Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Addressing your questions about pelvic, women's, and musculoskeletal health. Health is a journey. Movement is healing!
The abdominal cavity is made up of four distinct borders. The top is the diaphragm, the back is the muscles of the back, the front is the abdominal muscles, and the bottom is compromised of the pelvic floor musculature. The abdomen contains a pressure system in this cavity which is influenced by our breathing and the activities we do throughout the day. This pressure is called "intra-abdominal pressure".
Intra-abdominal pressure can increase when you lift something, cough, sneeze, step down the stairs, and go from sitting to standing. Additionally, this pressure can change when you use the toilet if you strain. I mean think about it, have you ever tried to lift something heavy like a piece of furniture? Instinctively if something is really heavy we hold our breath to try to make the abdominal cavity stronger to lift the item. When we implement this technique we utilize pressure to press out against all borders of the abdominal cavity. Here's the catch it's can have some not so positive outcomes on our body. This increase in pressure presses right on your uterus, bladder and intestines (if you are a woman). These organs respond by going to areas of least resistance, the vaginal vault or rectal opening. This can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. Additionally, it can cause the bladder to feel an increase in urinary urgency or may cause some accidental leakage of urine. It may also make an existing diastasis recti more challenging to deal with as you cannot appropriately generate force through your abdominal muscles. The number one thing to remember, DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH. Don't hold your breath with lifting, don't hold your breath during exercise, don't hold your breath on the toilet. The next step is appropriately coordinating your breath, but never forget the number one rule. It is important to brace your pelvic floor and abdomen appropriately with more strenuous activity. If you feel that managing intra-abdominal pressure is something you find challenging you should see a pelvic health physical therapist. |
AuthorHello! I am Caitlyn, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Women's Health Physical Therapist working in St Louis, Missouri. Faculty in developing residency program. Endowarrior Categories
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