holistic Women’s health and pelvic floor

The pelvic floor is a part of our deep core. It is influenced by as well as influences everything above and below it. The primary functions of the pelvic floor include elimination, organ support, intimacy and childbirth. The pelvic floor can also serve as a lymphatic sump pump as well as a shock absorber.The pelvic region supports the core of your body and is an integral part of everyday movement. When muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, the activities of daily life can be greatly affected. Just like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor and core muscles need a full range of motion to work optimally.

Many women suffering from deep glute, hip, low back, sacrum, tail bone, bladder and pelvic pain actually have tightness and tension from myofascial restrictions in and around the pelvis, and have weak deep core muscles.   Restriction in your pelvis (and core) can cause an imbalance in your whole body. Oftentimes women accept these issues as a part of aging or having children. What if it was told to you that it may be common but it doesn’t have to be normal. Historically women have not been educated or given the opportunity to experience what’s possible for their pelvic health and wellness. We have been told “Sex is supposed to be uncomfortable” or “It’s normal to leak after you have kids” or “you’ll never have a strong core again” or “just do alot of Kegels”. As previously thought and still encouraged by well meaning people, Kegels are not the answer to optimal Pelvic Health. Many times, if Kegels are not done as a part of a Pelvic Health program,  it can make the issue worse!   Thankfully the tides are changing, we are understanding the role of the core and pelvic floor and profound benefits of holistic pelvic floor therapy for your health and wellbeing. Many issues could be remedied if you would receive the right care that you needed. Holistic pelvic care is a growing field as many women are realizing they can have freedom from pain and dysfunction through gentle, safe and effective pelvic floor work. 

Live Free Myofascial Release- Integrative Therapy and Wellness can help you! As a Women’s Health Occupational Therapist, we treat various pelvic health issues plaguing women today including urine leakage when you cough, laugh or sneeze, pain during sex, chronic pelvic pain and generalized core weakness (which can show up as the mommy pooch). 

We also address the trauma and stressors that could be contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction as well as abdominal or pelvic scars from surgeries such as C-sections, episiotomies, endometriosis, hernia repair, tummy tucks, or other traumas. These surgeries can cause poor postural strength and alignment,  menstrual dysfunction, recurring pelvic pain, painful intercourse, frequent urges to urinate, bladder leakage, and irregularity. 

Myofascial release is amazing for general wellness. Pelvic floor therapy can help all women, whether or not they have symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction or are postpartum. Women do not have to wait until something feels off to consult with a pelvic floor therapist. In addition to addressing specific problems, therapists can help with overall health and wellness, body knowledge, and prevention.

Myofascial release is also effective following breast surgeries and procedures,  mastectomies, breast reduction or augmentation, as well as breast explant surgery to eliminate pain and soften scars. Restrictions from scarring can affect the diaphragm and create pain and tension in the neck, shoulders and sinuses leading to poor breathing, posture, and headaches.

Myofascial release is very gentle and works well to help with mastitis, blocked milk ducts, engorgement and breast pain. It is a wonderful modality for general breast health and wellness, even to prepare for a mammogram.