Webinar Recap: Get to Know Your Pelvic Floor

A hypertonic pelvic floor refers to a condition where the muscles in the pelvic floor become excessively tense and are unable to relax. This can lead to various pelvic health concerns such as constipation, painful sex, urgency, pelvic pain, and tension in the surrounding hip and pelvic muscles. It can be caused by factors such as excessive core muscle activation, holding onto bladder or bowel movements, high levels of stress or anxiety, weakness in surrounding muscles, pelvic and abdominal health conditions, or birth trauma. A skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can help by assessing the condition and developing a personalized treatment plan. Therapy may involve various techniques such as pelvic floor relaxation exercises, manual therapy, stretching, breathing exercises, and biofeedback. These techniques aim to reduce muscle tension, improve muscle coordination, and restore proper function of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can also address any underlying factors contributing to the hypertonic pelvic floor, such as stress, anxiety, or certain habits. The therapist may provide education on lifestyle modifications, bladder and bowel habits, and strategies to manage stress. It is important to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Pelvic floor therapy can be an effective treatment option for issues related to pelvic organ prolapse. The success of pelvic floor therapy in managing prolapse symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the prolapse, individual response to treatment, and adherence to therapy. Pelvic floor therapy aims to strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles, which can help support the pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms associated with prolapse. It typically involves a combination of exercises and education on lifestyle modifications. Research has shown that pelvic floor therapy can lead to improvements in pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, such as reduced pelvic pressure, improved bladder and bowel control, and increased quality of life. However, the effectiveness of pelvic floor therapy may vary from person to person, and it may not completely resolve all symptoms or reverse the prolapse itself. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pelvic floor physical therapist, who can assess your specific condition and provide personalized guidance on the potential benefits and success rate of pelvic floor therapy for your individual case of prolapse. They can also discuss other treatment options that may be appropriate for you based on the severity of your prolapse and your overall health.

Experiencing urinary leakage, even in small amounts, after sneezing can be a sign of stress urinary incontinence. While it is more common in women who have given birth, it can also occur in women who have not. Weakened pelvic floor muscles that are unable to support the bladder during moments of increased pressure, such as sneezing, coughing, or laughing cause stress urinary incontinence. It is important to note that urinary leakage is not considered "normal" at any age, and it is worth discussing with a pelvic floor physical therapist or a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. Pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, medical interventions may be recommended to help manage or resolve the issue.

Diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles, can be diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. They will typically assess the midline of your abdomen, looking for a gap or separation between the rectus abdominis muscles. The separation is most commonly found around the belly button area. You can also perform a self-check at home by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your fingers horizontally just above your belly button and gently press down while simultaneously performing a small sit up (lifting your head and back off the floor). If you feel a gap or separation between the muscles, it may indicate diastasis recti. Your pelvic floor physical therapist can also guide you through this self-assessment. Pelvic floor therapy can be helpful for individuals with diastasis recti. This treatment should not only focus on the pelvic floor muscles but should also include exercises and techniques that benefit the abdominal, hip, and spinal muscles. That’s because strengthening the deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis, can help provide support to the abdominal wall and potentially reduce ‌separation.

There is no direct evidence to suggest that sexual frequency alone impacts or weakens the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, hormonal changes, pregnancy, childbirth, and certain medical conditions influence the strength of the pelvic floor. Engaging in sexual activity, including intercourse, can actually help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. During sexual arousal and orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles contract and relax, which can provide a natural form of exercise for these muscles. Regular sexual activity, when consensual and comfortable, can help maintain the tone and function of the pelvic floor. It's important to note that sexual activity should not be uncomfortable or painful. It's essential to engage in sexual activities that are comfortable and enjoyable for both partners, and to communicate openly about any concerns or discomfort.

The timeline for seeing results from pelvic floor therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's condition, the severity of the symptoms, and their adherence to the therapy program. In general, it may take several weeks to a few months to notice significant improvements, but many start to experience positive changes within a few weeks of starting pelvic floor therapy. These changes can include reduced pain or discomfort, improved bladder or bowel control, decreased pelvic floor muscle tension, and increased awareness and control of the pelvic floor muscles. However, it's important to note that progress may be gradual and individualized. Consistency and adherence to the therapy program, along with open communication with the therapist, are key factors in achieving positive outcomes. It's also important to have realistic expectations and understand that everyone's response to therapy can be different.

Need to make a change? No problem! Simply talk to your physical therapist about either switching to the Women’s Pelvic Health Program or adding in additional playlist exercises that focus on your pelvic floor needs.

No, you do not need a prescription or a referral to get started with Hinge Health. For eligible members, this benefit is fully covered by your employer. Check your eligibility here: hinge.health/join-wph