Nearly 300,000 preventable maternal deaths worldwide. Almost 1,500 cases of femicide in Brazil in 2024. Pelvic floor symptoms normalized for generations. Women's health physiotherapy is more necessary than ever — and this conversation explains exactly why.

In this episode, Dr. Patrícia Mota speaks with Dr. Cristine Homsi Jorge — professor at the University of São Paulo (Ribeirão Preto Medical School), founder of ABRAFISM (the Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy in Women's Health), and Editor-in-Chief of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. With over 20 years dedicated to advancing physiotherapy in women's health, Dr. Cristine shares her journey, the science, and her call to action.

This episode is in Portuguese with English intro and outro.

Brought to you by: Eleva.care — Your digital companion for women's health and recovery: https://eleva.care

Show notes: https://podcast.patriciamota.com/episode/what-no-one-tells-women-about-pelvic-floor-problems-dr-cristine-homsi-jorge-justbetweenusandscience

Takeaways and References: https://femmefocus.beehiiv.com/p/the-pelvic-floor-conversation-we-ve-been-avoiding


Where to find Dr. Cristine Homsi Jorge:

Where to find Patrícia Mota:

In this episode, we cover:

  • (0:00) Cold open — powerful moments from the conversation
  • (1:21) Introduction — meet Dr. Cristine Homsi Jorge
  • (3:24) The conversation begins — Cristine's journey into women's health
  • (5:38) Her mother's influence — a feminist gynecologist who fought gender barriers
  • (8:09) Why integral care goes beyond technique
  • (11:06) Founding ABRAFISM — the Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy in Women's Health
  • (14:48) International representation — World Physiotherapy and leadership
  • (17:00) Pelvic health vs. women's health — why they are NOT the same
  • (20:12) The threat of erasure — why specializing in women's health is NOT exclusion
  • (23:01) Women's health is more necessary than ever — maternal deaths and gender violence data
  • (27:52) Pelvic floor dysfunctions — research journey and breaking the taboo
  • (34:30) What the evidence shows about pelvic floor training and sexual function
  • (37:13) Public health message — women need to know their pelvic floor anatomy
  • (41:05) Sexual dysfunction, health literacy, and the "elephant in the room"
  • (43:52) Women who can't contract their pelvic floor — can they learn?
  • (47:07) Research results — vaginal palpation, electrostimulation, and education compared
  • (50:13) Campaign: More Physiotherapists in Maternity Wards(55:02) Brazil's alarming cesarean rates and the role of physiotherapy
  • (59:25) Legislative achievements — laws in 3 states and a federal bill
  • (1:02:13) Telerehabilitation — a study with gynecological cancer patients
  • (1:08:22) Advantages and limitations of pelvic floor telerehabilitation
  • (1:11:43) Final advice: overcome shame and seek help
  • (1:12:53) Future plans and a message for the next generation of physiotherapists
  • (1:18:17) Outro — three takeaways to hold onto

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@eleva.care

Patrícia may be an investor in the companies discussed.

Disclaimer:The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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