Dr Daniela Moise, PT, MDNC
Core Physical Therapy | Lincoln Square, Chicago
I Had My Baby Years Ago. Why Am I Still Leaking?
You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
At Advance Core Physical Therapy in Lincoln Square, Chicago, we meet many patients who’ve been quietly dealing with leaking for years. They’ve tried Kegels. They’ve been told “it’s normal after kids.” And they’re still waiting for it to go away.
Here’s the truth:
Leaking is common—but it is not normal.
It’s not always caused by weak muscles.
And healing is possible, no matter how long it’s been.
Five Reasons You’re Still Leaking (and It’s Not Just Weakness)
1. Your Pelvic Floor Is Overworked — Not Weak
Most people think leaking means a weak pelvic floor. But for many women, it’s the opposite: the pelvic floor is tight, overactive, and neurologically shut down from years of compensation.
This overactivity is often caused by:
- Chronic sitting
- Poor posture
- Glute clenching
- Shallow breathing
- Stress or trauma patterns
When your pelvic floor is constantly “on,” it can’t contract reflexively when you sneeze, run, or lift—so leaking occurs.
At Advance Core, we use manual medicine, internal release, and neuromuscular re-education to reset the system—not just strengthen it.
2. You Lost the Diaphragm–Core–Pelvic Floor Connection
Breathing drives pelvic floor function.
After pregnancy or surgery, many people shift into chest breathing and lose the natural pressure rhythm between the diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor. This leads to tension, dysfunction, and leaks.
We use manual and visual cues, core retraining, and breath-based movement to restore balance to this deep system.
3. You Developed Postural and Movement Compensations
Postpartum bodies often compensate with:
- Pelvic tucking
- Rib flaring
- Asymmetrical standing
- Shallow or rotated gait patterns
These habits increase strain on the pelvic floor and worsen incontinence over time.
Through manual medicine techniques, we assess and correct:
- Sacral positioning
- Hip asymmetries
- Rib and diaphragm mobility
- Core engagement and trunk rotation
We don’t just chase symptoms—we restore your body’s alignment so everything works together again.
4. Scar Tissue Is Restricting Your Fascia
If you’ve had a C-section, episiotomy, tubal ligation, or abdominal surgery, scar tissue could be limiting the natural glide of your pelvic floor and fascia.
Using hands-on release, TECAR therapy, and internal techniques (with full consent), we help restore soft tissue mobility—reducing pressure, pain, and dysfunction.
5. Kegels Alone Aren’t the Answer
If you’ve been doing Kegels for years and still leaking, you’re not alone.
Kegels are often taught without assessing:
- Whether the pelvic floor can fully relax
- How your body breathes or holds tension
- Whether you’re activating the right muscles
We tailor treatment to your specific pelvic tone using a combination of:
- Manual internal/external release
- Dry needling of obturator internus, glutes, piriformis
- Postural and movement retraining
- Diaphragmatic breathing for core-pelvic synergy
How We Heal at Advance Core Therapy
At our Lincoln Square clinic, we blend:
- Manual Medicine: Fascial release, joint mobilization, pelvic and spinal alignment, internal myofascial work
- Dry Needling: Targeting deep muscle tension in glutes, pelvic floor, and hip stabilizers
- TECAR Therapy: Advanced radiofrequency for pain relief, healing, and scar remodeling
- Breath & Core Rehab: Rebuilding the diaphragm-pelvic floor connection for daily movement
- Patient-Led, Trauma-Informed Care: We always ask. We always listen. We never rush.
You Deserve to Feel Dry, Strong, and Confident—Again
If you’re tired of leaking, frustrated with vague answers, or feel like your body hasn’t been the same since having a baby—we’re here to help.
Advance Core Physical Therapy
5300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Serving Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Park Ridge, and the North Side
Healing Starts When You Reconnect With Your Core—And Yourself
Let’s get you there, together.