3 Myths Pelvic Physical Therapists Want Everyone to Know.
Myth 1:
ITS NORMAL TO LEAK AFTER HAVING A BABY.
This could not be farther from the truth!! Why do we put up with something that IS SO REVERSIBLE and if not can improve quite a bit!! Stats say we use $900-$4000 a year on incontinent products. Do not be a statistic. Pelvic floor muscles which hold up the organs and control our bowels, bladder and sexual function can be strengthened (if that’s what your body needs) just like any other muscle! If we do not strengthen them, why would they be strong? By changing breathing techniques, posture patterns, lifting techniques and retraining certain muscles to help control the bladder, a lot to symptoms can b reduced or even eliminated! With more awareness to those body parts, a physical therapist can work with you to reduce symptoms and help you see the changes you need to make - not just a list online but really show you how to move.. Do not write yourself off before trying conservative options.
Myth 2:
KEGELS ARE EASY AND I CAN DO IT ON MY OWN.
FALSE - statistics say that up to 50% of people who believe they are doing a Kegel (or pelvic floor contraction in physical therapy terms) are doing them incorrectly. Unless properly having a pelvic floor assessment internally, it is difficult for some to determine if they’re doing a contraction correctly. Often people tend to use other muscles around to “cheat” like their thighs, gluteals, abs and even use breath holding. There are also some cues Physical Therapists can give you to make sure you are using all the muscles (there are 3 layers of muscles “down there”) correctly.
Myth 3:
EVERYONE NEEDS KEGELS.
FALSE - Though the thought is that pelvic floor contractions improve strength and they can, there are certain situations where increasing tension and contracting the muscles can worsen symptoms (leakage, pain, or other complaints). Sometimes the muscles are not tight but they are overwhelmed because the intra-abdominal pressure is too much and the muscles have been in an elevated or shortened position too long.
A lot of women tend to engage their abdominal too much to attempt to appear skinny or due to tight pants, and apply more pressure to the core which in turn places a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor. It’s not a matter of weakness, it’s a matter of pressure>force.
Release and retrain are often what most of us need
Pelvic Health Physical Therapists can assess what is needed for you to optimally move and be!