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.
Can Physical Therapy Help My Menopause?
You probably know about “typical” menopause symptoms – trouble sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes are a few that come to mind right away. Did you know that your pelvic floor undergoes changes as well? Read on to learn how pelvic health physical therapy (PT) can help with these changes!
3 Unexpected Reasons to Exercise Your Hips
Have you ever wondered about the connection between knee pain, back pain, and urinary leakage? The common denominator is your hips! The hip serves as a ball and socket joint, linking the pelvis with the femur’s head (thigh bone). Its primary role is to provide dynamic stability during weight-bearing activities like walking and jogging. Approximately twenty-five muscles attach to the hip. They can be divided up by their primary action: flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, external rotators and internal rotators.
Things You Should Know About Diastasis Recti
Whenever there is a large expansion experienced throughout your trunk, all of the abdominal muscles will be affected. Normal weight gain during pregnancy, abdominal weight gain in the absence of pregnancy, and having an abdominal surgery are all reasons someone may be diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (DRA). A Diastasis Recti means a separation of the abdominal muscles and their associated fascia that holds them together at the midline of the trunk. An abdominal separation greater than .9 to 2.7cm along the midline of the abdomen from the sternum (breastbone) to the pubic symphysis (joint between your left and right pelvic bone), is considered DRA. DRA by itself is not the main issue; the symptoms that may arise are more prevalent in determining the relevance of having a DRA. Some individuals are asymptomatic and may not seek physical therapy care to address it.
How Much Is Too Much? What You Need to Know About Urinary Frequency
How much is too much? This is the question hidden in my patients’ jokes about having “the smallest bladder on earth” or comments that they wake up frequently at night “but that’s just part of aging.” These patients often feel like their bladder runs the show and they have little to no control over how often they go to the bathroom. It interferes with sleep, work, exercise, and even social activities.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Men’s Health
We encourage all men to take steps toward living a healthier life by staying active, maintaining a good diet and taking early action when experiencing health issues. Athletico is proud to support men’s health through a variety of rehabilitation services. Read below to learn how physical therapy can help improve common disorders and overall health.
Answers to Embarrassing Pelvic Health Questions
Dysfunction in the muscles of the pelvic floor cause a variety of problems and are actually quite common. Certain physical therapists are trained in treating pelvic health and are ready to help! Here is a list of some of the questions that may seem embarrassing to talk about if you think you’re experiencing pelvic-related problems.
Why Did My Doctor Send Me To Physical Therapy for a Bladder Problem?
“Every time I cough, I leak. I can’t jump on a trampoline without getting my pants all wet. When I hear running water, my own water works start. Here I am in my doctor’s office, waiting for her to prescribe that medication I see on TV, the one that will make all my troubles go away. Instead, she gave me an order to go to physical therapy. Wait, did she hear me correctly? Surely she meant a urologist? Can’t she just give me that magic pill instead?” – These are all common questions for patients who are prescribed physical therapy for urinary incontinence.
