Episode #19 - Protecting Your Pelvic Floor with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

The Positive Pause

In this episode, we discuss how important our pelvic floor is to our overall health with guest Ingrid Harm-Ernandes. Many women experience symptoms in the pelvic region during menopause. These are known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and are often not discussed with women as they transition through menopause.

Ms. Harm-Ernandes is a physical therapist, board certified in Women’s Health (WCS) and Pelvic Floor Biofeedback who has been specializing in women’s health for 27 years.

During her 20-year tenure at Duke University Health System, she treated a wide variety of pelvic patients in the Urogynecology and Physical Therapy (PT) clinics. In addition to her role as the Co-Director and a mentor for new Pelvic PTs in the Duke Women’s Health Physical Therapy Residency Program, she was also responsible for the Women’s Health team program development and participated in Pelvic Floor Disorder Network (PFDN) research projects.

One of the frustrating things Ingrid encountered during her practice was how it would take patients experiencing symptoms decades before they would see her and get the help they needed. As a pelvic health PT specialist, she has addressed a myriad of pelvic health conditions that dramatically impact women’s lives. She realized that there is a lack of education in pelvic health on both the practitioner’s and patient’s side. In 2021 she published her book, The Musculoskeletal Mystery - How To Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms, which helps to better educate patients and practitioners about women’s bodies, pelvic health conditions they may suffer, and what pelvic PT is all about. Her book contains guidance and support for those suffering from the physically, emotionally stressful, and often undiagnosed, pelvic floor disorders, pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, Interstitial Cystitis, prostatitis, pain or discomfort during sex, and incontinence.

Ingrid is a member of the National Menopause Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). She is passionate about demystifying and destigmatizing this topic by providing individuals with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves and get proper pelvic care.

In this episode, Ingrid talks about:

• The importance of our pelvic floor
• The effects of menopause on the pelvic floor
• The importance of holistic health during menopause
• The value and importance of incorporating healthy habits and practices from an early age.

Connect with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT WCS, BCB-PMD

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-harm-ernandes-5057773b/
• Instagram: @harmernandes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.harmernandes.71/

Additional informational link:

• American Physical Therapy Association