Pelvic pain or dysfunction within the pelvic floor muscles is likely to impact most women (and men too) at some point in their life. Pelvic pain can feel debilitating at times and is commonly associated with other conditions such as endometriosis, incontinence issues or with patients who have had surgery in that area (for example gynaecological surgery or prostate surgery).
One of the most evidence-based treatment protocols for pelvic pain or pelvic floor dysfunction is Pilates. Pilates is great for assisting with issues such as incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pain patterns associated with endometriosis as well as during pregnancy and postnatally.
To understand a little bit more about how Pilates can be of such great benefit to pelvic floor dysfunction, it first helps to learn a little bit more about the pelvic floor itself.
Our pelvic floor is the group of muscles within our pelvis area that stretch like a hammock from our tail bone to our pubic bone. These muscles are crucial in stabilising your spine alongside your deep abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and diaphragm. Through different life experiences it is common to develop particular activation patterns, weaknesses and traumas to these muscles and surrounding tissues.
The practice of Pilates has a strong focus on creating a connection between the mind, body and and these pelvic floor muscles to build knowledge and awareness of how your pelvic floor functions. Through knowledge and awareness we can build strength and assist in regaining your confidence with exercise in a way that is tailored to you and your particular presentation.
Our Pilates and yoga instructor Marla has had her own journey with endometriosis and chronic pain and has found that exercise therapy has made a tremendous impact on managing as well as improving her symptoms particularly when preparing and recovering from laparoscopy surgery. She has a passion for using her journey and understanding of the body to help you regain function, improve confidence and reduce pain through movement and awareness.
To help support individuals with pelvic pain we are planning to launch special pelvic pain focused yoga classes online in 2022. These classes will be based around a gentle slow flow of yoga that focuses on using grounding techniques and tension relieving stretches to help reduce anxiety and assist with managing pain. If you would like to register your interest in joining these classes please send us an email to info@melbourneyogaandpilates.com
At MYP we strive always putting the health of our clients first and will help you find the right path for your pelvic floor health. We have developed strong relationships with other allied health professionals that align with our client care values to collaboratively work together help you reach your goals.
If you are new to MYP and considering starting Pilates and have a history of pelvic pain feel free to reach out to the team.
