Pelvic Floor
We all have one, but does it always work properly?
Some women have weakened pelvic floor muscles as a result of problems which arise during early childhood.
However, the vast majority of women suffer from weakened pelvic floor muscles as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. The weight of a growing baby will place an excessive amount of pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which are slung below the womb.
Exercises can be undertaken during pregnancy to help prevent post-natal problems arising from damage to the muscles in the pelvic floor area.
What Are The Symptoms Of Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles?
If you are suffering from any of the following problems, then the underlying issue may be weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles.
- Unintentional urine leakage (incontinence).
- Even a small amount of urine loss indicates an underlying problem with pelvic floor muscles.
- Loss of urine can occur during activities which place pressure on the pelvic floor muscles such as coughing, laughing, or sneezing.
- Also during strenuous activities such as aerobics, jogging, or trampolining.
- Incontinence can also happen when rising from a seated position or even when walking towards the toilet.
- Difficulty keeping a tampon in place within the vagina.
- Wind escaping from the vagina or anus.
- A prolapse of the vagina.
How Pilates can help: 
Using Pilates we can help restore pelvic floor strength, and also strengthen the whole body and relax the mind. Strengthening the pelvic floor can help posture (which in turn affects the whole of the body), vitality, sexual Function and preventing incontinence.
NB: Pilates sessions are not substitute for a full medical examination or diagnosis. If you are in any doubt you must discuss your concerns with your GP.