Womens Pelvic Floor Health
SHHH. Women are not taught about the most important part of their bodies- their Pelvic Floor. I am here to have this important conversation with you. I am a trusted practitioner who can help! We need to change the narrative and stigma around the Pelvic Floor and Pelvic Floor dysfunction. It is never normal to leak and sex should always be pleasurable and pain free!
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The Pelvic Floor is part of the Inner Core Muscles. They work synergistically with the respiratory diaphragm, the transverse abdominis, and the thoraco/lumbar muscles and fascia. The pelvic floor has three main jobs: elimination, sexual function, and support of the organs of the pelvis and the spine up to the head.
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When this synergy is not working, it leaves us with embarrassing problems such as urinary and bowel incontinence, sexual problems, organ prolapse or pain. The statistics are astounding- 1 in 3 women will have Pelvic Floor issues in their lifetime. Women often struggle in silence or assume these issues are normal due to pregnancy , postpartum and aging.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
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Leaking urine with activity, exercise or when I sneeze or cough.
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Trouble starting a stream of urine.
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Strong urges to go to the bathroom and have trouble holding on.
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Excessive toileting, more than once every 2-3 hours.
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Constipation and strain to empty my bowels.
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Feeling as if you did not get it all out.
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Pain with sex, difficulty with arousal or struggle to reach orgasm.
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Difficulty or pain keeping a tampon in.
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A feeling of heaviness or pressure in my vagina or rectum.
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Pain in the tailbone, sacrum or pelvis.
We believe in Holistic Care. At your first appointment, together we will review your health history, learn about your habits, routines, lifestyle and what is important to you. We will then observe your breath, posture and alignment, muscle strength and weakness, and conduct a pelvic observation/evaluation if deemed appropriate. The pelvic exam is done in whatever way you are comfortable. An internal exam is helpful but not necessary. Michelle’s calm presence will make you feel comfortable and at ease but you are always in control of the session.
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Pelvic floor therapy is about Empowerment. Treatment will help you learn about your body and give you tools and strategies to take back control of these important life sustaining bodily functions. Treatment strategies include: Autonomic nervous system regulation, Proper breathing and posture management, Therapeutic exercise, Manual Therapies, Scar massage, bowel and bladder retraining and lifestyle education.
Imagine what your life would be like when:
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You can run, jump and play with your kids or grandkids without worry?
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You could attend all of your events without panicking about where the bathrooms are.
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You do not have to carry or change pads throughout the day.
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You have an easy bowel movement without straining
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You have comfortable and enjoyable intimacy.
