Shockwave Therapy: The Non-Surgical Fix for Pelvic Pain & ED | Ep. 187 (Part 1)

In this episode of Taboo To Truth, I sit down with Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN — a physical therapist and holistic nurse with over 30 years of experience in pelvic health, and one of the country's leading experts in shockwave therapy for pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Stacey breaks down why up to 30% of women may experience vulvodynia (and why that number is likely underreported), how chronic low back pain can actually be rooted in a tight, "upregulated" pelvic floor, and why men are even less likely than women to get evaluated for pelvic floor issues. We dig into the emotional and physical toll of being told "it's all in your head," the fascia's role in referred pain, and how shockwave — a completely external, non-invasive technology originally developed to break up kidney stones — is now accelerating healing for incontinence, painful intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and vaginismus. Stacey also shares an eyebrow-raising pilot finding on shockwave and testosterone. This is part one of a two-part conversation — part two is coming soon.

In this episode:

00:00 Shockwave Therapy?!

00:45 Welcome to Taboo to Truth

01:15 Meet Stacey Roberts: 30+ Years in Pelvic & Sexual Health

01:45 How Common Is Pelvic Pain & Sexual Dysfunction, Really?

03:00 Low Back Pain: Foam Roller Fix or Something Deeper?

06:00 Men vs. Women: Why Pelvic Pain Shows Up Differently

09:00 Surgery, "It's All in Your Head," and the Repressed Emotion Connection

12:30 Pelvic Floor & Sexual Dysfunction: Shoutout to Dr. Lance Frank

14:15 The Pudendal Nerve: How Internal Treatment Improves External Sensation

16:30 Non-Surgical Treatment Options: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Fascia & Botox

19:00 From Kidney Stones to Muscles: The History of Shockwave Therapy

20:30 What Shockwave Actually Feels Like (and the Vaginismus Case Study)

22:15 Shockwave, Testosterone & Treating Testicular Health

23:45 Wrap-Up: Part Two Is Coming — Subscribe & Follow

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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About The Guest:

Since 1990, Stacey Roberts has specialized in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, acute and chronic pain related to joints and muscles, pelvic health, and sexual health. Now, as a master’s trained registered nurse, she combines her successful physical therapy skills, master’s of nursing education with a holistic approach and expanded her practice at New You Health and Wellness with services dedicated to helping people feel better and be active longer.

Connect with Stacey Roberts:

Website: https://newyouhealthandwellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness

About The Host:

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

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