To truly improve our movement patterns, it’s best to understand our FULL body, including our pelvic floor. This component can commonly be the missing piece to the system of preventative movement and/or addressing current issues related to ways in which our bodies function.
What is our pelvic floor and why should we be aware of it? In terms of our anatomy, you have your bony pelvis that includes your pubic bone, hips, sacrum, tailbone and sit bones. Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that form a hammock across the floor of the pelvis. It has many functions including support, stability, sphincteric, sexual and sump-pump. Why is it so important? Everyone's pelvic cavity is a very intricate network of bones, muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, ligaments and organs. There is voluntary control, involuntary control, emotions, and hormones that also must be recognized.
Pelvic floor PT’s often get asked the question, “Why do you like doing this?” My answer: everyone’s pelvic cavity is beyond intricate, and I like to help my patients simplify it with a preventative and educational approach. I spend a lot of my time debunking common misconceptions of pelvic floor PT for the masses and have included three of the top sayings I hear regarding what outdated viewpoints of pelvic floor therapy should be.
Common misconceptions regarding pelvic floor PT:
“I have never had a baby, and I am not currently pregnant so, I don’t need it.”
Definitely not the case! In the beginning, pelvic floor PT revolved heavily around this population. These days, the patient population seeking out pelvic floor therapy varies widely for men and women.
“I don’t have any pain or incontinence, so I don’t need pelvic floor therapy.”
I wouldn't want anyone to have pelvic floor dysfunction and I truly believe anyone could benefit from pelvic floor therapy. There is much more to the pelvic floor than only addressing current symptoms such as pain or incontinence. The approach is through a preventative and educational standpoint. Our bodies are constantly changing and there may come a time when you find yourself with some pelvic floor-related issues.
“Pelvic floor is only meant to teach me what a kegel is.”
Not at Empowered Physical Therapy! We do things differently here. Our role is to integrate proper pelvic floor coordination into your plan of care whether it's to treat current issues or as a preventative measure. Sure, kegels can be important in some treatment plans but there is much more information to learn that is associated with your basic movement patterns which need to be addressed first. Yes, your pelvic floor is there to help with processes such as bowel, bladder, and sexual health but, it’s also part of the area that allows for the initiation of all human movement (aka part of your CORE). I am a geek about all things related to the pelvic floor which helps you increase your freedom of movement via breathing mechanics, core engagement, pelvic floor coordination, and full-body movement.
We want to validate, educate, and guide you on your wellness journey, whether it be to help with a current issue or as a preventative measure, and your pelvic floor could be the missing component.
Things Kenzie commonly addresses:
Exercise through all stages of life
Fine-tuning your movement patterns with an emphasis on pelvic floor coordination
Guidance with child delivery and pregnancy wellness
Pelvic pain
Bladder/bowel incontinence
Adjustments to make during menopause or perimenopause
Dyspareunia
Endometriosis care