Although you can't see it, your pelvic floor plays an important role in your wellbeing. As a group of muscles that lies at the base of your pelvis, it helps to keep your bladder, uterus and bowel in the right position.

As you get older, your pelvic floor will weaken. Women are especially prone to pelvic floor weakening as life events such as the menopause and childbirth take their toll. Fortunately, treatment options such as physiotherapy can make a big difference. If you suspect your pelvic floor is growing weaker, it may help to clear up some myths about it.

It Only Needs Toning During Pregnancy

If you're a woman and you choose to have children, pregnancy is probably the time when you hear the most about your pelvic floor. Your midwife or obstetrician will emphasise doing your kegel exercises because they're useful when you're preparing to give birth.

Although it's true that kegel exercises are great for strengthening your pelvic floor, you need to do them throughout your life to see the most benefits. If you're yet to have a baby, don't wait until you fall pregnant to start toning your pelvic floor. And if you've already had one, continue the good work if you tried kegel exercises before. 

Urinary Incontinence Is a Standard Life Event

Although urinary incontinence is common, that doesn't mean it's normal. It isn't something that you have to grudgingly accept while wearing products that help to absorb the urine.

Physiotherapy treatment is usually a first-line approach for tackling urinary incontinence. The right person can help you perfect your pelvic floor exercises in a non-invasive manner. Additionally, they can suggest other exercises that tackle the muscles surrounding your pelvic floor.

Squeezing is the Most Important Movement

If you do use physiotherapy for strengthening your pelvic floor, you may be tempted to focus a lot on squeezing. However, as with any muscle, the relaxation phase of its movement is as important as the squeezing. This is especially true when you want to achieve a full squeeze.

Before squeezing your pelvic floor, try taking a deep breath. You should find that the muscles that form it relax, which then allows you to move onto a full and effective squeeze. If you're struggling to make it relax, try asking your physiotherapist for other techniques.

By understanding more about the muscles that support your pelvic organs, you can work to strengthen them. When you do, conditions such as urinary incontinence and prolapses become less problematic. Speak with someone who provides physiotherapy treatments for more information. 

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