Pelvic Floor

Pelvic Floor Issues

In  response to queries from class members and my own curiosity, I have undertaken some research into the most up-to-date information on pelvic floor and its relation to exercise.

I can confirm that the pilates undertaken in the class is correct.  I will summarise our usual teaching points:-

• ·         Core strength and pelvic floor strength are inextricably bound together.  Pelvic floor strength supports core muscles and good posture supports the pelvic floor.
• ·         So always undertake core strength training in the best possible posture and
• ·         Initiate the work by drawing up the pelvic floor
• ·         Breath is important, because of the action of the diaphragm
• ·         Relax between repetitions.
• ·         Match the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles to the load to be undertaken. That is for light work a “2 out of 10” effort, for regular exercises, like pilates and small weights a “4 out of 10” effort may be required, and to lift something heavy – an “8 out of 10 effort”

There was a great program on the radio, with top experts and good questions. Worth a listen of you have pelvic pain.  Here is information from the article on ABC Radio National.  The details of a podcast are as follows:- 

Here is the link to the podcast

 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/pelvic-pain/4502250

Here is the summary of the program from the abc radio National article on their web page:

 Pelvic Pain

Broadcast:  Wednesday 6 February 2013 9:05AM

Imagine not being able to sit down, go to work or look after your kids because of an overwhelming pain in your pelvis. One of our guests, Vanessa Watson, experienced excruciating pelvic pain for several years and it's radically altered her life. Vanessa's story is not uncommon but as the causes for pelvic pain are complex; some women don't receive adequate medical treatment. So what is known about the causes and could medical treatment and services improve?

Guests and references from the program

Bettina Arndt  - Social Commentator

Dr Susan Evans - Gynaecologist and Pain Medicine Physician

Vanessa Watson

Helpful Link is Women’s Health & Research Institute of Australia.

http://www.whria.com.au/page.aspx?docid=90

More info can be found in a great book -  a helpful client alerted me to 

Michelle Kenway’s book:- “Inside Out:-  a complete guide to Pelvic floor safe exercises for women”

In addition, I have done some training with Mary O’Dwyer, physiotherapist.  Here is a link her web page: -  www.holditsister.com.