Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Chiropractic Care and Pelvic Floor Exercises
Welcome to Our Family Chiropractor. We offer you a tailored and personal approach to chiropractic care.
You can visit us at our family-based chiropractic clinic at Suite 6/17 Surf Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230 (open in Google Maps).
Dr. Kerry Falzon (Chiropractor) can provide you with advice on pelvic floor dysfunction, including exercises for pregnant women, adjustments and more.
Keep reading as we discuss pelvic floor exercises and different treatment options.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Did you know that pelvic floor dysfunction is common? While it can affect anyone, women more frequently experience this condition. Research published in Nature found that 32% of women have at least one symptom, with trouble controlling bowel motions, leaking of urine, and pelvic organ prolapse, as the leading symptoms.
Yet, reporting them to a health professional who may help can feel embarrassing. So, let’s look at pelvic floor dysfunction — what it is, why it happens, the steps you can take, and how we may help you find relief.
What is the pelvic floor?
The term “pelvic floor” refers to a group of muscles and ligaments found at the base of your pelvis.
Together, they form a sling connecting your tailbone, your pubic bone, and your sit bones. This sling helps hold the bladder, bowel, prostate, vagina, and uterus in place.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles don’t work as they should. They can contract too tightly , become too weak, or fail to coordinate. When you’re unable to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles correctly, you may experience symptoms (more on symptoms in a moment).
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
That’s a good question with a range of answers. Pelvic floor dysfunction may occur due to:
- injury to the pelvis
- childbirth, whether vaginal or Caesarian
- birthing more than one child
- obesity
- increasing age
- repeated straining (on the toilet or when lifting heavy weights, like in power and weight lifting).
What symptoms can occur when the pelvic floor doesn’t work well?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause problems with bladder and bowel control, prolapse of pelvic organs, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. You may cough and leak urine. You might fail to make the toilet on time. Or you may find yourself constipated or having difficulty weeing. Your ability to feel sexual arousal and orgasm can be affected.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can impact how your body works and your feelings about your life.
What treatment may help pelvic floor dysfunction?
Wonderfully, treatment is available to restore a healthier pelvic floor. Pelvic floor exercises — those that specifically target the “sling” muscles — can be helpful.
A simple pelvic floor exercise involves thinking about the muscles you’d use to stop the urine flow.
If you’re unsure, try this next time you visit the loo. Once you know how to contract these muscles, you’re ready for the exercise.
Find a quiet place and take a seat. Get comfortable. Contract these muscles. Maintain a regular breath. Do not tighten your bottom, thighs, or tummy; focus on the pelvic floor. Once contracted, hold for up to three seconds. Relax and repeat. Aim to squeeze and loosen 10 times, two to three times per day.
If you experience any difficulty, build up over time. This exercise is best added to your ongoing daily routine.
How often should you do pelvic floor exercises when pregnant?
Pelvic floor exercises for pregnant women are important. As the baby grows, pressure increases in the abdomen and pelvic floor. This can cause dysfunction. Pelvic floor exercises may ease unwanted signs and symptoms.
The pelvic floor exercise described above is suitable during pregnancy, with a simple proviso. Start gently. Contract for a moment as you begin, then increase the hold to three seconds over time.
Perform your exercises each day.
Why Choose Us?
Care for your family
Start chiropractic care with a complimentary 15 minute consultation.
Expert care from a loving, family oriented clinic.
Dr. Kerry offers you over a decade’s worth of experience helping newborns, pregnancy, mums, dads, grandparents & athletes.
We will speak to you and assess factors that may contribute to your pelvic floor dysfunction. We can help you correctly perform your pelvic floor exercises. We can evaluate and care for your spine, focusing on optimal nervous system health. (Your nerves affect every part of your body)
We concentrate on accurate diagnosis and natural, drug-free, and gentle Chiropractic care. We may help your body — including your pelvic floor — to function well, supporting your wellbeing.
Chiropractic and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Enquire Now
At Our Family Chiropractor, you can rely on us to provide you with comfortable and professional chiropractic care, with your best interests in mind. We also work with other health practitioners for a multimodal approach to addressing your health concern.
Please leave a message or phone our clinic today.
Dr. Kerry Falzon (Chiropractor) is the principal chiropractor and founder of Our Family Chiropractor. Kerry studied a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science degree and followed this up with a Master of Chiropractic. Kerry has a passion for natural healthcare, particularly helping her clients achieve optimal nervous system health and spinal function. Areas of clinical interest include care for pregnant women, paediatric care, newborns, mums, dads, grandparents & athletes.
