In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley talks to Dr. Mamak Shakib, a chiropractor and rehab clinician, about her holistic approach to addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. Dr. Shakib shares how her focus on postural neurology, biomechanics, and the interconnectedness of the body has helped her patients find long-term relief and regain balance in their lives.
Dr. Mamak Shakib's Holistic Approach to Chiropractic and Rehab
In the latest episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley talks to Dr. Mamak Shakib, a chiropractor and rehab clinician based in Irvine, California. Dr. Shakib focuses on a holistic approach to health by integrating postural neurology with rehabilitation practices. Her journey led her to explore how movement patterns and lifestyle choices impact the body’s neurology. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the body as a whole, rather than focusing on isolated areas of pain, as everything in the body is interconnected. Her approach helps patients adapt to their bodies' unique needs, creating a balanced, harmonious "symphony" where all parts work together for optimal health.
Why a Holistic Approach to Body Mechanics is Key to Long-Term Relief
The body’s movement map, including sensory and motor functions, adapts over time based on lifestyle choices, injuries, and habits, a concept known as neuroplasticity. For instance, a knee injury might cause the body to shift weight to the other side, altering movement patterns and changing how the brain maps the affected area. These adaptations can become long-term if not addressed properly, which can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns and pain. The body doesn’t work in isolation; when one area is injured or compromised, other parts compensate, which can create further issues. This is why localized treatments, are often insufficient, such as addressing knee pain without considering the rest of the body. Effective rehabilitation requires a holistic approach, addressing not just the injured area but the body’s overall movement and biomechanics.
Pelvic floor dysfunction, often resulting from pelvic instability, exemplifies this need for a comprehensive approach. Treating only the symptoms, like pelvic tightness or weakness, doesn’t resolve the underlying instability. Instead, it’s essential to treat the “house” first—improving overall body alignment and function—so that the “floor” (pelvic muscles) can naturally balance and support the body. By focusing on restoring proper biomechanics and giving the body the conditions it needs to heal, significant improvements can be achieved. This mindset shift—from simply addressing pain to fostering natural recovery—leads to better outcomes for long-term relief and stability.
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The Truth About Pelvic Floor Health and Its Impact on Overall Well-Being
Pelvic floor dysfunction is often misunderstood, particularly after childbirth, with many women mistakenly accepting urinary incontinence as a normal post-baby experience. However, this is not always the case. Factors such as childbirth, poor posture, and chronic pain can increase the risk of pelvic floor issues, but they are not inevitable. Many women see their pelvic floor as a separate concern, but it's closely connected to the entire pelvic region. The pelvis, comprising three bones, works as a system with muscles and tissues influenced by the body’s overall mechanics. By addressing other areas of the body, such as the lower back or hips, pelvic floor health can often be significantly improved.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is frequently dismissed as a natural part of aging, but this is a misconception. Even younger individuals in their 20s are increasingly facing pelvic issues, often caused by poor posture and sedentary lifestyles. Just as breathing patterns impact the pelvic floor, maintaining proper posture and body alignment plays a crucial role in preventing dysfunction. By focusing on natural, biological movements and strengthening the entire pelvic region, symptoms can be managed and sometimes reversed. Pelvic health is intertwined with nutrition, structure, and emotional health—three critical pillars that support overall well-being. Addressing these interconnected areas can foster long-term health and avoid treatments that merely address symptoms without tackling the root cause.
Understanding Pain and Building a Relationship with Your Body
Chronic pain, especially when it comes to hip and pelvic issues, is often misunderstood. Many assume pain is a sign of something gone wrong, but it’s a vital message from the body. Pain can serve as a tool for understanding and improving your overall health, especially when you develop a strong connection with your own body. For instance, a hip issue might not only be about the joint itself, but also about the surrounding muscles and how they function together. The real key is building a relationship with your body and learning to listen to it, which can often lead to better recovery and greater function without invasive treatments.
A crucial part of managing pain and improving health is understanding that functionality is more important than simply addressing pain symptoms. Focusing on how your body moves and functions, rather than just how much pain you feel, can lead to more effective, lasting results. Dr. Shakib emphasizes the importance of breathing techniques and proper body alignment to improve pelvic floor health and overall mobility. It’s about addressing the root causes of dysfunction, not just the symptoms. To truly improve health, people need to move away from relying on traditional treatments and start looking for providers who understand holistic approaches to healing and encourage self-awareness and self-care.
How to Advocate for Better Healthcare and Manage Chronic Pain
Patients should feel empowered to ask their healthcare providers questions that go beyond the surface level. It’s important to trust your intuition—if something doesn’t make sense, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or explore alternative treatments. A good healthcare provider should help you understand your condition holistically and work with you on a long-term solution, not just a quick fix. While modern medicine offers products and treatments, it's crucial to focus on educating yourself about your body, its signals, and how you can advocate for better care. With the right knowledge and approach, it’s possible to improve chronic pain management and achieve better health.
More from Sofia Health
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "The Connection Between Posture and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Explained", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.
