What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a broad term used to describe health problems that are caused by an issue of Musculature within the pelvic floor or corresponding muscles. The main problems that pelvic dysfunction are categorized by: bladder and bowel dysfunction… (HELLO SNEEZE-PEE,) prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, (pain with intercourse.)

That sneeze-pee, cough-pee, laughing-pee, means dysfunction!!! GOOD NEWS! You don’t have to live with it.

It is a widely held belief that pelvic floor dysfunction is caused by an atrophy (weakening) of the pubococcygeus muscle group. NEW Evidence suggests that pelvic floor dysfunction may be caused by non-relaxing/tense pelvic floor muscles.

Most of the time when women complain of pelvic pain they are told to do Kegels. Those engage the pelvic floor muscles in all the wrong ways. If the dysfunction is being caused by overly tight pelvic floor muscles kegels will cause more harm than good.

Furthermore, tense pelvic floor muscles may cause other issues in your kinetic chain. It is possible to also experience a difference in breathing, core instability, and tightness, tension, or pain in the abductors of the thigh.

Alternative management of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Persistent problems with pelvic floor dysfunction may lead to a need for surgery. It is best to try and treat the issues before they lead to a more substantial problem.

Healing Diastasis Recti can be a major key to pelvic floor health. Having a strong, healthy, stable abdominal core will help keep the pelvic core strong. Exercises that aid in core stability are optimal for recovery from pelvic dysfunction. Squats, reverse crunches, and seated leg lifts can all aid in pelvic and core stability. Contact your Physical Therapist or Personal Trainer for more information on training your core! Proper breathing, (diaphragmatic breathing,) Massage therapy, and Kinesiology taping may also be beneficial to Pelvic Floor Wellness.

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Practicing Diaphragmatic Breathing for Pelvic Floor Health

The pelvic floor muscles and the respiratory diaphragm can be connected in pelvic dysfunction. They are linked by muscles and connective tissues. Practicing Diaphragmatic Breathing with strengthen the core muscles, and aid in relief from pelvic dysfunction.

Massage Therapy and Kinesiology Taping for Pelvic Dysfunction and Core Stability

Your massage therapist will be able to preform stretches and work on trigger points in areas of dysfunction. Positional release, and strain/counter-strain stretches may also provide relief. Your therapist can also balance and re-train the trunk and pelvic so the musculature can be proper activated.

Postural Kinesiology Taping may also be a helpful aid in healing the pelvic floor. Kinesiology tape acts as a support to re-train your brain and muscles to preform better. Proper posture and positioning will support core strength and stability.

It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or physical therapist if the problem persists or is causing you lasting discomfort.

Leon Chaitow’s Tennis Ball Trick

Leon Chaitow N.D., D.O., is a well known osteopath in the UK. He suggests using a tennis ball to help relax the pelvic floor muscles. To do so, place a tennis ball on the perineum, and sit on a flat surface, ( like a floor.) This will help relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and may be beneficial in treating pelvic dysfunction that is caused by excessive tension in the Pelvic floor muscles.

We service families in the Oklahoma City Metro area: from Guthrie to Norman; from El Reno to Midwest City. If you have questions about our service area or about the services we provide, please feel free to contact us. If you have any suggestions for future blog topics, leave a comment below.

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brittany started her journey of helping women

in 2012, as a pregnancy consultant. She was certified as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through Stillbirthday in 2015 and gained certification as a Gena Kirby Rebozo Doula later that year. She is the Birth Doula for modern women. She is intuitive and open-minded; she is attentive and ready to support everyone. Brittany received over 800 hours of advanced training in the practice of massage therapy in her quest as a healer, and is continually researching and attending training in the art of holistic health and wellness. She volunteers with the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support Group for mothers and families who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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