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Physical Therapy

The Intricacies of the Pelvic Floor: A Vital Component of Core Function

The question is, what is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that resides at the bottom of the pelvis. I have a female pelvic model right here. Everything you see in white is bone. Everything you see in red is the pelvic floor which is muscle. It's bordered by the pubic symphysis in the front, the spine, and the sacrum and the tailbone in the back and bottom, and the hip bones on the side. The pelvic floor has three muscle layers. The first being the most superficial. That's around the anal opening, the vaginal opening, and the urethral opening. The second layer is a little bit deeper in and surrounds the urethra. And the third layer term, typically the levator ani muscle group is a little bit deeper in the pelvis. These three muscle layers help to support bowel function, bladder function, sexual function, and are an integral part of the core. You have your pelvic floor at the bottom. You have your diaphragm at the top, in the bottom of the thoracic cage. You have multifidi muscles which are segmental spinal stabilizers in the back, and your transverse abdominis which is a broad, flat core muscle that help to cohesively and effectively engage your core muscles, and make sure that you have full function to provide support for your daily activities.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis that helps to support bowel, bladder, and sexual function. It consists of three layers (the most superficial around the anal, vaginal, and urethral openings) and works together with the diaphragm, multifidi muscles, and transverse abdominis to provide full core muscle activation and support for daily activities.

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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis. It is bordered by the pubic symphysis in the front, the spine and sacrum in the back, and the hip bones on the sides. The pelvic floor consists of three muscle layers. The first layer is the most superficial and surrounds the anal, vaginal, and urethral openings. The second layer is deeper and surrounds the urethra. The third layer, known as the levator ani muscle group, is even deeper in the pelvis.

These muscles play a crucial role in supporting bowel function, bladder function, and sexual function. They are also an integral part of the core, which includes the pelvic floor at the bottom, the diaphragm at the top of the thoracic cage, the multifidi muscles in the back, and the transverse abdominis, a broad, flat core muscle. Together, these muscles work cohesively to provide support and enable proper functioning for daily activities.

What are some good positions to give birth in to help reduce tearing and tailbone fracture?

Optimal birth positions: reduce tearing & tailbone fracture

The question is, what are the best positions to give birth in to reduce tearing and tailbone fracture? When we give birth vaginally, the pelvic floor muscles have to expand like almost three times their length. What also needs to happen is there needs to be flexibility in the sacroiliac joint and in the sacral coccygeal joint, which is the joint between the sacrum and the tailbone. A lot of times, women give birth on their back with their knees up. And while this is a really good relaxation position for the pelvic floor, it also immobilizes your sacrum, your tailbone, and your SI joints because this lying flat on your back against the table, and they can't expand appropriately. Some positions that might be more optimal are actually in side lying, squatting, whether it's holding on to the bed or holding on to a thera ball also in the quadruped position on your hands and knees. And all of these positions allow more flexibility in the pelvic floor itself, but also in the associated joints that need to move around it.

The best positions to reduce tearing and tailbone fracture during childbirth are side-lying, squatting, and the quadruped position on hands and knees. These positions allow more flexibility in the pelvic floor and associated joints.

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When considering positions for giving birth to reduce tearing and tailbone fracture, it's important to understand the mechanics involved. During vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles need to expand significantly. Additionally, flexibility in the sacroiliac joint and the sacral coccygeal joint (between the sacrum and tailbone) is necessary.

The common practice of giving birth on one's back with knees up can restrict the movement of the sacrum, tailbone, and SI joints. While this position is helpful for pelvic floor relaxation, it may not allow for appropriate expansion.

Optimal positions to consider include side-lying, squatting (holding onto the bed or a thera ball), and the quadruped position (on hands and knees). These positions allow for greater flexibility in the pelvic floor and the associated joints that need to move during birth.

As an expert, why are you interested in using AnyQuestion?

Vetted experts shed light on specialized healthcare questions

There are too many reasons why I'm really excited to use. Any question the first being is that there are so many questions on the internet. So many places that you can find information and not, all of it is evidence-based accurate or being put forth by the most resourceful source. And in any question you truly have vetted experts in their field answering questions to other Healthcare professionals to the general public to people who are just genuinely interested. In what they do and have questions about their health care and well-being. The second reason is because this is a great platform to be able to answer questions about my specialty in particular Orthopedic, physical therapy and pelvic Health, Physical Therapy. I feel like there is not enough information out there regarding what pelvic Health Petey's do for both men and women and it's really great to answer these questions. Both from people who are willing to Voice, who they are and what they're experiencing, but also from people Who who aren't comfortable asking these questions directly. So I am really excited to shed more light on public health, physical therapy and what pelvic help Petey's do. So more people can feel more comfortable coming forward with these symptoms that they're experiencing a know that we can provide help. So really looking forward to answering more questions. Thanks.

I'm excited to use this platform to answer questions about my specialty in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. This is a great way to provide information to people who may not feel comfortable asking their questions directly, and to help shed more light on what public health physical therapists do for both men and women.

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There are several reasons why I'm excited to use AnyQuestion. Firstly, the internet is filled with numerous sources of information, but not all of it is accurate or evidence-based. AnyQuestion provides a platform where vetted experts in their respective fields can answer questions, ensuring reliable and trustworthy information is shared with healthcare professionals, the general public, and anyone seeking knowledge about their health and well-being.

Secondly, AnyQuestion allows me to answer questions specifically related to my specialty in Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. There is a lack of sufficient information available regarding the role of pelvic health PT for both men and women. This platform gives me the opportunity to shed light on this topic and address questions from individuals who may not feel comfortable discussing their concerns directly. By providing accurate information, I hope to encourage more people to come forward with their symptoms and seek the help they need.

Overall, I am eager to utilize AnyQuestion to share my expertise, educate others, and contribute to a more informed and comfortable healthcare experience for all.

What’s the biggest misconception about pelvic floor PT?

Demystifying Pelvic Floor PT: It's Not Just for Women!

The question is, what is the most common misconception about pelvic floor, Physical Therapy. There are a couple that come to mind, but I think the main one is that, most people think that pelvic Health PT is only for women in like the prenatal and postpartum period. And while we can do so many things with people who are about to give birth, who have just given birth and who are in that postpartum period from a bowel dysfunction perspective, from a urinary dysfunction perspective, from a pain perspective from a Turnt activity perspective, men children and people who have undergone gender reassignment surgery also have a pelvic floor. And if are they are having any of the previous stated issues that are of musculoskeletal nature. Those, those people can also be helped by a pelvic floor, physical therapist men who are experiencing sexual dysfunction urinary dysfunction bowel dysfunction, and they've been to a GI a gyro A urologist and haven't had appropriate relief either with medication or activity modification and have had testing done. Sometimes it can be due to dysfunction of the pelvic floor, children, who are experiencing bedwetting, constipation. Same thing. If the pediatrician is not really sure where it's coming from and doesn't think it's organic in nature. Sometimes, pelvic Health PT can really be the answer for behavior modification. And also giving them toileting strategies And exercises to help improve pelvic floor function and the transgender Community. There needs to be more coursework. There needs to be more education. But again, working with these patients to, really, optimize pelvic floor. Function, is something that there needs to be more education, about more knowledge about not just in the general Community but in the Healthcare Community in as a whole. So here I am trying to spread the word about pelvic Health PT and how it's not just for pregnant folks and postpartum women. It really can benefit everyone if the treatment plan is appropriate for their symptomatology.

The most common misconception about pelvic floor Physical Therapy is that it is only for pregnant and postpartum women. In reality, men, children, and people who have undergone gender reassignment surgery can also benefit from working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to optimize their pelvic floor function and address symptoms such as urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pain, and sexual dysfunction.

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The biggest misconception about pelvic floor physical therapy is that it is only for women during the prenatal and postpartum period. While pelvic health PT is indeed beneficial for individuals in these stages, it can also help men, children, and those who have undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Men experiencing sexual dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, or bowel dysfunction, and who have not found relief through medication or other interventions, can benefit from pelvic floor PT. Children dealing with bedwetting or constipation, where the cause is not organic, can also find help through behavior modification and pelvic floor exercises.

In the transgender community, there is a need for more education and coursework. Working with these patients to optimize pelvic floor function requires increased knowledge and understanding, not only within the general community but also within the healthcare community as a whole.

It is important to spread awareness that pelvic floor PT is not limited to pregnant individuals and postpartum women. It has the potential to benefit anyone if the treatment plan is tailored to their specific symptoms and needs.

Can I do the same exercises I have been doing before pregnancy throughout all 3 trimesters?

Exercise during pregnancy: Key considerations and expert advice

Question is, can I do the same exercises? I have been doing before pregnancy throughout all three trimesters. This is a great question, I would say first and foremost, it is always a good idea to check with your obstetrician or Midwife to see if they have a strong opinion based on your past medical history. If there is a history of cardiac issues or they've diagnosed you with placenta previa, those are two definite things that they are going to want to make sure that you are modifying your activity accordingly or limiting your activity. Based on what they feel is most appropriate for you. That being said, if you are given the clear by your obstetrician or Midwife to continue your exercise, you want to be specific in what you were doing before. Because they may not know that you've run marathons or that you've done heavy powerlifting. And they may just think you mean walking around, you know, the block or doing some light yoga or Pilates, be specific about what you are doing and what you want to be doing. And then it's also a really good idea to consult with a Public health, physical therapist, to kind of work through some of those activities and make sure that you are performing those exercises and activities with proper posture, proper core engagement, and that you're able to support your pelvic floor, your abdominal wall, your lower back appropriately, I have had several women who have been able to run endurance, running train for marathons, even do powerlifting really all throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Usually, in the first trimester is that he's a little easier to maintain your level of exercise. The things you want to look out for is any increased cramping in the lower abdominal area, and it increases in low back pain, nausea, dizziness over fatigue. Things like that. You really want to make sure that you're paying attention to what your body is doing and scaling back if you need to second and third trimesters, I highly recommend working with either a personal trainer that is skilled in the prenatal it'll and postpartum specialty or pelvic, Health PT, who is going to help you demonstrate and perform these exercises in a Good biomechanical way. So that you're not adding extra stress to your low back. There are a number of changes that happen during pregnancy that allow for increased blood volume and increase ligamentous laxity. And you just want to make sure that with your center of gravity, changing with a growing belly. You're able to do these

It is always a good idea to check with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning any exercise routine during pregnancy. If they give you the green light, it is important to be specific about what kind of exercises you are doing and consult with a physical therapist to ensure you are performing them in a safe and biomechanically correct way. Additionally, make sure to pay attention to your body for any signs of increased cramping, low back pain, nausea, dizziness or fatigue.

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Can I continue doing the same exercises throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy? It's important to consult with your obstetrician or midwife to get their opinion based on your medical history. Certain conditions like cardiac issues or placenta previa may require modifications or limitations to your activity.

If you receive clearance from your healthcare provider to continue exercising, be specific about the type of exercises you were doing before pregnancy. They may not be aware of your previous level of activity. Additionally, consider consulting with a public health physical therapist who can guide you in performing exercises with proper posture, core engagement, and support for your pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and lower back.

Some women have been able to continue running marathons or engaging in powerlifting throughout all three trimesters. However, it's important to pay attention to any increased cramping, low back pain, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. Listen to your body and scale back if necessary.

In the second and third trimesters, it's highly recommended to work with a personal trainer experienced in prenatal and postpartum exercise or a pelvic health physical therapist. They can help you perform exercises in a biomechanically sound way, considering the changes in blood volume, ligament laxity, and shifting center of gravity that occur during pregnancy.

Unlocking the Mystery of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The question is, what is pelvic floor? Dysfunction pelvic floor. Dysfunction is kind of this umbrella term that's used to describe an inefficiency, a lack of strength or a lack of coordination among the pelvic floor, muscle group, the pelvic floor, just like any other muscle group needs to be able to contract appropriately and needs to be able to relax appropriately. And it even needs to be able to lengthen and stretch appropriately to support bowel Health, bladder health, and sexual function because they are so closely related to the anal opening. The The vaginal opening and the urethral opening if these muscles are too tight, it can lead to symptoms such as constipation, incomplete emptying, if the muscles are too loose or lakhs or overstretched it can lead to something as common as urinary incontinence. All of these things have to do with how your pelvic floor, muscles are functioning and coordinating. It also has to do with power of the muscle group and endurance of the muscle group. These are all things that a public health, physical therapist can measure during an initial evaluation determine if these muscles are working appropriately.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is an umbrella term used to describe any inefficiency, lack of strength or coordination among the muscles of the pelvic floor. This can lead to various bladder and bowel health issues such as constipation, incomplete emptying, and urinary incontinence. A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate and measure these factors to help determine if your pelvic floor muscles are working appropriately.

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Pelvic floor dysfunction is an umbrella term used to describe inefficiency, lack of strength, or lack of coordination among the pelvic floor muscle group. The pelvic floor muscles, like any other muscle group, need to contract, relax, and stretch appropriately to support bowel health, bladder health, and sexual function. If these muscles are too tight, it can lead to symptoms like constipation and incomplete emptying. On the other hand, if the muscles are too loose or overstretched, it can result in urinary incontinence. The functioning and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as their power and endurance, can be assessed by a pelvic floor physical therapist during an initial evaluation.

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Staci is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Columbia University, where she earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with honors. She is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) and a member of the APTA’s Orthopedic and Women’s Health Section. She is also a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner and HSS Hip Rehabilitation Preservation Certified Clinician. She specializes in treating athletes, runners, and triathletes with orthopedic and sports injuries, pre/post surgical diagnoses, prenatal and post-partum patients, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and more. Staci is striving to become a Certified Functional Manual Therapist and regularly attends continuing education courses to stay up to date with the latest evidence-based practices. She is an avid runner, having completed 5 marathons, and relates to athletes striving to get back to their sport pain-free.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Staci Levine, DPT, OCS, PRPC