Incontinence is an initial warning sign that the strength of your pelvic floor is compromised in some way and no longer has the ability to hold the contents of the pelvis. The initial symptom is leaking urine but if left untreated, it can progress to the point of pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic health is
the conversation no one wants to have, so, unfortunately, incontinence has
become all too common.
Millions of people are suffering in silence. And with the number of incontinence products and adult diapers popping up in stores, we’ve normalized the issue. But being incontinent at any phase in your life is anything but normal.
Incontinence has become such a major issue, it’s one of the top reasons women end up in nursing homes later in life. And it’s also a strong risk factor for future falls.
I want to stress again that
incontinence at any point during the lifespan is NOT NORMAL. The good news
is, it’s very treatable and reversible. By changing your environment and
your movement you can improve the health of your pelvis.
Here are 5 simple steps you can do
every day to strengthen your pelvis.
Wear Flat, Flexible Footwear
Wearing flat footwear is an essential first step to optimal pelvic health. The muscles that maintain pelvic integrity were designed to function best when we’re barefoot. By wearing a rigid shoe or shoe with ANY amount of heel lift, you’re causing the rest of your body to adjust to your footwear.
In order for the
muscles of the pelvis to do their job, they need to be in the right position.
The only way this happens is with footwear that is as close to barefoot as
possible. Being barefoot allows your pelvis to maintain a neutral position,
whereas wearing a heeled shoe will force your pelvis into a tucked position.
Pelvic tucking
throughout the day prevents your pelvic floor from doing its job effectively.
By taking this step alone you’re allowing the muscles of your pelvis to work
for you throughout the day, rather than you having to consciously activate them
and hope that they’ll work.
Sit on the Floor and Squat More Often
Most of the furniture we sit on day-in and day-out also prevents us from maintaining a neutral pelvic position, or from activating our core throughout the day. If you want to train your pelvic floor and core muscles to work together again, start sitting on the floor instead of in chairs as much as possible.
On a similar note,
squatting is essential to a healthy pelvis. Even resting in a supported squat
helps. Start to notice how many times you bend over to pick up items off the
floor and squat for them instead. Your core and pelvis will thank you.
Check-in with Your Pelvis and Ribcage
Above I mentioned
maintaining a neutral pelvis to keep the muscles of your pelvic floor in an
optimal position to promote function. Another important component to improving
the function of your core and pelvic floor is to keep your ribcage dropped.
The function of
your abdominal, pelvic, and breathing muscles depends on the relationship
between your ribcage and pelvis.
Due to being told for most of our lives to “stand with good posture,” most of us have the habit of ribcage thrusting. This is an excellent example of how focusing on “good” posture can lead to dysfunctional alignment, which doesn’t promote great muscle function over time.
Check-in with your
ribcage by placing a hand on your lower front ribs. If you feel them pushing
forward let them drop down toward your pelvis until you no longer feel them
pushing forward. Keep checking in with this position throughout the day and
remind yourself to drop your ribs.
Stretch the Backs of Your Legs
Like wearing flat shoes, stretching your calves and hamstrings on a daily basis will allow you to keep a neutral pelvis throughout the day. If the backs of your legs are tight, the muscles will pull your pelvis into a tucked position. So, make this an important part of your daily routine.
Walk Often
Walking is one of
the best activities you can do to promote a strong pelvic floor, especially
walking in flat shoes. Aim for 3 to 5 miles per day, and better yet if that
distance is spaced out throughout the day.
Walking gives your pelvic floor an opportunity to work and strengthen with each and every step you take, as long as you are able to keep a neutral pelvic position. If you do the above step and stretch BEFORE you walk, you’ll get more strengthening out of your walk.
By taking these simple steps you can
both reverse incontinence and set yourself up for a healthy pelvis throughout
your life! Better yet, these steps are simple and require little to no equipment
investment to get started. So, there’s no excuse to wait. Where can you get
started today?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What
do you do to keep your pelvis strong? Do you do daily stretches? What about a
walking routine? Which of the five steps mentioned above seems easiest – or
most difficult – to do? Why? Please share with our community.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.
