st judes clinic articles
Is your pelvic floor a casualty of poor exercise technique?
Many people are now going to the gym regularly and exercising but are they doing the exercises correctly?
It is not only arms, legs or backs that can suffer through poor exercise technique, the pelvic floor is very much at risk too. Some women in their 20's and 30's risk permanently damaging their pelvic floor muscles through weight training and high impact aerobics and may suffer prematurely from stress incontinence.
The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles which stretch from the pubic bone, to the bottom of the back bone and it supports the organs in the pelvis.
Researchers have shown that 3 million women a year suffer from urinary stress incontinence, which can cause embarrassing leaking of urine during any activity, or when coughing or sneezing. Another study showed that 28% of sporty women were affected. High impact, vigorous jumping, can be risky for some women if performed excessively, i.e. more than three times a week. Poor lifting techniques when using the weight machines can strain the pelvic floor. Also, performing endless sit-ups incorrectly can increase abdominal pressure, which weakens the pelvic musculature. Incorrect techniques include holding your breath, or not tightening your pelvic floor as you sit up.
Even Pilates/Yoga exercises can strain the pelvic muscles, rather than strengthen, if they are repeatedly performed incorrectly. So, it is essential that you attend classes run by a registered instructor, or have been shown exercises by a Chartered Physiotherapist.
If you feel you have a problem with your pelvic floor muscles or would like more information on how not to strain your pelvic floor, please feel free to contact us for further advice.
St Judes has two Physiotherapists who have had in-depth training in this particular area who would be happy to advise you.