In fact, certain daily habits that seem unrelated or harmless may actually be doing damage.
Doing kegels all day
Imagine if you flexed your biceps all day?
That repeated stress can weaken or even damage your muscles.
Or try switching up the speed of your Kegels, she adds.
Not only is this habit damaging to our body image, but its also harmful to our pelvic floor.
Sucking in your belly, also called abdominal gripping, can lead to somepelvic floor dysfunction says Lettenberger.
pelvic floor physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments and director of Bespoke Women
This can put increased pressure on your pelvic muscles and cause tightness.
Allow your belly to expand with your breath and naturally contract with your exhale, Lettenberger says.
But this habit can actually affect your pelvic floor.
Turns out, your pelvic floor works in unison with your breath, says Lettenberger.
As you inhale, your pelvic floor naturally relaxes, and as you exhale, it contracts.
And sometimes when we hold our breath, we unintentionally bear down.
This becomes potentially harmful because it increases the pressure on your abdomen and pelvic floor, says Lettenberger.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
When slouching, we also tend to tuck our pelvis under us, says Lettenberger.
pelvic floor physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments and director of Bespoke Women
No one can maintain perfect posture all day long.
But monitoring your slouching can help.
make a run at catch yourself, says Lettenberger.
Take five to 10 deep, full breaths to reset.
Or tryexercises to correct your posture.
Wearing tight clothes
Believe it or not, what you wear can affect your pelvic floor health.
Again, this increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can put additional strain on the pelvic floor.
Not only will your pelvic floor thank you, but youll likely feel more comfortable, too.
But this seemingly benign bathroom habit can be bad for your pelvic floor.
This is one thing I strongly suggest you try not to do, says Lettenberger.
Heres why:
When you pee or poop, your pelvic floor needs to relax.
But blowing your nose often causes the opposite effect.
When done often enough, this bearing down can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, she says.
So, how can you tell if your pelvic floor is weak?
If you have any of these symptoms, you may benefit from seeing apelvic floor therapistfor treatment.
Tip:Need help locating a pelvic floor specialist?
Resources likePelvicRehab.comand theAcademy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapycan help you find a qualified pelvic health therapist in your area.
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