Toe and foot flexibility play a surprisingly important role in pelvic floor function. While the connection may seem distant, the body is an interconnected system—particularly through the fascial (connective tissue) network and the kinetic chain from feet to pelvis. Here’s how this relationship works and why toe stretches can help support pelvic floor health: Link […]
Simple Toe & Foot Stretches That Support the Pelvic Floor Read More »
Posture: The Structural Foundation One of the foundations of Hypopressive exercise is learning good alignment through a range of functional postures. In good posture, your spine and pelvis are aligned, allowing your core and pelvic floor muscles to activate optimally. Poor posture (e.g. slumped sitting or rib flaring) alters intra-abdominal pressure, making it harder
Posture Tips for Pelvic Floor Function Read More »
During a follow-up consultation recently, someone told me that one of the most impactful things Hypopressives helped with from the get-go, was learning how to properly switch off and rest. REAL REST- not the pretend kind where she felt too guilty to properly switch off, or was going through endless mental lists. It prompted me
The Importance of Rest-Especially for Midlife Women Read More »
ISSN 2516-5852 (Online)AIMS Journal, 2024, Vol 36, No 2. I was delighted to be asked to contribute an article about pelvic floor health for AIMS journal (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services). Established in the 1960s, AIMS campaigns for UK maternity service improvements, and supports women and pregnant people, their families and others who
“I Wish I’d known this sooner” Read More »
I enjoy running, it’s convenient, needs minimal kit and offers me great mental and physical benefits. However, I’m mindful that high impact when running can risk overuse injuries like shin splints, knee pain, stress fractures, and can overload our pelvic floor leading to problems like stress incontinence (which can affect men as well as women).
Simple way to reduce injuries and pelvic floor strain when running Read More »
Well in a way, yes! Strength is only one element of good pelvic floor muscle function. In addition, the pelvic floor needs to be flexible, to allow for normal movement of our back, pelvis and hips. The muscles need to be able to hold and release energy, acting like a shock-absorbing spring for support of
Can my pelvic floor be too strong? Read More »
We’re talking about some of the lifestyle factors that can significantly reduce our risk, and help with the management of pelvic floor disorders, as described by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in their recommendations. Many of these factors are linked and have cross over. Manage constipation. Straining to empty our bowels is a prime
How to decrease risk of pelvic floor problems Read More »
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, cancer treatments or life style can cause pH imbalances, dryness and thinning of our most intimate areas. We may notice this as irritation or painful sex, but dehydration can also reduce the size, strength and vitality of our pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues, medically known as atrophy. So
Vaginal Lubricants aren’t Just for Sex Read More »
How to sit on the loo to poo? Didn’t think you’d be reading about this today? Oh, the glamour of it all! Seriously though, straining to empty our bowels can overload and cause damage to our pelvic floor. Avoiding constipation through diet, a good fluid intake and exercise is important, but if you’re still having
How to sit on the loo to poo Read More »
