You may have bulging biceps, chiselled calves and sexy six pack abs, but there is probably one group of muscles that you have neglected to work out.
Hands up for those who have not trained their pelvic floor muscles. Both hands up if you have no idea what they are.
You are not alone
Located deep within the body's core and stretched across the pelvis like a hammock, the pelvic floor muscles are a crucial, and yet often overlooked.
How exactly does it feel when you are working it? Well, when urinating and do this once only - stop midstream. That was you contracting your pelvic floor.
The muscles are key for many things, like supporting organs surrounding the pelvis, preventing incontinence and maintaining normal sexual function.They also stabilise the back and support the actions of the spine and legs,allowing you to walk jump and run.
For most people having back pain, there are high chances that you are having weal pelvic floor and 90% of people with lower back pain, cannot control their pelvic floor.
A common misconception is that only pregnant women or those who suffer from incontinence should care about the pelvic floor. It is viatl for athletes too - both male and female.
This is because, the core muscles transfer power from large to small muscle groups, and are a major stabilising axis in the trunk. If the core muscles are weak, one will tend to over compensate with other muscles, and that can lead to injury.
Exercises to train the pelvic floor are simple. But under training and over training it could result in problems. It is best to see a physiotherapist, possibly also with the use of an ultrasound machine, to learn the proper technique.
Hands up for those who have not trained their pelvic floor muscles. Both hands up if you have no idea what they are.
You are not alone
Located deep within the body's core and stretched across the pelvis like a hammock, the pelvic floor muscles are a crucial, and yet often overlooked.
How exactly does it feel when you are working it? Well, when urinating and do this once only - stop midstream. That was you contracting your pelvic floor.
The muscles are key for many things, like supporting organs surrounding the pelvis, preventing incontinence and maintaining normal sexual function.They also stabilise the back and support the actions of the spine and legs,allowing you to walk jump and run.
For most people having back pain, there are high chances that you are having weal pelvic floor and 90% of people with lower back pain, cannot control their pelvic floor.
A common misconception is that only pregnant women or those who suffer from incontinence should care about the pelvic floor. It is viatl for athletes too - both male and female.
This is because, the core muscles transfer power from large to small muscle groups, and are a major stabilising axis in the trunk. If the core muscles are weak, one will tend to over compensate with other muscles, and that can lead to injury.
Exercises to train the pelvic floor are simple. But under training and over training it could result in problems. It is best to see a physiotherapist, possibly also with the use of an ultrasound machine, to learn the proper technique.
Source : The Straits Times 25th Apr 2009
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