“I find that I’m able to best do my job and be the best mom when I’m taking care of myself."

– Susan King Borchardt, Director of the Athlete Blueprint and Breanna Stewart’s personal performance coach

National Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder for all women to prioritize their health and well-being in ways that work for them. And at Therabody, we continue to research, innovate, and create with that purpose in mind. With strong female brand ambassadors, a variety of mind and body wellness products, and treatments designed specifically for women like the PowerDot Period Pain Relief Program, we hope to empower them to take control of their health. We sat down with Breanna Stewart, professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm of the WNBA, and her personal performance coach, Susan King Borchardt, to talk about the importance of National Women’s Health Week, how to break the stigma around periods, and more. 

Why is Women’s Health Week important to you?

Susan
To me women’s health week is an opportunity to recognize all of the amazing things women accomplish and tackle on the daily! It’s also a time to bring to the forefront issues women face in their health as well as advancements in this field. One of those areas is the research behind the menstrual cycle and progression of how we view it, treat it, and discuss it – I’m thrilled to be a part of this conversation!

Breanna
Women’s health isn’t talked about much, and society should really focus and emphasize it as much as possible. Women from all different backgrounds should understand their bodies and how to make healthy choices. For example, we need to help women understand how to care for their bodies and feel better during their periods.

Periods are a topic that make people uncomfortable, but all women have them. How do we break that stigma?

Susan
Education is the most important; making sure women understand their periods and how it works. Start conversations at a young age instead of turning periods into something we should be embarrassed about.

Breanna
Periods and menstrual cycles have always been a secret, and they shouldn’t be. We have this thing that comes once every month and it’s like, “How do I take care of it?" There are so many tools out there for young women to feel better, and they need to know about them.

How do you approach wellness?

Susan
I am a mom of four, but I notice that I am able to be the best mom when I care for myself. For me, that means taking the time to prioritize long runs, meditations, and finding moments to be away from the noise. It’s also important to make family time more active, like hikes and pool days.

Breanna
I’m fortunate enough to have a great team around me that really knows me. My trainer, my nutritionist. Having a daughter, an eight-month-old, has drastically changed life for my wife and I, obviously for the better, but it makes things a little bit more difficult trying to find time to do what we need to do. I’ve realized I can’t be afraid to ask for help.

What does it mean to work with your period, not against it?

Susan
People think you’re either on your period, or you’re not. But really it’s a full, consistent cycle.  Knowledge around their cycle is something women can use to their advantage, instead of something they have to get through. I am currently working with researchers to understand what types of training and recovery are most effective, depending on what part of this cycle you’re on. You can start by tracking your cycle. Use apps to figure out when you begin to experience symptoms. When you would normally reach for medications, consider the alternative ways to combat these symptoms, like PowerDot. 

Breanna
Appreciate your cycle, it means your body is working and healthy. But at the same time, manage your symptoms correctly. I used to get my period infrequently, and I actually liked it. But I realized that was unhealthy and I started working to make it more regular. Relaxed recovery days are so important; more yoga, meditation, PowerDot for back pain and cramps.

Susan and Breanna talked a lot about PowerDot. So how exactly do you use it for period pain relief?

And that’s it! If you’re still experiencing pain, there is no limit to the number of sessions you can perform in a day. 

Ready to experience the smartest TENS experience in recovery? Try the PowerDot Pro Bundle, which includes the Duo, a specialized Butterfly Back Pad, and more.