Learn about pelvic floor problems and how they can be strengthened. Discover the interviewee's passion for pelvic floor health and rehabilitation. Understand the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor. Explore challenges in accessing healthcare and the importance of basic education. Learn about pelvic floor health and a business mastery course. Explore the limitations of calorie counting for weight loss.
Pelvic floor problems affect both men and women of all ages, not just postpartum women.
Pelvic floor health requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simple kegel exercises.
Deep dives
Pelvic floor problems affect both men and women of all ages
Pelvic floor problems are commonly associated with postpartum women, but the reality is that it affects both men and women of all ages. While older individuals may experience more difficulties with pelvic floor issues, it can impact anyone. The pelvic floor is a net of muscles at the base of the pelvis that can be strengthened and trained like any other muscle. However, finding and strengthening these muscles can be more challenging than other exercises.
Understanding the role of a pelvic health physiotherapist
In this podcast episode, Lucas Rockwood interviews Claire Borne, a specialized pelvic health physiotherapist. Claire explains that she stumbled upon this field by accident during her physiotherapy training and fell in love with it. She decided to specialize in pelvic health and has been helping individuals with various pelvic floor-related conditions, such as incontinence, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Claire emphasizes the importance of breaking the taboo around these issues and providing support and education to all genders.
What is the pelvic floor and common misconceptions
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis that support the organs in the pelvic region, including the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum. Claire clarifies that there is a misconception that the pelvic floor is related to abdominal muscles when, in fact, they are located deep within the pelvis. She highlights that pelvic floor dysfunction, which includes symptoms like incontinence, pain, and prolapse, has always been common but often goes unaddressed due to shame, lack of awareness, and limited treatments options in the past.
Pelvic floor health, exercise, and rehabilitation
Discussing exercise and pelvic floor health, Claire explains that impact exercises like jumping on a trampoline or running can be perceived as risky for individuals with pelvic floor issues. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns through pelvic floor rehabilitation, which involves more than just simple kegel exercises. Claire highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that includes looking at how the pelvic floor muscles work in coordination with other muscles, incorporating exercises that promote strength and flexibility, and addressing any misconceptions around pelvic floor-related exercises.
Pelvic floor problems affect an estimated 40 percent of the population. Common symptoms include incontinence, prolapse, premature ejaculation, and irregular bowel movements. Your pelvic floor is a muscular net that supports your bladder, bowels, and in women the uterus. Those muscles can be trained and strengthened just like your biceps - but it’s a little more tricky to learn how. On this week’s podcast, we meet a physiotherapist who specializes in this area of the body.
Listen and learn:
How to take charge of your pelvic floor health
Whether pee-stop-pee is a safe practice for strengthening
Do apps and gizmos actually work? Are they worth it?
Will you ever be able to jump on a trampoline or deadlift again?
Are medical interventions such as collagen fillers, botox, and surgery effective?
Clare Bourne is a pelvic health physiotherapist. She works with extremely common but rarely discussed issues such as incontinence and prolapse. She is the author of Strong Foundations: Why Pelvic Health Matters.