Diaphragm Breathing and The Surprising Link to Your Pelvic Floor Health
Have you ever considered that the simple act of breathing could influence your pelvic health? At Chicago Pelvic Health, we specialize in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PT) and understand the intricate relationship between diaphragm breathing and pelvic floor function. In this blog, we'll explore how proper breathing techniques can prevent and alleviate pelvic floor dysfunctions, and how our specialized PT services in Chicago can help you achieve optimal well-being.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor and Diaphragm Relationship
Many Chicagoland residents experience pelvic floor dysfunction without realizing that improper diaphragm breathing may be a contributing factor. Symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction can often be linked to breathing patterns. By understanding how your diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles work together, you can take proactive steps to improve your health.
How Diaphragm Breathing Affects Pelvic Floor Function
When you inhale, your diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and causing the pelvic floor muscles to eccentrically lengthen (or stretch) downward. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and recoils upward, and the pelvic floor muscles mirror this and recoil upward. This coordinated movement is essential for maintaining core stability, supporting your pelvic organs, and allowing the pelvic muscles to optimally function.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions Resulting from Improper Diaphragm Breathing:
When the pelvic floor muscles and diaphragm do not work in synchronicity, it doesn’t allow the pelvic floor muscles to shock absorb or work effectively. This could mean tension and or weakness in those muscles, often resulting in symptoms that present like the following:
The Importance of a Holistic Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Approach
At Chicago Pelvic Health, our Board Certified Pelvic Floor PTs focus on retraining both the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles to work harmoniously. This involves a holistic biopsychosocial and head to toe approach to treatment. While it is important to assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles internally, it is also just as important to connect it to the rest of your body. Our experienced therapists prioritize this full body approach which will help address symptoms, but also allow for lasting results that stick with less likelihood of reoccurrence.
Techniques to Improve Diaphragm Breathing and Pelvic Floor Function
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Place Your Hands: Place hands by the sides of your body on your ribs.
Inhale Slowly: Through your nose, allowing your ribs to move sideways into your hands and chest and abdomen to gently rise.
Exhale Gently: Through pursed lips, allowing everything to return to the starting position.
Integrate Pelvic Floor Movement: As you inhale, visualize and sense your pelvic floor moving downward toward your feet; as you exhale, gently sense the pelvic floor muscles move upward toward your torso.
Postural Adjustments
Posture plays a huge role in facilitating proper diaphragm and pelvic floor function. Ensuring that your rib cage is stacked over the pelvis and vice versa is key for optimal pelvic floor movement. Check out our blog post on lower cross and upper cross syndrome for more on postural adjustments. Our therapists will help to get your body an ideal stacked position to allow for better breathing and muscle coordination.
How Chicago Pelvic Health Can Help
Our team is dedicated to addressing the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunctions related to diaphragm breathing concerns.
Personalized Care Plans
We recognize that each patient is unique. Generalized hip or core strengthening exercises might not be as effective, if your body isn’t recruiting the correct muscles. This is were proper cuing and tailored exercise comes in. Our therapists create individualized programs that combine manual therapy, exercises, and education to meet your specific needs.
Expert Guidance
Guidance on lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies are incorporated to maintain your improvements in between therapy sessions. With specialized training in pelvic health, our board certified therapists provide evidence-based treatments to ensure the best outcomes.
Supportive Environment
We offer a comfortable and confidential setting where you can feel comfortable to discuss your concerns openly. This is crucial in treating the pelvic floor, as a holistic biopsychosocial and head to toe approach is critical in lasting improvements.
Evidence Supporting Pelvic Floor PT and Diaphragm Breathing
Research published in the Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy supports that integrating diaphragm breathing exercises with pelvic floor muscle training significantly improves symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Patients reported reduced pain, improved muscle function, and enhanced quality of life.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Pelvic Health
Understanding the link between diaphragm breathing and pelvic floor function is crucial for finding relief to all pelvic floor dysfunctions. By focusing on proper breathing techniques, improving posture, and seeking professional help from a pelvic floor physical therapist, you can alleviate symptoms and regain control over your health.
Take Charge of Your Pelvic Health with Effective Breathing and Professional Support
Don't let pelvic floor dysfunction, like prolapse or incontinence, limit your daily activities or diminish your quality of life. With the right strategies and expert guidance, you can overcome these challenges.
Ready to improve your pelvic health? Contact Chicago Pelvic Health today to schedule a consultation with our specialized Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists.
Written By,
Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health
Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.
