In the “Beyond Kegals” Seminar on July 26th, 2018, Jamie Lochner, DPT, PRC, discussed how pelvic position can affect the ability of the pelvic floor muscles (also known as the pelvic diaphragm) to work correctly leading to pain, incontinence, constipation, etc. When the position of the pelvic is altered, spine and rib cage position are changed as well which also causes dysfunction of our respiratory diaphragm.
Ken Smith, PTA, led a demonstration of how learning to fully exhale (by blowing up a balloon) can improve respiratory diaphragm and pelvic diaphragm synchronization and proper function.
Lola Rosenbaum, DPT, discussed how pelvic health physical therapy can help with male and female urinary and fecal leakage, urinary frequency, and pelvic pain. Performing exercises to allow the pelvic diaphragm and respiratory diaphragm to work together again and help get the pelvis, spine, and rib cage back into the correct position can resolve the issues of pelvic pain, incontinence, and constipation. When coming to the Cantrell Center for pelvic health matters, our expert clinicians will perform a thorough evaluation which will then allow them to design an exercise program specifically for you to ensure that your pelvis is in the correct position and that your pelvic floor muscles are able to function correctly.
Ken Smith, PTA, looks at shoulder range of motion to assess rib cage position and respiratory diaphragm function.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, or kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that support the pelvis but must be done correctly to achieve results and aren’t the cure for every pelvic floor problem. People with pelvic pain or overactive muscles can be taught to relax the pelvic floor muscles to reduce pain. Biofeedback with a device such as the Kehel can be used to teach how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. The importance of diet, fluid intake, posture, and positioning during elimination is also covered in therapy.
People who have problems with pain in their low back, pelvis, genitals, or rectum, pelvic muscle spasms, a frequent need to urinate, painful intercourse, or chronic constipation and straining with bowel movements can be referred for physical therapy after seeing their physician.
About the Authors
Lola Rosenbaum, DPT, and Jamie, DPT, PRC, teamed up with Tassie Cantrell, MPT, and Ken Smith, PTA, to bring you the “Beyond Kegals” Seminar. Lola and Jamie teamed up again to bring you this post-seminar review. Lola has been with the Cantrell Center for 15 years and Jamie has been with the Cantrell Center for 9 years.
