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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Flávia Ignácio Antônio, PhD, a physiotherapist and clinical research associate at the University of Ottawa. With over 15 years of experience spanning women's and pelvic health, cardiac rehab, and geriatrics, Dr. Antônio brings a deep understanding of complex pelvic conditions. Her current research focuses on advanced physiotherapeutic assessments and interventions for chronic pelvic pain.

We explore the nuance behind pelvic floor health, how hormones like estrogen and relaxin play a role, and why strengthening alone isn't always the answer. If you’re a clinician or someone curious about the science behind pelvic health, this conversation is packed with insight.

We 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 treatment

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:52 areas of research

8:06 relaxin explained

14:30 activating pelvic floor muscles

20:58 research at the University of Ottawa

26:16 problem solving outside of strength

33:06 chronic pelvic pain

40:47 choosing the next line of research

46:03 central sensitization

51:37 plans for the future

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH FLAVIA

Website: https://mfmlab.ca/

Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/nau.25196

https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae170/7916734

https://academic.oup.com/jsm/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae171/7916735

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388957513_Photobiomodulation_therapy_for_the_treatment_of_vulvar_pain_among_those_with_provoked_vestibulodynia_a_randomized_controlled_trial

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, we are trying something new! Friend of the podcast, Dr. Elliot Berlin, is launching a new serial podcast called One Way or Another. Each ten episode season follows one pregnancy and all the decisions, emotions, preparations, and history that goes along with it. Interviews feature the expectant mother along with husbands, parents, doctors, doulas, and surrogates.

In season one, listeners meet Arianna, who is pregnant with her second baby. Follow along as we learn about her last pregnancy and how she plans to do reshape her next birth experience to be more affirming and empowering.

We talk about:

-second pregnancies

-“failed” birth plans

-unplanned cesarean

-generational trauma

-returning to California

-from friends to spouses

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:29 One Way or A Mother

6:58 meeting Arianna

8:54 hearing from Arianna’s mom

11:55 Arianna’s teenage years

20:52 finding community at NYU

23:23 creating with her husband

26:00 hearing from her husband

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH ELLIOTT

Streaming Site: www.informedpregnancy.tv

Website: informedpregnancy.com

Instagram: @doctorberlin

Twitter/X: DoctorBerlin

LinkedIn: Elliot Berlin

Podcast: Informed Pregnancy Podcast on Apple

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:55 how weightlifting changes in pregnancy

7:12 systematic review on postpartum injury

11:12 researching how how heavy lifting affects pregnancy

22:50 choosing exercises for the study

27:26 considerations during a training session

36:33 advice for first time moms

38:30 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH AMY

IG: https://www.instagram.com/amymoolyk/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/connectptex/

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

Ever feel like your body’s betraying you—just when you finally hit your running groove? 🥹

That nagging foot pain that won’t quit. The hip that flares up halfway through your run. The weird mid-back tightness after school drop-off and squatting a million times to pick up toys.

That frustrating feeling like no matter how much you stretch or foam roll, it’s not getting better.

If you’ve been there with that early morning hobble down the stairs after getting out of bed (🙋‍♀️ I have), this episode is for you.

Because let’s be honest—our bodies have been through it. And I left my "bounce back" era back with hitting a 6am training run after being out til 2am with my girlfriends.

I sat down with the amazing @dr.lisa.dpt—PT, runner, and running injury expert when it comes to helping runners get back to feeling strong & pain-free.

She’s helped over 3,000 runners return to the sport they love—without just telling them to “rest more” or “do some clamshells.” 🙄 (IYKYK)

She actually became a runner so she could treat runners better as a PT! (Welcome to the dark side Lisa!)

And now she’s sharing the exact tools she uses to help:

🔹 Tackle plantar fasciitis (the right way)
🔹 Build stability without spending hours in the gym
🔹 Fix pain at the source—not just mask it
🔹 Create programs that WORK for real-life busy runners (yes mother runners...that's US!)
🔹Navigating misinformation and outdated advice online

Whether you’re marathon training or just trying to get through a 20-minute jog without something flaring up, this one’s for you.

Moms, what’s the one ache or pain you swore was just “your new normal”... until it wasn’t?

I want to hear your story👇

#RunningInjuries #PlantarFasciitisRecovery #PelvicFloorPT #PostpartumRunner #PerimenopauseFitness #StabilityForRunners #InjuryFreeRunning #RunningRehab #StrengthForMoms #MomRunnerLife #ActiveMom #MidlifeRunner #PTForRunners #RunStrongAgain #RunningPodcast #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningOver40 #FunctionalStrength #RunnerProblems #activemompodcast #paglianorunning

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

3:05 getting into physical therapy

6:27 finding running after college softball

11:12 becoming an expert in the field

18:32 creating content for the masses

25:35 the worst advice online

30:54 referring to the right provider

32:15 changing approaches with new research

37:36 balancing social media with quality information

42:51 looking ahead to how the profession will change

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH LISA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisa.dpt/

Website:

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

😩 You're trying to do EVERYTHING right after childbirth—pelvic floor PT, backing off workouts, giving it time… but that pelvic heaviness, bulging, or pressure is still there. It’s exhausting. It’s defeating. And no one seems to have real answers.

If you’ve been told “it’s just your new normal,” this episode is your reminder: it doesn’t have to be.

I’m joined by Dr. Imran Siddiqui (@thesiddiquimd), a Washington DC-based sports medicine physician who’s taking his background in musculosketetal imaging and regenerative medicine to introduce an innovative potential solution to postpartum pelvic injuries—especially when it comes to pelvic organ prolapse and birth-related injuries.⁠ @rosmonline

We dive into Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy—what it is, how it works, and why it could be part of the missing link when pelvic floor symptoms don’t resolve with rehab alone.⁠

Here’s what we cover:
🔹What exactly is PRP & how does it work to heal damaged tissue?
🔹The anatomy of the pelvic floor and its ability to actually regenerate⁠
🔹How PRP is used for pelvic floor injuries & tissue trauma after birth⁠
🔹Why past injuries—yes, even from years ago—can slow or block your recovery⁠
🔹 The reality of chronic pelvic pain and the need for full-body, comprehensive care⁠
🔹 The power of collaboration between sports medicine + pelvic floor PT⁠
🔹 And the biggest truth of all: you don’t have to accept a “new normal” that doesn’t feel like you⁠

Whether you’ve been brushed off or just stuck in the “I’ve tried everything” phase—this convo gives hope, science, and a path forward.⁠

💬 Have you ever felt like no one’s looking at the full picture when it comes to your pelvic symptoms? Would you explore something like PRP if it could help you truly heal? Drop your thoughts below 👇⁠

#PelvicOrganProlapse #PelvicFloorPT #PelvicHeaviness #PelvicPressure #PRPTherapy #PostpartumHealing #ChronicPelvicPain #PelvicFloorInjury #PelvicPainRelief #BirthInjuryRecovery #WomensHealthPT #RegenerativeMedicine #PRPandPelvicHealth #CollaborativeCare #ActiveMomLife #PostpartumStrong #activemompodcast #paglianopostpartum #paglianoprolapse

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:30 explaining platelet rich plasma

5:45 different applications of PRP therapy

8:34 using imaging in PRP therapy

18:02 the treatment process

26:03 developing protocols for recovery

27:58 expectations for after treatment

31:33 incorporating pessaries & hormones

35:16 costs of regenerative treatments

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH IMRAN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesiddiquimd/

Website:

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

In this solo episode, we’re talking directly to the new moms—especially those in the first six weeks postpartum—who are feeling heaviness or pressure in their pelvic floor and wondering what it means. If you've been told to “just wait it out” or felt dismissed by your provider, this conversation is for you. This episode is all about giving you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap to move forward—without fear.

We talk about:

-Why you might be feeling heaviness early on

-Common risk factors for prolapse

-Whether prolapse can actually be fixed

-Why strengthening isn’t always the solution

-How to use symptom guardrails to guide your recovery

-What you need to know about exercising safely with prolapse

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:30 what causes prolapse

7:15 preventing and fixing prolapse

12:10 understanding prolapse grading

13:57 common pelvic floor myths

16:30 can you make things worse?

20:18 what treatment can look like

26:45 taking it slow

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Susan Clinton—a clinician, educator, and coach with over 40 years of experience helping women move through complex health transitions with clarity and confidence. Susan brings deep insight into the connections between the gut, hormones, and nervous system, and how those intersections can impact women in midlife and beyond.

We explore the nuances of perimenopause and menopause, from autoimmunity shifts to digestive challenges, and the power of small, sustainable changes. Whether you're a healthcare provider or navigating your own health journey, this conversation is packed with clinical pearls and practical takeaways.

We talk about:

-The link between birth trauma, gut health, and perimenopause

-How autoimmunity and digestion shift during midlife

-Practical strategies for managing bloating, constipation, and hydration

-The benefits of vaginal estrogen and advocating for your own care

-How small lifestyle changes can make a big impact on overall health

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

1:51 how the conversation is different for women

5:49 clinical presentations for thyroid issues

13:39 struggling with constipation

22:15 the importance of chewing your food

28:33 different types of fiber

36:22 stool consistency

43:10 making small changes for big impact

49:15 understanding bloating

57:59 good and bad stress

58:51 rapid fire questions

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH SUSAN

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sclintonpt/

Website: https://ltiphysio.com/

The 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!!!!)

Send us a text

Told to slow down during pregnancy & postpartum? Not necessarily! 🏃‍♀️💪"

It's research update time again with @exerciseandpregnancy!

In this episode, Margie Davenport, Associate Professor at the @ualberta & former national team athlete, joins us again to give another update on research in pregnancy and postpartum exercise including: the

🔹2025 Canadian guideline for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep throughout the first year post partum (hot off the presses!)
🔹@bjsm_bmj Special Issue on Postpartum Physical Activity

Dr. Davenport is leading the charge in making exercise guidelines more inclusive so women at ALL levels can move safely during pregnancy & beyond

We get into:
🔹 Why movement matters during pregnancy (yes, even for elite athletes!)
🔹 The impact of mental health & anxiety on postpartum recovery
🔹 How sleep can make or break your return to sport
🔹 When to see a pelvic floor PT (hint: sooner than you think!)
🔹 The biggest myths about pregnancy & exercise that need to go 👋

Whether you're chasing a podium or just trying to stay active through pregnancy, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. 🎧

What’s the worst pregnancy/postpartum fitness advice you’ve ever gotten? Drop it below! ⬇️😅

#PregnancyFitness #PostpartumAthlete #PelvicHealth #ReturnToRun #WomenInSport #MomRunner #PregnantAndStrong #PostpartumRecovery #PelvicFloorPT #StrongMoms #activemompodcast #paglianopodcast

Time Stamps

1:00 Introduction

2:45 setting up the guidelines

5:49 the importance of early movement

10:30 getting the new guidelines to OB/BYNs

13:03 get active questionnaire for pregnancy

19:55 gatekeeping of information

25:14 variability in practice patterns

27:08 the impact of sleep

34:00 impact of exercise

36:53 addressing diastasis recti

42:25 elite athletes in postpartum

47:35 traveling to Nepal

CONNECT WITH CARRIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriepagliano/

Website: https://carriepagliano.com

CONNECT WITH MARGIE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/exerciseandpregnancy/

Website: exerciseandpregnancy.ca

The 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!!!!)