30:58 - How a pelvic floor physical therapist can help runners
42:03 - Assessing a runner's abdominal and pelvic strength
57:06 - The use of biofeeback technology
1:02:54 - How to find a pelvic floor specalist
1:09:26 - Wrap-up


---

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/doctors-of-running/support