Kathleen White, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, gave an enthusiastic and dynamic presentation on what we should know about the pelvic floor and how it affects many parts of our bodies.  Her presentation showed just how enthusiastic and passionate Kathleen is about her work.  She presented the topic in an engaging, informative manner, with moments of humour. She used the “blow up tube man”, (that flips around in the wind and used for outdoor advertising) to explain how the vagina moves depending on the organs around it. 

We heard back from those who attended that they enjoyed her talk and learned something new. Even members who were up to date on pelvic floor physiotherapy said they enjoyed the talk and learned from it.

The “pelvic floor” is a group of muscles that control urination and bowel movements, but also supports and affects all the muscles, ligaments and organs in the pelvic area. 

The pelvic floor is affected at puberty, pre and postpartum, peri menopause, and menopause. The hormonal changes, especially at those times, can affect pelvic tissue, muscle strength, leakage, vaginal and pelvic tissue changes, pelvic area pain and positive stability.  Many conditions in the pelvic area, from tail bone pain, deep hip pain, and prolapses may be helped by pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation.

We have all heard of Kegel exercises as the answer to incontinence, but do we know the correct way to do them or that they are not the answer for every condition?  Relaxation techniques may be required for some conditions.

A couple of the big take aways were:

            Don’t Stop moving

            Connect your breath and the core

            Do exercises and strength training

            Early intervention increases the chances of success without surgery

            Get to know your body in the pelvic area.

For pelvic floor issues, the right approach needs to the determined.  A balance of strength, coordination and relaxation.  A pelvic floor specialist can help you determine the right approach to help you.

Get informed and spread the word.  It is no longer a dirty secret we cannot talk about.