From bladder leaks to confidence and strength — this week’s episode of The Senior Scoop tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in senior wellness: pelvic health.

Hosts Deborah and Kelsey Samuel sit down with Natalie Hickenbotham, licensed physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist at Heart of Gold Physical Therapy, to discuss how awareness, movement, and small daily habits can make a life-changing difference.

Whether you’re a man or woman, this conversation will help you understand your body better and take simple steps toward comfort and control.

🏡 Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Welcome & introduction — why pelvic health matters for aging well

02:15 Understanding what the pelvic floor is and why it’s central to whole-body function

04:10 Patient story: how physical therapy helps where surgery used to be the only option

05:10 Behavioral strategies — how caffeine, alcohol, and hydration impact bladder health

07:25 Managing urgency and incontinence with mindful breathing and body awareness

09:15 Practicing pelvic contractions and how to engage your “core from the floor”

14:00 How ultrasound helps visualize pelvic floor movement and progress

15:35 Differences in pelvic structure and training for men vs. women

18:00 Pelvic therapy for prostate surgery recovery and why men need it too

24:40 Constipation, bowel health, and why posture on the toilet matters

28:00 The “teacher bladder” effect — how stress and rushing affect emptying

34:10 Vaginal estrogen and its crucial role in menopause and urinary health

36:00 Closing insights — empowering seniors to take control of their health

If you’ve ever thought pelvic issues are “just part of aging,” this episode will change that mindset. Natalie reminds us that control, comfort, and dignity are possible at every stage of life.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful health conversations.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what’s one small habit you’d like to change for better wellness?

👩‍⚕️ To learn more about Natalie’s work, visit Heart of Gold Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara.

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