Pelvic Floor Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Pelvic Floor Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Kris Grinovich Minear, L/PTA
Along with treating pelvic floor clients in–studio, you may have also seen me out and about in the community around Wakefield and Haverhill at various gyms, yoga studios, and races handing out flyers, offering complimentary stretches, or leading educational workshops. Getting to know our community is a huge job perk, and I love being able to spread awareness about pelvic floor health and meet so many members of our community! Since leading Pelvic Floor Workshops with FIXXED, I’ve heard too many times from too many women that their pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms are “normal.” Leaking urine when you sneeze is not normal, but it is common, especially for our postpartum population. Below are some of the most common red flags I tell women to look out for and what they could mean.
Pelvic Floor Red Flags
Leaking urine when you laugh, sneeze, jump, lift, etc. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of both a weak AND/OR tight pelvic floor! (and yes - your pelvic floor can be both TIGHT and WEAK at the same time - which is why it’s so important to have a comprehensive pelvic floor PT evaluation!)
A feeling of bulging, heaviness, or pressure down into the pelvic floor, which could indicate prolapse. Like incontinence, prolapse can be caused by a tight AND/OR weak pelvic floor!
Coning/doming of abdominals. A bulging anywhere along the midline of your abs can indicate diastasis recti, aka abdominal separation. During your pelvic floor PT exam, we will do a series of DR checks so that we can ensure pressure is being well-managed in your intra-abdominal system and that you are able to get stronger, faster!
Inability to feel your pelvic floor or core activate during exercise after 6-7 months of regular workouts. This could signify a paradoxical breathing pattern, poor training techniques, muscle imbalances, or postural compensation strategies!
Loss of feeling or sensation around your c-section scar. Scar tissue can build up around a scar, so using cupping or Graston technique can help break up scar tissue and promote faster healing and improve sensation!
Rib flare still present after 12 months + of regular workouts. Rib flare can indicate diaphragm weakness, and a weak diaphragm can contribute to a weak pelvic floor and core.
Postural changes due to feeding, nursing, lifting, glute clenching, hip hiking. Oftentimes, we are unaware of the muscle imbalances in our own body that are causing pain and dysfunction. A comprehensive pelvic floor PT exam will include a full assessment of your glutes, hips, core, hamstrings, shoulders, AND pelvic floor!
Pelvic pain. Oftentimes, overly tight pelvic floor muscles can cause intense pain especially during tampon insertion or a vaginal exam. Sometimes, trigger points within the pelvic floor muscles benefit from gentle soft tissue massage and trigger point release in order to reduce muscle guarding and painful symptoms.
Low back pain or high hamstring pain that doesn’t go away no matter how much PT or exercises and stretches you do. If we don’t treat the cause of the pain, then symptoms won’t resolve!
Questions about your pelvic floor health? Email kristina@fixxedstudios.com or fill out this form to set up a time for a free 20 minute phone consult!
Fixxed is a first of its kind recovery studio offering bodywork techniques to help you move and feel your best. We offer quick and effective hands-on services in a one on one setting performed by a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer. Click HERE to book a free consultation with FIXXED!
