Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

Pelvic health | Medical Mondays

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:11:59 -0400

WTNH News8 featured Elizabeth E. Brown, MD, sports medicine and pelvic health physiatrist at HSS, in a segment exploring pelvic health, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

During the interview, Dr. Brown discussed her specialty, common pelvic health concerns, perinatal care and treatment options for women experiencing symptoms during and after pregnancy. She also highlighted the role of HSS's Women's Sports Medicine Center and Perinatal Resource Center in providing specialized care for women throughout pregnancy and recovery.

The segment also features an HSS patient who shares her experience receiving treatment from Dr. Brown during her second pregnancy and credits her care with making recovery significantly easier than it was after her first pregnancy.

Watch the full segment at WTNH News8.

Speaking Up About Pelvic Health

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:50:00 -0400

Elizabeth E. Brown, MD, physiatrist at HSS, shares her insights on pelvic health with Westport Magazine.

According to Dr. Brown, pelvic health conditions span a wide spectrum of symptoms, including constipation, pain with defecation, pain with intercourse, urinary frequency or urgency and pelvic pain with daily activities.

Dr. Brown says the first step toward a solution is a thorough evaluation and discussion of symptoms. This often leads to physical therapy or pelvic floor physical therapy. In some cases, medications are indicated. There are various injection options, some of which target the pelvic floor. These can be trigger point injections or Botox injections. Dr. Brown likes to take a comprehensive and holistic approach and address any lifestyle or activity modifications that might reduce pain.

Read the full article at mofflylifestylemedia.com.

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. Women Face Pelvic Floor Disorders, Highlighting the Need for Specialized Care

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500

A study from the National Institutes of Health reveals that nearly one quarter of U.S. women will experience pelvic floor disorders in their lifetime. These conditions, which often occur during and after pregnancy, can include pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, constipation, pain during intercourse and pelvic pressure. Elizabeth E. Brown, MD, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in Connecticut who specializes in pelvic health rehabilitation, notes a growing demand for care spanning young adults on up to older patients who are post-menopausal.

The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles stretching from the pubic bone to the tailbone that supports organs including the bladder and uterus. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and spine, assists with sexual function and supports bowel and bladder control.

Dr. Brown explains that pregnancy-related changes in pelvic health can cause pain in the lower back, hips and pelvis. As the body adapts to a shifting center of gravity, additional stress is placed on areas of the body that were not previously under strain.

“Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can lead to joint laxity, increasing stress on the joints,” Dr. Brown said. “An expanding uterus places considerable pressure on the pelvic floor. During delivery, the expansion of the pelvis and the pelvic floor stresses the supporting muscles, which can lead to pelvic pain.”

At HSS Orthopedics with Stamford Health – Westport, a new outpatient facility located in Westport, Connecticut, Dr. Brown typically uses physical therapy to treat pelvic floor disorders. For those of her patients who do not require physical therapy, she will collaborate with gynecology, gastroenterology, and/or urology for comprehensive care. Some patients may also benefit from seeing a psychologist to help address the emotional aspects of living with a pelvic floor condition.

“Patients are feeling more confident and comfortable with discussing their symptoms,” says Dr. Brown. “A factor driving increased awareness is that we are developing better pathways for patients to reach pelvic health specialists for diagnosis and treatment.”

Physical therapists specializing in pelvic health provide care at several HSS Sports Rehabilitation locations in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut through this collaboration.

The HSS Perinatal Movement and Physical Well-being Resource Center focuses on helping patients stay active and healthy pre- and post-pregnancy. The collaborative group provides personalized care to patients experiencing issues ranging from back pain during pregnancy and postpartum return to exercise. Ancillary services include massage, nutrition and Pilates to support patients in their health and fitness goals.

Postpartum return to exercise is important, Dr. Brown explained. “Many studies show a decline in physical activity among women after childbirth, which is a public health issue. One of my goals is to pursue noninvasive treatments to encourage a return to exercise, which benefits the mother and child.”

“I think we are headed in a positive direction regarding pelvic health rehabilitation,” Dr. Brown adds. “With increased access to pelvic health specialists, research, and education, we will be able to provide care for many of those who need it.”