This week, it’s my pleasure to feature the work of my inspiring, knowledgeable and radiant colleague, Shelly Prosko.
Shelly is a licensed physical therapist, professional yoga therapist and a certified Pilates instructor in Canada. By coupling physical therapy and medical yoga therapeutics, she is the star developer of PhysioYoga Therapy (PY). Those who’ve worked with her using the PhysioYoga approach not only reap physical benefits of her program, but they also walk away feeling a sense of joy and gratitude.
How can Shelly’s work impact your life? She has recently used her PY approach to develop a video series addressing pelvic health. As a fellow pelvic health specialist, I have been highly recommending her videos. They are beautifully well-done.
Shelly has worked with people who’ve suffered from a variety of pelvic health issues, and I recently connected with her to capture her process in hopes that it will further enhance and inspire your journey. I’m delighted to share my favorite exchanges from our interview:
Dustienne: What inspired you to create the “Creating Pelvic Floor Health with PhysioYoga” video series?
Shelly: Part of the reason is because I’m passionate about helping people find the awareness of and connection to their pelvic floor – because those are the first essential steps to optimizing the numerous functional roles that the pelvic floor plays in our daily lives. The videos will give more people easier access to do these practices in the comfort of their own homes.
Dustienne: That’s so helpful—a yoga class or workshop that addresses pelvic floor issues isn’t always right around the corner…
Shelly: Exactly! As I was traveling around teaching my “Pelvic Floor PhysioYoga” workshops to a variety of populations, the participants were asking for a resource that included the practical component of what we learned in the workshop—one they could regularly follow and then also share with their own patients or students.
Dustienne: What was the creative process like? Anything come to your mind right away?
Shelly: I wanted to create pelvic floor videos that weren’t just about performing an isolated kegel. I wanted to offer something that was more functional and well rounded, and show people that enhancing pelvic floor health wasn’t just about doing Kegels all day!
Dustienne: Yes, I’m not sure “Strictly Kegels” would be an instant sensation…;)
Shelly: Right! I wanted to create something that people could follow on a regular basis without getting bored or annoyed. That made them feel good – perhaps even bringing a sense of joy to their lives. That’s the reason I worked with a composer to choose suitable music and also to film outdoors in the beauty of nature. I wanted these to be more than just about the poses or movements but rather to appeal to the “entire being” as much as possible. Because it’s our “entire being” that plays a role in pelvic floor health, and overall health and wellness.
Dustienne: Part of what you do so well is educate people by sharing your passion for movement and science. Can you share more on what the videos illuminate?
Shelly: I noticed that my patients and students were largely unaware of the biomechanics and natural rhythm of the pelvic floor (PF) excursion – particularly as it relates to the breath pattern. Most people don’t know that a natural PF movement exists. This is not only a healthy excursion that’s important for bowel, bladder, and sexual function, but also for things like balance reactions, hip function and overall core strategies.
Dustienne: All essential to daily activities. How did you structure the videos to incorporate this knowledge and practice?
Shelly: Here’s the 4 minute trailer that gives a great idea of what you can expect. Basically, the video series is divided into 2 parts:
Part A: “Pelvic Floor Muscle Relaxation”
30 minute practice of releasing the pelvic floor muscles through pelvic floor awareness, visualization and breathing methods, during mindful movements and yoga postures.
Part B: “Pelvic Floor Muscle Engagement”
40 minute practice that includes engagement of the pelvic floor muscles with various mindful movements and yoga postures integrated with the breath pattern. I have also included a free bonus feature, the “Toilet Meditation,” where I guide you through the six stages of mindful toileting that I created to help improve awareness and pelvic floor muscle relaxation to help fully empty the bowel and bladder, which is important for overall pelvic floor health and wellness.
Dustienne: I must add that the toilet meditation bonus is one that several of my patients have found to be really helpful. That’s one not to miss!
As always, my goal is to empower you to retrain dysfunctional movement patterns, which will decrease pain, increase function, and allow you to meet your personal goals.
Taking an interest in your self-care through videos and literature is an important step on your road to health and wellness. I wish you an inspired journey and thanks to Shelly Prosko for sharing her wisdom and creativity!
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