As Physiotherapists, we love exercise! It’s great for our cardiovascular health, bone strength, metabolism and mental health (to mention a few).
The pelvic floor, the sling of muscles that support the pelvic organs, has a very important role during exercise. These muscles attach from the front of the pelvis to the coccyx (tailbone).
If the pelvic floor isn’t sufficiently strong (often following pregnancy, childbirth or trauma/injury), the person may suffer from urinary/faecal incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
POP is where the bladder, uterus and/or bowel move forward and down into the vaginal canal and can cause discomfort and urinary incontinence.
If the pelvic floor is too tight (overactive) the person can experience pain in the pelvic, hip or spine, issues with emptying the bladder and bowel, urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Exercise should be something that you enjoy, as well as something that is good for your body and mind. Whether it’s walking, Pilates, hydrotherapy, a home-based exercise program or anything in between, we can ensure you find something that you’re sure to stick with.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are able to help ensure that you’re able to exercise safety and effectively to maintain all the health benefits of remaining active.
By Ali Minichiello
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist