Performing At Your Best: How Pelvic Health Therapy May Improve Athletic Performance
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), like urinary incontinence, may affect participation in high-impact exercise, like CrossFit or running, or low-impact exercise, like walking or swimming. In fact, urinary incontinence is most prevalent in female athletes. For example, research shows that 1 in 2 cisgender women who experience urinary incontinence stop or modify their exercise participation due to unwanted leakage1. However, PFD impacts athletes of all ages and genders. Studies show that in addition to people who have gone through pregnancy or childbirth (cesarean section or vaginal), young athletes who have never been pregnant may also find themselves stopping participation in exercise or sport due to PFD.
A Complete Core Workout for Runners
Running can place up to 3 times your body weight of force on the body. Because of this extremely high demand, having a strong core is important. The core muscles include the diaphragm, transverse abdominus, rectus abdominus, obliques, pelvic floor, and multifidus. These muscles provide stability to the trunk when the arms and legs are being used, as well as through an axial load (which occurs during running). A strong core to absorb all of the force described above with running is critical to prevent injuries. Below you will find a complete core workout to help encourage core strength to help prevent injuries.
Why New Moms Need Physical Therapy
The wait is finally over; after nine months of doctor appointments and nursery decorating, your baby has arrived! Keep in mind, that it’s still an ongoing process after giving birth, and along the journey of pregnancy, your body has encountered many changes. You may find it difficult to return to your prior activity levels or experience new problems related to your pelvic floor. This blog will discuss how new moms can benefit from physical therapy to address any concerns after having their baby.
Exercises to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor, also known as the “hammock” of your core, is very important to keep strong and mobile. It provides support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus and rectum in the female pelvis. In the male pelvis, the pelvic floor supports the bladder and rectum.
9 Reasons to See a Physical Therapist for Your Pelvic Health
The pelvic floor is made up of a series of muscles at the base of the pelvis. These muscles contract to help support your organs during daily activities, as well as relax to allow you to go to the bathroom. When these muscles aren’t functioning properly, you may start experiencing symptoms such as pain or incontinence. This is where physical therapy can help.
Women’s Health: You Have Pain WHERE?!
It is as common as low back pain, migraines and asthma, yet many suffer in silence with pelvic pain.1
What to Know about the Male Pelvic Floor
At a recent patient evaluation, I read a prescription that stated the patient needed physical therapy for his “pubic floor.” I asked the patient if he meant pelvic floor and he confirmed that was what his wife had told him. This basically sums up how we as men view our pelvic floor, we are not cognizant it exists.
Let’s Talk About the Pelvic Floor
Your doctor is talking to you about recent pain you’ve experienced and suggests it come from your pelvic floor. What is the pelvic floor? Do I have one? Why is it there? Should I be concerned about my pelvic floor pain? Let’s discuss this often unknown area, and give you a better idea of what is going on in your pelvic floor. (more…)
