Estrogen, Relaxin & Pelvic Floor Changes: What Women Really Need to Know — with DR. FLAVIA IGNACIO ANTONIO

Send us Fan MailStill leaking, dealing with pelvic pain, or feeling stuck—even after doing all the “right” exercises? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Flávia Ignácio Antônio, PhD, physiotherapist and clinical researcher at the University of Ottawa, with over 15 years of experience in pelvic health, geriatrics, and cardiac rehab.We unpack the real reasons pelvic floor symptoms persist—and why strengthening alone isn’t always the answer. From hormones like estrogen and relaxin to central sensitization and high-tone pelvic floors, Dr. Antônio helps us make sense of the complexity behind chronic pelvic issues.We dive into:The Knack maneuver—how it really worksThe estrogen vs. relaxin conversationWhy incontinence isn’t always about weaknessWhat to know about high-tone pelvic floorsChronic pelvic pain and the brain-body connectionHow new research is shaping better treatment strategiesWhether you're a clinician, an active mom, or someone navigating pelvic health challenges, this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and clinical insight.🎧 Hit play—then let me know: What’s one pelvic floor myth you believed before you knew better?#PelvicHealth #PelvicFloorPT #ChronicPelvicPain #LeakingWhenRunning #PostpartumRecovery #WomenInResearch #PFPT #HormonesAndPelvicHealth #TheKnack #CarriePagliano #ActiveMomPodcastWe talk about:-The Knack maneuver and how it works-Estrogen versus relaxin and their effects on pelvic tissue-Why urinary incontinence is not just about weakness-How to approach high-tone pelvic floor muscles-Chronic pelvic pain and central sensitization-How current research is shaping future treatmentTime Stamps1:00 Introduction2:52 areas of research8:06 relaxin explained14:30 activating pelvic floor muscles20:58 research at the University of Ottawa26:16 problem solving outside of strength33:06 chronic pelvic pain40:47 choosing the next line of research46:03 central sensitization51:37 plans for the futureCONNECT WITH CARRIEIG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/Website: https://carriepagliano.comCONNECT WITH FLAVIAWebsite: https://mfmlab.ca/Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/nau.25196https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae170/7916734https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae171/7916735https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388957513_Photobiomodulation_therapy_for_the_treatment_of_vulvar_pain_among_those_with_provoked_vestibulodynia_a_randomized_controlled_trialThe Active Mom Podcast is A Real Moms' Guide to pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause & beyond for active moms & the professionals who help them in their journey.  This show has been a long time in the making!   You can expect conversation with moms and professionals from all aspects of the industry.   If you're like me, you don't have a lot of free time (heck, you're probably listening at 1.5x speed), so theses interviews will be quick hits to get your the pertinent information FAST!  If you love what you hear, share the podcast with a friend and leave us a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review. It helps us become more visible in the search algorithm! (Helps us get seen by more moms that need to hear these stories!!!!)