Feb '25 Life & Labor Meetup recap with Brooke Kalisiak, PT, DPT

Karli Auble
Feb 12
4 min read

This month, I turned to the Life & Labor social community and asked, “What questions do you have for a pelvic health specialist?”

You all did not disappoint. 😍

Our February meetup with Brooke Kalisiak, PT, DPT, and owner of Legacy Physical Therapy, was a mind-expanding deep dive into all things pelvic health. Brooke dropped knowledge bombs left and right, challenging everything I thought I knew.

Is pelvic therapy just for moms?

No!!! This was a major “wait… what?!” moment for me. While childbirth is a common reason people seek pelvic therapy (pain with sex, vaginitis, postpartum recovery, etc.), Brooke works with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds—including men and even pediatric patients.

Some of the most common reasons women (including those who’ve never had kids!) seek pelvic therapy include:

✅ Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing

✅ Frequent urination

✅ Pelvic pressure

✅ Lower back or hip pain

✅ Bowel issues

And did you know chronic constipation in kids can sometimes be linked to bedwetting? Neither did I.

For men, pelvic therapy can address:

✅ Pelvic pain

✅ Testicular or penile discomfort

✅ Leakage

One thing that stuck with me was how Brooke and her team actively create a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Many people in this community have had negative healthcare experiences, and knowing there are providers like Brooke who prioritize respect and inclusivity is reassuring.

Also, Brooke has worked with patients in their 80s and 90s to improve urinary incontinence and avoid needing adult diapers or nursing home care.

"I need all the exercises for a tighter pelvic floor to prevent the sprinkle of tinkle during sneezes and jumping!"

I feel you, girl.

Brooke explained that while we all want that one magic exercise, pelvic health is not one-size-fits-all. The root cause of leaking or discomfort can vary dramatically from person to person.

Think of it this way: If you had shoulder pain, would you trust a random influencer telling you to just do curls? No! You’d want a professional to evaluate what’s actually going on. The same goes for pelvic health.

At an appointment, they assess what’s happening in YOUR body—when you experience symptoms, what movements or habits might be contributing, and what treatment will work best for you.

Are they “getting up in there” during appointments?!

Great question!

Pelvic therapy is 100% based on your comfort level. Brooke emphasized that nothing happens without your consent, and it can take multiple visits before any internal examination is even considered (if ever).

This is not your typical 15-minute, rushed OB/GYN visit where they’re typing on a computer while half-listening to you. Appointments are an hour long, focused entirely on understanding your experience, history, and goals.

If and when you feel comfortable, an exam may be similar to a gynecological visit, but with a lot more care and privacy (not just a flimsy sheet tossed over you).

Can pelvic therapy improve sex?

Yes! For so many reasons.

✨ Blood flow is essential for pleasure, and pelvic dysfunction can impact circulation.

✨ Understanding what’s happening in your body—whether it's from breastfeeding, menopause, or hormonal shifts—can help you reclaim your pleasure.

✨ Scar tissue from childbirth, past experiences, or even unknown causes can create pain with intimacy, but pelvic therapy can help release tension and restore comfort.

✨ Our pelvic muscles are naturally protective, so if sex is painful, our body can tense up, making it even worse over time. Learning how to relax and retrain these muscles can make a huge difference.

Too often, women are dismissed when they bring up pain with sex. Doctors prescribe lube, tell them to “just have a glass of wine,” and leave them feeling broken. We deserve better.

My biggest takeaway? Be proactive.

If something feels off, don’t wait. The earlier you seek help, the sooner you can get back to feeling your best. I'm personally excited to schedule my pre-delivery appointment and eager to get my postpartum plan in place with Brooke & her team!

Also, talk to your mom, grandma, or older relatives—ask if they ever experienced pelvic issues. So many women suffer in silence because they don’t realize help is available.

Connect with Brooke:

Your first consultation with Legacy Physical Therapy is FREE and HSA/FSA is accepted for future visits! Here's where you can connect with Brooke & her team:

🤎 Website: Legacy Physical Therapy

🤎Email: info@legacytherapystl.com

🤎 Phone: 636-225-3649

🤎 2 Locations:

2961 Dougherty Ferry Rd Suite 105, St. Louis, MO 63122
1404 Triad Center Drive, St. Peters, MO 63122

🤎 Social Media:

A Note from Me:

These Life & Labor meetups are going on hiatus as I prepare for baby #3 in May. This journey has been beyond inspiring, and I’ve learned so much from these incredible women experts.

I’d love your feedback! What topics did you love? What do you want to hear more about? Does this time work? What could make these better? Let me know—I’m always looking for ways to grow this space.

All my love!

-Karli