Shockwave Therapy: Menopause, Trauma & the Truth About Kegels | Ep. 187 (Part 2)

In part two of my conversation with Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN, we go even deeper into the world of shockwave therapy for pelvic pain and sexual health. Stacey and I talk about whether shockwave can help with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, how it compares to the MonaLisa Touch, and why some patients need ongoing treatments while others don't. We get into the most controversial pelvic floor topic there is — Kegels — and why prescribing more of them can actually make things worse for people who are too tight, not too weak. Stacey shares real patient stories, including a vaginismus case tied to a traumatic IUD removal, and we spend real time on the mind-body connection: how breathing, the nervous system, and central sensitization shape chronic pain, and how I worked through my own identity as someone "in pain" after years of back issues. We close with where to find Stacey's podcast, book, and how to track down a qualified softwave provider near you.

In This Episode:

00:00 Welcome Back + Part One Recap

00:35 Podcast Intro: Meet Your Host Karen Bigman

01:05 Shockwave for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

02:45 Shockwave vs. the MonaLisa Touch: What's the Difference

04:45 Do You Need Repeat Treatments? It Depends on the Trigger

07:30 ED, Lifestyle Factors & Dr. Irwin Goldstein

08:45 Let's Talk About Kegels (Why They're Not Always the Answer)

11:30 Upregulation, Incontinence & the M-Cella Controversy

13:00 Where We Hold Tension: Shoulders, Pelvis & Protective Bracing

14:15 Trauma Doesn't Always Mean What You Think: The Vaginismus Case

15:45 The Mind-Body Connection: Breathing, the Nervous System & Central Sensitization

18:15 Karen's Own Chronic Pain Story: Identity, Fear & Recovery

19:45 Pain Doesn't Have to Be a Life Sentence: Final Advice

20:45 Finding the Right Surgeon (and Provider)

21:15 Where to Find Stacey: Podcast, Book & Softwave Providers

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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