First responders—police officers, firefighters, paramedics—you’re the backbone of our communities. You run toward danger when others run away. You carry the weight of responsibility, both physically and emotionally, every single day. But who’s there to support you when your body starts signaling that something isn’t quite right?

When first responders walk into my office, they’re often hesitant to talk about the issues they’re experiencing. “I’ve never told anyone this,” they’ll say, shifting uncomfortably in their seat. Maybe it’s leaking when lifting a heavy piece of equipment, a persistent feeling of pressure in their lower abdomen, or pain that just won’t go away.

What they don’t realize is these issues are common in physically demanding professions like theirs. But while they’re common, they’re not normal. And you don’t have to live with them. Pelvic health physical therapy can help you regain control, reduce pain, and get back to doing your job at full capacity—without fear or discomfort holding you back.

Meet Sarah: A Firefighter’s Journey

Sarah, a firefighter, came to see me after months of struggling with a constant, heavy feeling in her pelvis during and after shifts. It started after she returned to work postpartum, but she pushed through it, thinking it would go away. Then, during a training drill, she felt a sharp pain while hoisting a heavy hose up a ladder.

That was the moment she realized something had to change.

When Sarah came in, she admitted she felt embarrassed even talking about it. But as we walked through her symptoms and job demands, she began to open up. We worked together to create a treatment plan that included strengthening her pelvic floor, improving her core stability, and modifying her lifting mechanics to protect her body.

Within weeks, Sarah noticed a difference—not just at work but in her daily life. “I feel strong again,” she said. “I can focus on my job, not my body holding me back.”

What Is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for First Responders?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that play a critical role in stability, organ support, continence, and overall strength. For first responders, the physical demands of the job—lifting heavy gear, sprinting into action, wearing weighted vests, and prolonged sitting in vehicles—can strain these muscles and lead to:

• Leaking urine when lifting, running, coughing, or sneezing.

• A constant urge to use the bathroom, even when you just went.

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen.

These issues can affect your performance, confidence, and ability to do your job safely.

Chiefs: Why Pelvic Health Matters for Your Team

As a leader, you know your team’s strength and resilience are critical to their success—and yours. When your crew members are battling physical challenges like pelvic floor dysfunction, it can lead to:

• Decreased performance during critical moments.

• Missed shifts for medical appointments or recovery.

• Long-term injuries that could force early retirement.

Pelvic health physical therapy offers a proactive, non-invasive solution to keep your team healthy, strong, and ready to respond. We’re not asking you to have these difficult conversations with you team, all we’re asking is that you make sure they know they have access to a team of clinicians who understand the physical demands of their work.

Supporting First Responders at Every Stage

Pelvic health physical therapy is more than just treatment—it’s about prevention, recovery, and long-term wellness. Here’s how it can help first responders:

• Preventing Injuries: Learn how to strengthen your core and pelvic floor to handle the physical demands of your job.

• Recovering After Injury or Childbirth: Address lingering symptoms from on-the-job injuries, surgeries, or postpartum recovery.

• Building Long-Term Resilience: Equip your body to perform at its best now and for years to come.

Why Choose Advanced Tactical Medicine?

At Advanced Tactical Medicine, we understand the unique challenges first responders face. Our specialized pelvic health therapists serve Neenah, Appleton, and Ripon, WI, in person and can connect with anyone in Wisconsin virtually by offering tailored care that fits the needs of hardworking people like you.

Taking the First Step

We know it’s not easy to talk about these issues—especially when you’re used to being the one who others rely on. But prioritizing your health isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about doing your job better, staying safe, and protecting your future.

Call us at 920.991.2561 for Appleton locations, 920-251-6552 for Neenah and 920-896-0430 for Ripon to schedule your appointment today.

You dedicate your life to protecting others. Let us help you protect yourself.

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Dr. Madeline Kehler, PT, DPT, specializes in Pelvic Health at our Neenah clinic. Her passion is helping women of all ages navigate these challenges with expertise, compassion, and encouragement.