At Impact Physio &Sport Clinic, we have been successfully treating various pelvic floor dysfunctions in both male and female populations for the last decade . We have Certified Rost Therapy Clinician and Certified Pfilates ( pelvic floor pilates) clinician on board to meet our client needs in time.
What Exactly is Pfilates??
Pfilates is a program of neuromuscular conditioning based on extensive EMG recordings taken from the pelvic floor. Pfilates was created by an American Urogynecologist to provide a method of home pelvic floor fitness training accessible to a broad population.
Pelvic floor disorders are absolutely epidemic. Stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are so commonplace they are often regarded as the inevitable consequences of childbirth and aging. When these conditions are treated they are to often regarded as purely mechanical disorders requiring a surgical solution. Although trained as a surgeon I have come to regard these disorders as principally neuromuscular disorders deserving of a neuromuscular solution.
It is clear that programs of pelvic floor neuromuscular rehabilitation successfully improve pelvic floor symptoms. Such programs typically involve a set schedule of isometric pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) that must be continued long term. It is also clearly established that very few women will continue to perform this type of isometric exercises for an extended period of time.
In creating the Pfilates program we have ventured to provide a plyometric (movement oriented) method of pelvic floor exercise that could be incorporated in to any regular fitness routine. Our neuromuscular research reveals that movements which engage the external hip rotators, adductors of the thigh, transverses abdominals, and gluteal muscles also facilitate, or induce, a pelvic floor contraction. This information has proven especially useful for women unable to perform an isolated voluntary pelvic floor contraction.
The Pfilates program is a simple program consisting of ten movements presented in the same order in three different phases (beginning, intermediate, and advanced). Each of the Pfilates movements includes a series of repetitions followed by a hold phase and a pulse phase at the point of peak engagement of the pelvic floor. As such these movements encourage the development of the three essential elements of neuromuscular performance: strength, endurance, and coordination.
DID YOU KNOW....
Published in the April issue of the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology is a very interesting article about the association of Vitamin D levels and pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence. The findings include: 1. Low Vit D (2. Low Vit D was associated with a greater risk of urinary incontinence in women over the age of 50. This is interesting and totally consistent with the notion that most pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, are principally the result of neuromuscular dysfunction. We know that low Vitamin D levels are associated with muscle weakness, poor coordination, increased “body sway”, and increased risk of falls among the elderly. Once again we must try to look at the pelvic floor like any other neuromuscular system. Weakness, poor coordination, and poor endurance are the cardinal elements of poor pelvic floor performance. As we try to improve performance of the pelvic floor we must consider all contributing factors including nutritional elements, in this case Vitamin D.
The question for the day: Is your vitamin D level over 30? If you don’t know time to get it checked.
