In this informative and essential episode, we’re joined by Jude, a pelvic floor specialist, to talk all things pelvic floor health and how it ties into exercise and training—for both women and men.
Jude breaks down the basics of how a healthy pelvic floor should function, the difference between underactive and overactive muscles, and why pelvic health matters at every stage of life.
We also dive into the common issues postnatal clients face when returning to exercise, what can happen if these issues are ignored, and the best ways to support your pelvic floor both pre- and postnatally.
This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to train smart, protect their core, and truly understand their body from the inside out.
🧠💪 Empowering, educational, and something we
all need to be talking about.
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The content discussed in this video is for general information purposes only. No material on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician or other trusted health care provider before undertaking any new health care regimen contained in this video.
Anatomy: 2 layers of muscle:
Deep = Levator Ani. (Pubo-coccygeus, Pubo-Rectalis, Iliococcygeus and Ischiococcygeus)
Superficial layer: Anal sphincter, Bulbocavernosus, Ischiocavernosus, Transvers perineal muscles
Healthy muscle= good quality muscle has some tone (but doesn’t need to be tense constantly) needs to have the strength and endurance, flexibility and coordination to enable us to do the things we choose.
Analogy of a trampoline useful.
When exercising we are relying on the pelvic floor muscle to absorb force (heel strike) and contract to support the internal organs against intra-abdominal pressure and close pelvic openings- urethra, vagina ano-rectum continence and function with other core muscles.
There are times when the PFM needs to be able to relax ie emptying the bladder or bowel and during penetrative sex, intimate examinations.
Risk factors for PFM dysfunction:
Connective tissue considerations with forms of hypermobility ( risk of prolapse)
Why do women come to see a Pelvic /Women’s health Physio?
How can we support the pelvic floor during the childbearing period?
Australian Physiotherapy Association, Find a Physio website
Continence Foundation of Australia – lots of resources.
Canadian Guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy 2019
Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetric and Gynaecologists Guidelines for exercise during pregnancy: https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Exercise-During-Pregnancy.pdf
