We all know each home has the classic “junk drawer”. Maybe filled with random batteries, koozies, tape, super glue, rubber bands, or in my case, the box my iPhone came in five years ago. Essentially, whatever we don’t want to deal with, we shove it in the junk drawer to maybe sort out another day. This is exactly what our brain likes to do with any stressors in life and why I like to call our hips and pelvic floor the junk drawers of our lives…whatever our brain doesn’t want to process, it gets stored in our pelvic floor as tension.
Don’t believe me? Do you ever drive in traffic and find your shoulders raised to your ears from frustration or stress? Just get off a work call and you have a headache from clenching your jaw so hard? I am willing to bet that your pelvic floor muscles were also tense in both examples. When we experience chronic emotional or physical stress it can result in chronic pain in all areas of our bodies, but especially our pelvic floor, hips, or lower back.
Our pelvic floor tenses from stress because our nervous system is highly concentrated in that region due to the rich network of nerves needed to control our bowel, bladder, and sexual function. In return, stressors in life overtime can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, and hip or low back pain.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Tension
Pelvic floor tension occurs when the muscles in this area become overly tight, leading to various physical and emotional issues. It can result from various factors, including:
Chronic Stress: Emotional stress can manifest physically, leading to muscle tightness.
Injury or Trauma: Childbirth, surgery, or any trauma can impact pelvic floor muscles.
Posture: Poor positioning, especially from prolonged sitting, can contribute to tension.
High-Impact Activities: Certain exercises may place excessive strain on the pelvic area.
The Ripple Effect of Tension on Health
Physical Discomfort and Pain
Chronic pelvic floor tension can lead to a range of discomforts, including pelvic pain, lower back pain, and even hip pain. Individuals may experience pain during intercourse, urination, or bowel movements, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Incontinence Issues
While many associate incontinence with weakened pelvic floor muscles, it can also result from excessive tension. The muscles may be so tight that they cannot relax to allow normal bladder function, leading to urinary urgency or frequency.
Digestive Problems
The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in bowel function. Tension in these muscles can lead to issues such as constipation or difficulty with bowel movements, further exacerbating discomfort and stress.
Impact on Mental Health
The physical discomfort caused by pelvic floor tension can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration. The fear of experiencing pain or incontinence can lead to avoidance of activities or social situations, impacting overall well-being.
Breathing Difficulties
The diaphragm and pelvic floor work together to support optimal breathing patterns. Tension in the pelvic floor can affect how we breathe, leading to shallow breathing and increased stress levels.
Time to Get Organized!
Utilizing a pelvic floor specialist should aid in re-arranging that “junk drawer” to a more functioning space in your home (your body). Everyone’s junk drawer looks different insinuating that everyone’s treatment approach will look slightly different too! Here are a few ways we would start to organize your junk drawer into a more functioning space in your home:
Reduce life stressors
Learn to release your pelvic floor muscle tension
Breathing techniques
Mindfulness and awareness
Apply it to functional movements within your favorite exercise program
Pelvic floor tension is a significant health issue that deserves attention. By addressing this tension, you can improve not only your physical comfort but also your emotional and mental well-being. If you suspect you’re experiencing pelvic floor tension, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Empowered Physical Therapy. Taking the first step toward pelvic health can lead to a more balanced, comfortable, and fulfilling life.
Remember, your pelvic floor health is integral to your overall well-being—don’t overlook it!
Comments