Do You Know the Health of Your Pelvis?

Huh?!  I know, that’s what I thought too when I was asked that question?  I was in a Pelvic Floor Training/Certification last week and learned a tremendous amount about the pelvic floor and all it’s possible issues.

You can be fit and healthy but have a Hypo or Hyper Tonic Pelvis.

What is that?

Hypo-tonic pelvis symptoms – weak or loose pelvic floor muscles that may cause incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Hyper-tonic pelvis symptoms – tight pelvic floor muscles that cause pain during urination, sexual intercourse and/or touch in general of any kind.

You can also have a mixed pelvis and be a little bit of both or you may have a normal, healthy pelvic floor.

If you are unsure and have questions, you should talk to your doctor or gynecologist.

Specific Pilates and Yoga exercises can help with strengthening these muscles (hypo) or stretching/relaxing these muscles (hyper).

Understanding the female anatomy and where things are and how they should feel plays an important part in the treatment of these two cases.

So many people have a disconnect to this area of the body due to religious upbringing, parental upbringing, and trauma both physical and emotional pertaining to this area of the body.

It was a very enlightening training and made me curious to learn more about it and how I can help those that are in need through pilates and yoga exercises.

 

Lesson Number One:

Kegels.  Do you know where a kegel originates?  Yes, down there, but where?  We commonly say things like “hold your pee” or “zip up” but is that really what we mean?  No!  You are contracting the muscles of your vagina when you kegel, not the sphincter or the urethra but the vagina.  It’s not a clench either, but a squeeze.  You should not feel like you are bearing down, but rather squeezing.  Try a few right now and see if you can tell the difference between squeezing and bearing down and if you feel like the kegel originates from the vagina and not the urethra or sphincter.  If this causes you pain, you should talk with your physician.  If you don’t feel pain or irritation, then set aside a few minutes each day to do a few kegels.  You can do them while driving or sitting at your desk.  You don’t need to be in workout clothes either.  Easy!

Try this homework for a week and see if you feel better connected to your pelvis!

Namaste!

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *