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Pelvic floor

Discussion in 'General Discussion Subforum' started by grapefruit, Dec 26, 2019.

  1. grapefruit

    grapefruit Peer Supporter

    I'm not sure I even want to post this because I don't want others' worrying, negative suggestions to take root in my mind, but it is something I would like to talk about and if you accept TMS than there is nowhere else to go (unless you want to get an alarmist structural answer from a doctor, physio, or the internet).

    A couple of years ago I healed dramatically by reading Sarno, and have enjoyed being painfree all this time. I am now expecting my third child, thanks to him (I believed I had SI joint dysfunction from pregnancy). Anyway, everywhere I turn, I hear or read about "pelvic floor dysfunction", "organ prolapse" and "incontinence". I can't shake this spectre of fear, and I hate it. I plan to resume a very active lifestyle eventually postpartum, including jumping and sprinting. Any treatment for dysfunction I have heard about is always physio, and I completely lost my faith in physio after my back pain experience. I even saw a leading specialist in the pelvis and she was totally wrong. I came to believe physio is a total sham. Yet I myself do experience some urinary incontinence playing sports. It got worse after having a baby, but if I'm honest it started a tiny bit in high school while playing sports.

    So I want to know - what is the truth about the pelvic floor for women? Is it true that it is very fragile, irreparably weakened by childbirth? Your organs can just start falling out unless you practice pelvic floor exercises regularly? Even aging leads inevitably to incontinence? And athletes, whether there is a history of childbirth or not, are especially prone to it? Jumping and running puts too much pressure on it? Could there be a mind body connection or is physio the answer in this one case? Anyone else have thoughts on this subject?
     
  2. TrustIt

    TrustIt Well known member

    i know this is an older post but i just came across it. i notice you have not had any responses. i am dealing with "something" and it has many names, like you described. i am older but i refuse to believe in the inevitability of the body breaking down with age. i am suspecting prolapse, but it could also just be severe muscle weakness from pain - mostly back - that has kept me from walking or doing much at all really. it's a catch 22. i need to move but i can't move. have you resolved this for yourself? if so, what can you say about it? i don't know what is tms with me (i know i have some guilt involved bc my husband is waiting on me hand and foot and i am not accustomed to letting someone else take care of me. i feel like there might be an unconscious payoff of being "excused" for not doing my share of things that i really don't want to do. or, it's a real medical issue. i am lining up a thermogram to see if i can see what parts of me are inflamed.
     
  3. luss

    luss Newcomer

    Pelvic Floor Exercises
    According to Dr. Kailey Edgar, an Optimal Sports Physical Therapist, pelvic floor training can be used as a treatment or preventive measure for many pelvic floor disorders. Both men and women can benefit from pelvic floor exercises. And, research indicates that practicing pelvic floor exercises can reduce the frequency and severity of some pelvic floor disorders.

    There are many exercises that help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Exercises like Kegels, squats, or bridges can all be beneficial. Dr. Edgar recommends working with a Physical Therapist to ensure the targeted muscles are engaged. Noting, that with some practice, pelvic floor exercises can be incorporated into your routine. And, you can achieve maximum results ( play happy wheels)

    Remember, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone. But, you do not need to live with the symptoms. Dr. Kailey Edgar can evaluate and treat a number of pelvic floor disorders. Call the Optimal Sports Physical Therapy office today at 406-502-1782 to schedule a consultation.
     
  4. indecisiveman

    indecisiveman New Member

    From what I've read, there seems to be a definite connection with physical symptoms and events like the one you describe i.e. your upcoming third child. Plenty of women have 5+ children with no real dysfunction in that area, hell my aunt has had two children while harboring autoimmune conditions and almost died and i don't believe she has pelvic floor issues. I personally think pelvic floor issues are a result of stress and tension which may explain why it affects women more than men, and also we are living in an EXTREMELY stressful time where we are expected to stay home more often than not, contributing to sedentary lifestyles and stress. Pelvic issues are probably the TMS condition of the 2020s due to all the stress. But this is just my 2cents.... I'm going through it right now but the more time I spend examining my condition, it appears to be tension/TMS related. I may also get a thermogram to make sure there isn't any inflammation
     
    Renee likes this.
  5. HenryLuis

    HenryLuis Newcomer

    Hi, I think kegel exercises can help you. The main goal of Kegel exercises is to help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Once you learn how to properly contract your pelvic floor muscles, do 2 to 3 sessions of Kegel exercises daily for best results. These sessions are best done at regular intervals throughout the day. And I think you will feel much better.
     
  6. FredAmir

    FredAmir Well known member

  7. hawaii_five0

    hawaii_five0 Well known member

    Fred: in your post you say "squeeze the ball slightly until you feel your adductor muscles tighten up a little", but in the video you linked the PT guy says "ideally you want to squeeze as hard as you possibly can". Back in the day I was given this exercise for "SI joint problems" (which I don't actually have) and it also seemed like I got varying opinions on whether to squeeze "50%" or 100% or something else. Curious what your take is. Had not heard of this being a remedy for bladder issues. Thanks.
     
  8. FredAmir

    FredAmir Well known member

    This post is read by many people with varying conditions, so I suggest slight squeeze to begin with. Of course, as one improves, then harder squeeze gives better results as it works the muscles harder.
     
    hawaii_five0 likes this.
  9. mileswilson

    mileswilson Newcomer

    I am agree with you almost at everything
     

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