Written by: Maternity Exercise Academy. Commercial partnership.
Mobility is one of the body’s fundamental characteristics that is worth maintaining and developing. Good and sufficient mobility in the joints, tendons, and muscles makes it easier to move around and go about daily life. Everyone knows that feeling when your joints are stiff and mobility is nowhere to be found—you feel sluggish, stiff, and even sore.
Mobility is also an important aspect of pelvic floor health, and various pelvic floor problems can result from muscle tension and limited mobility.
The Connection Between the Pelvic Floor and the Rest of the Body
The pelvic floor muscles are located on the inside of the pelvic bones, at the bottom of the pelvis, and they support the internal organs. The pelvic floor muscles have many important functions: they provide continence, influence sexual function, support vital organs, and are part of the deep core support system.
The pelvic floor functions as part of a larger system, and therefore tension in other parts of the body also affects the pelvic floor. The hip flexors, glutes, thigh adductors, and abdominal muscles are located in close proximity to the pelvic floor and are part of the same muscular fascia structures. If there is tension, stiffness, or restricted movement in these muscle groups, symptoms may manifest in the pelvic floor.
Common pelvic floor symptoms
There are many pelvic floor symptoms caused by muscle tension, the most common of which are various types of pain in the pelvis and pelvic floor. Sometimes numbness can also be a symptom, as well as various bladder and bowel dysfunction issues.
When you start working on your pelvic floor, it’s important to take a holistic approach to improving mobility throughout your entire body. A well-rounded mobility routine benefits your whole body, and you rarely regret doing these exercises—quite the opposite!
As mobility improves, blood circulation and metabolism are enhanced throughout the pelvic region and pelvic floor, which improves pelvic floor function—including urinary control, sexual sensation, and body support.
Breathing is an important part of mobility training, and you shouldn’t hold your breath during the movements in an attempt to endure the sensations caused by the exercise. So next time, remember to breathe easily while doing your mobility exercises. As you settle into a stretch, focus on breathing toward your lower abdomen and lower back, your sides, and your pelvic floor. Breathe into the areas where you feel pain and let your body relax—you’re sure to notice a difference in your body’s flexibility, and you’ll improve the health of your pelvic floor at the same time.
Recommendation: The Relax & Enjoy Program from the Maternity Exercise Academy
If you're looking for ways to relax your pelvic floor and pelvic area, check out the Relax & Enjoy program from the Maternity Exercise Academy!
Use the code RELAX12 to get 30% off the program through the end of December.