Pelvic Health References & Resources

This list includes research-based references and trusted educational resources used to support the content throughout this website. It is intended to provide transparency, credibility, and opportunities for further learning.

Clinical & Research-Based Sources

• Liddle, S. D., & Pennick, V. (2015). Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4

• Berghella V, Di Mascio D. (2020). Evidence-based labor management: before labor (Part 1). Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM, 2(1):100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2019.100080

• Benjamin, D. R., Van de Water, A. T., & Peiris, C. L. (2014). Effects of exercise on diastasis recti. Physiotherapy, 100(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.08.005

• Wu, J. M., et al. (2014). Prevalence and trends of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in U.S. women. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(1), 141-148. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000000057

• Beckmann, M. M., & Stock, O. M. (2013). Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005123.pub3

Additional Research Supporting OT in Pelvic Health

• Frota, I. P. R., et al. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in postmenopausal women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 97, 552–559. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.13305

• Schmitz, J. R., et al. (2023). Women’s Experience Receiving OT for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Case Series. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Supplement_2), 7711510310p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO310

• Cunningham, R., & Valasek, S. (2019). Occupational Therapy Interventions for Urinary Dysfunction in Primary Care: A Case Series. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(5), 7305185040p1–7305185040p8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.038356

• Burkhart, R., et al. (2021). Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Childbirth: Occupational Impact and Awareness of Available Treatment. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 41(2), 108-115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1539449220970881

• Pollari, E. H., et al. (2022). Distinguishing OT’s Role in the Transition to Motherhood. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(Supplement_1), 7610510163p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.76S1-PO163

• Hayden, C. (2018). When Chronic Pelvic Pain Symptoms Increase: Occupational Therapy Can Help Clients Reengage in Daily Occupations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(4_Supplement_1), 7211505152p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S1-PO701

• Akselrud, R., & Vestal, L. (2021). The role of occupational therapists in pelvic health: An interview with Lindsey Vestal. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 6(3), 12–14.

Patient Resources & Public Education

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

• Mayo Clinic – Perineal Massage

• Evidence-Based Birth

• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute

• International Pelvic Pain Society

• ChoosePT – APTA Public Resource

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Peer-Reviewed Publications by Topic

Perineal Massage & Labor

• Cochrane Library, 2017; Evidence-Based Birth; Mayo Clinic; PubMed; YouTube resources by licensed PTs

Diastasis Recti

• Benjamin, D. et al. (2014); Cochrane Library; Evidence-Based Birth; APTA; Mayo Clinic

Pelvic Pain & Sexual Dysfunction

• Harlow, B. et al. (2001); Bharucha, A. E. et al. (2021); Mayo Clinic; AAFP

Surgical Recovery & Prolapse

• Dumoulin, C. et al. (2018); Fauconnier, A. et al. (2022); Jong, S. C. et al. (2020); Stupp, L. et al. (2022)

C-Section & Postpartum Care

• Beck, T. L. et al. (2017); Caughey, A. B. et al. (2020); Gupta, J. K. et al. (2018); Yale Medicine; Frida Mom; Healthline; Mom Baby

Bowel Health & Pelvic Floor Function

• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation; Mayo Clinic; Temple Health; NIH; University of Iowa; Sun, Y., & Ma, C. (2023)

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Hagen, S. et al. (2014); IUGA (2011); AUGS; Cleveland Clinic; Mayo Clinic

Handouts & Patient Education Created for This Website

• Pelvic Floor Reset: Daily Relaxation & Mobility Routine (PDF)

  • Haugstad, G. K., et al. (2006). Urogenital dysfunction in women with chronic pelvic pain. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 85(6), 693–699.

  • Boissonnault, J. S., & Schubert, T. E. (2006). Physical therapy management of patients with pelvic pain. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 15(3), 329–342.

  • Yoga Journal. (n.d.). Poses for pelvic floor health. https://www.yogajournal.com/

• Breathing & the Core Pressure System (PDF)

  • Bordoni, B., & Zanier, E. (2013). Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: Influence of respiration on the body system. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 6, 281–291.

  • Hodges, P. W., & Gandevia, S. C. (2000). Activation of the human diaphragm during postural adjustments. Journal of Physiology, 522(Pt 2), 489–494.

  • Pelvic Guru. (n.d.). The core and pressure management. https://www.pelvicguru.com/

• Bowel Health, Abdominal Massage & Toilet Positioning Guide (PDF)

  • Rao, S. S. C. (2004). Constipation: Evaluation and treatment. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 33(3), 517–536.

  • Haslam, J. (2009). Conservative management of constipation in adults. Nursing Standard, 23(37), 49–58.

  • Squatty Potty. (n.d.). The science of squatting. https://www.squattypotty.com/pages/why-squatty-potty

• Understanding Central Sensitization & Chronic Pain (PDF)

  • Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2017). Explain Pain Supercharged. Noigroup Publications.

  • Neblett, R., et al. (2013). The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI): Clinically significant values. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(5), 411–416.

Each of these resources was created with clinical references, CEU training materials, and patient-centered best practices. Citations within each handout align with the sources listed above.