MysticMag chats with Dr. Nikki Cohen, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over a decade of experience and a passionate advocate for women’s health. Dr. Cohen noticed a gap in women’s healthcare and decided to take action. She makes essential health information accessible online, creates safe spaces for women to grow and bond through their feminine power, and continues to provide personalized patient care. With Dr. Nikki, you can expect to be informed, respected, and empowered about your health, regardless of your age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or medical history.
Nikki, how did your background in physical therapy lead you to develop a holistic approach to healing, blending alternative therapies with traditional methods?
My background in physical therapy has given me a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of the body. In physical therapy, the phrase “the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone,” highlights how everything in the body is interconnected. Hip pain, for example, could actually stem from issues in the foot or spine. While traditional medical doctors understand this concept, in physical therapy, we take a more proactive approach, acting as detectives to identify and treat the root cause of the issue.
This approach has trained me to examine the biomechanics of joint function and understand the various factors influencing it. I’ve learned that where a person feels pain may not necessarily be where the dysfunction originates. In my current practice, I apply this physical therapy approach, looking beyond the immediate site of pain to consider the overall well-being of the individual. This perspective has helped me break away from preconceived notions and view each patient holistically, understanding that conditions like hip pain or headaches may not neatly fit into predetermined categories.
In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or overlooked aspects of pelvic floor health that you address in your practice?
The biggest misconception about pelvic floor health is that it solely revolves around the strength of kegels or pelvic floor contractions. Many believe that kegels are the ultimate solution for pelvic health, and the harder and longer you can squeeze those muscles, the better. However, this is a misconception that doesn’t apply to everyone.
In reality, pelvic floor health, especially in cases of pelvic pain and bladder leakage associated with urgency, is often linked to pelvic floor tension. This means that the muscles are too tight and, as a result, are inefficient at their function. Trying to do kegel exercises when the muscles are already in a contracted state is like trying to make a fist when your hand is already clenched; it’s functionally impossible. The treatment approach in such cases is to relax and stretch the muscles to allow them to function properly. This perspective is gradually gaining recognition but is not yet fully understood or implemented across the board. Additionally, the pelvic floor is controlled by both voluntary and involuntary mechanisms, with 70% of the muscles under voluntary control and 30% under the control of the Autonomic Nervous System. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor often stems from this 30% that is controlled subconsciously, leading to clenching and tension. Addressing this subconscious dysfunction is crucial for effectively treating pelvic floor issues.
How do you educate and empower your patients to take control of their health and well-being, particularly in areas where conventional treatments may fall short?
I empower my clients by providing them with personalized, 90-minute to 2-hour sessions where they never feel like just another appointment. I also schedule an additional 30 minutes after each session to ensure we can address all their needs without rushing. I believe in validating and holding space for them to discuss anything, which I find crucial for their empowerment in their health journey. Additionally, I educate them on the interconnectedness of the body, explaining how past experiences or injuries can affect current issues. This approach helps them understand their condition better and leaves them feeling more empowered and informed.
Your approach challenges the conventional advice on kegels for pelvic floor health. What inspired you to delve deeper into this topic, and what alternatives or additional therapies do you recommend for those seeking pelvic health improvement beyond kegels?
My journey with pelvic floor health began with my own experience. I noticed that doing more kegels made my symptoms worse, leading me to experiment with meditation and opening up to healing. This shift in mindset helped me understand that tightness in the pelvic area restricts flow and healing. Embracing self-acceptance and letting go of societal expectations transformed my approach to pelvic health.
Instead of tightening and holding, I advocate for allowing the pelvis to move freely, which I believe is key to a healthy pelvic floor. This experience has shaped my practice, where I teach and promote the idea of strength through freedom of movement and self-acceptance. The pelvis is a free-flowing entity with hips and a spine that are designed to move. Holding on decreases blood flow and the resilience and strength of that body part. Letting go, allowing it to be free, and strengthening it in its full range of motion is what actually creates a healthy pelvic floor.
How do you see the field of holistic health and alternative therapies evolving in the coming years, and what role do you envision your practice playing in shaping that future?
I aim to shape the future by highlighting the interconnectedness of everything. It’s not just physical; it’s also emotional, psychological, spiritual, and energetic. Although I’m not trained in Reiki, chakras, or energy medicine, I can sense shifts in energy within someone’s body. In my work, especially in pelvic health, I emphasize the pelvis as a sacred womb, a sanctuary of inwardness. I believe in addressing emotional and psychological fears around pelvic health, including ancestral and religious shame.
Each body part carries its own issues, and I advocate for a greater appreciation of the non-physical influences, particularly for women. Touch is crucial in my practice, offering a safe space for non-sexual touch to help women connect with their bodies and understand the interconnectedness of their experiences. I believe in the concept that “your biography becomes your biology,” where your life experiences shape your body’s functioning. While I’m not overly hopeful about conventional medicine recognizing these aspects due to the lack of profit involved, I strive to create a community focused on holistic healing, recognizing that pharmacology is not the sole solution to health issues.
If you would like to find out more about Dr. Nikki Cohen, please visit https://www.drnikkicohen.com/
