Pelvic Health and Alignment

I realise that I've been going on and on about shortened pelvic floor muscles, but what are they really?  Muscles have a very specific length that allows them to function optimally according to a length-tension (strength) relationship.  Length-Tension Relationship* This demonstrates that a muscle that is too short or too long has a decreased ability to contract compared to when it is within it's ideal range. A tight muscle is not necessarily a strong muscle, instead it is unable to function and respond appropriately to required demands because it is never able to contract through its full range.  Shortened pelvic floor muscles can manifest in many different ways: Stress urinary incontinence - leaking with cough/sneezing, laughing, running and jumping Pelvic pain - tailbone , pubic bone, SIJ or lower back pain Pain with sex Decreased sensation or difficulty achieving orgasm with sex Constipation Higher risk of perineal tearing with a vagina...

Intimacy can be a big part of a woman's relationship and identity. When sexual pain gets in the way, it can begin to affect the connection you have with your partner, your femininity, sexuality and confidence.  Seems like an unusual topic for a physio to be involved in, however sexual pain and dysfunction makes up around 40% of my current caseload! At a recent group meeting with other Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, a number of them expressed that in another life/different career they would probably be sex therapists. And now I can see why. It is a incredibly rewarding area to treat as you see the results and each individual's confidence grow.  While it is an area not often talked about between women of previous generations, there is now a lot more research emerging about female sexual pain and I'm pretty excited to be spreading the word about this growing field. There are now a lot of helpful books and resources available that have been published in the last ten...