The Pelvic Floor Series Part One

Part One: Knowing when to take action

It’s no secret that pelvic floor and core training is at the bedrock of much of my work with women so here begins a short series of (hopefully lighthearted) blogs to inform and educate.

Today I am starting with simple signs of what might prompt you take action on improving the functionality of your pelvic floor AND more importantly offer some solutions.

Advertisers will have us believe that ‘bladder sensitivity’ is part of life as a women and offer absorbent ‘sticking plasters’ to cover the issue, allowing us to dance in red dresses and hide any ‘oops’ moment. And yes, these moments are common but they are not normal and ‘padding up’ certainly won’t fix the issue.

These adverts focus solely on urinary incontinence and that, for sure is a symptom of an issue with the pelvic floor muscles.

Any kind of leaking (and that includes wind and faeces as well as urine) can definitely be a sign that your pelvic floor needs some attention. Let’s not forget the things that some women avoid…. trampolines, running, HIIT style workouts…. not leaking because you are actively not participating in an activity should be considered too!

Here are some other signs that something might not be quite right:

• a feeling of heaviness or dragging in the pelvic area
• persistent low back or pelvic pain
• difficulty or pain during sex
• an inability to wear a tampon
• feeling like you can’t empty your bowel properly
• needing a wee frequently then needing to again soon after
• tissues protruding from your vagina
• a nagging feeling that things just feel different down there

So if any of that sounds familiar, what do you DO about it?

So firstly, recognising any issue is a step forward, now I would suggest taking ACTION rather than ignoring or covering up the problem.

Visit your GP and ask if you can be referred to women’s health physiotherapist. Some areas have this service on the NHS. Sometimes you may prefer (or need) to see one privately. Yes, it costs but consider your long term well being!

Some Women’s Health Physio’s offer the Mummy MOT which is a comprehensive post natal check up (and it doesn’t matter how long ago you had a baby!)

If you are wondering how to use exercise and lifestyle changes to help you along the way then do think about contacting a Holistic Core Restore® coach. As an experienced coach myself (I have been teaching the programme and seen it develop since 2013) I know it has helped thousands of women understand their bodies, improve their core fitness and see symptoms alleviated.

Do message me if you want more information or some guidance on where to go for help. There are lots of us out there happy to help and are delighted to see women gain strength and confidence!

Look out for the next blog, coming soon…….