Pelvic Floor
1. Movement! Think of the effect of immobility on the continence of sedentary elders.
2. Vibration – whole body vibration also involves Pelvic Floor muscles too!
3. Instability – the whole core is activated included TVA which is a synergist of PF.
4. Adduction – due muscular & fascial links between adductors of the Femur and PF.
5. Abduction – due muscular & fascial links between the deep lateral rotators of the Femur and the PF.
6. Multi-Planar Movement –a combination of stimulation of adductors and the stretch reflex occurring in the PF muscles.
7. Flexion & Extension
8. Working against gravity, especially with speed and power.
9. TVA Activation & Diaphragmatic Breathing – TVA, Diaphragm and PF muscles are synergists.
10. Integrated Co-Activation of PF through activation of the Muscular
Sling and fascial systems ie., full body integrated/compound movements.
Pelvic Floor
‘Turn On’s’ / Strengtheners
Pelvic Floor ‘Turn Offs’ / Weakeners
1. Immobility, sedentary lifestyle
2. Combative sports or those that involve body blows (consider a parallel bar gymnast).
3. Anterior tilted pelvis (the usual pelvic position of the Pre & Post Natal client).
4. Over-active Piriformis – seen by some as part of the Posterior PF.
5. Pregnancy (stretching of the PF muscles by the weight of a growing baby).
6. Vaginal birthing especially when assisted – produces varying degrees of soft tissue trauma that can have a direct impact on the function and connection to the PF muscles post birth.
7. C-Section –crucial synergistic core ligaments, nerves, skin, blood vessels and fascia are severed and take many months to repair/ reconnect
8. Cognitive impairment
9. Persistent coughing without mindful control of the increased intra-abdominal pressure.
10. Obesity - causes chronic increase intra-abdominal pressure.
11. Menopause – causes a fall in Oestrogen production which affects connective tissue formation and strength.
12. Ageing – an ongoing decrease in Collagen and Elastin formation affects connective tissue tension and less resistance to gravity