As an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist, I get a lot of questions about the pelvic floor and core muscles. People know they're important, but often don't realize how closely connected they really are. These muscles are like a team that works together to keep us stable, supported, and feeling good.
The core includes muscles like your diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and multifidus, along with your pelvic floor. These muscles help support your spine, pelvis, and hips, and they’re key to maintaining good posture and stability. When one part of the core is weak, the whole system can struggle.
The pelvic floor is at the bottom of your pelvis, and it’s responsible for supporting your organs, managing pressure in the abdomen, and controlling things like urination and bowel movements. It also works closely with the rest of the core to keep you steady, especially when you're moving or doing activities.
Pelvic floor issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse sometimes go hand in hand with core instability. But here's the thing: If one system is weak, it can throw the other off. Strengthening both your pelvic floor and core can help improve things like posture, stability, and even reduce pain.
Are Kegels Always the Answer?
When people think of pelvic floor exercises, Kegels are usually the first thing that comes to mind. They can definitely help if your pelvic floor muscles are weak. But here's the catch: Kegels might not always be the right move.
If your pelvic floor muscles are tight or overactive, doing Kegels could actually make things worse. For example, if you're already dealing with pelvic pain or urinary retention, strengthening those muscles further could increase discomfort.
That’s why targeted therapy is so important. Everyone’s pelvic floor is different, and sometimes it’s about finding the right exercises for you. A physical therapist can help assess whether Kegels or other relaxation techniques are the way to go.
What You Can Do:
A balanced approach is key. Focus on exercises like diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic floor relaxation (if needed), pelvic floor strengthening (if needed), and core strengthening. And make sure you're addressing any posture issues, because they can affect the entire system.
If you’re dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, or other discomforts, it’s worth exploring targeted therapy to get your pelvic floor and core working together in the best way possible.
Let's Work Together Toward Your Goals!
At the end of the day, everyone's pelvic floor and core are unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, or just looking to improve your overall stability, the goal is to find what works best for you. Let’s work together to strengthen your core, restore balance, and help you feel your best!
Comentarios