Pelvic Floor AND More PART 1: WHY ROLFING HELPS!
Lately, I have been working with some clients who are seeing a pelvic floor therapist while incorporating Rolfing into their program, and we are seeing some incredible results with pelvic floor issues they have been having!
I am not the expert in this area, but I want to shed light on the positive changes we are seeing by integrating Rolfing to address pelvic floor dysfunction.
Rolfing is a holistic approach to gaining proper balance and posture, ultimately leading to good alignment of the pelvis, which results in proper engagement and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles when needed. The pelvic floor plays a significant role in supporting the pelvic organs, including the urethra, rectum, and uterus, and maintaining continence. Rolfing can help re-establish a healthy relationship with these muscles and tissues.
In addition to manual therapy, Rolfing also re-educates the client on the proper activation, balance, and movement of the areas around the pelvic floor. This can assist in addressing urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other pelvic health concerns. It also works on the abdominal muscles and connective tissue to provide a well-rounded approach to pelvic health.
In the Rolfing 10 series, the pelvic floor is addressed through a comprehensive approach to improve its function and alignment. The 10 series is a structured series of sessions designed to realign and balance the body's structure by working systematically through different areas of the body. Here's how the pelvic floor is typically addressed:
Session 1-3: Establishing a Foundation: The initial sessions focus on creating a solid foundation for the body. This involves addressing the feet, legs, and pelvis. The Rolfer works to balance the pelvic alignment and may start to address tension or imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures like the pubic bone, tailbone, and coccyx. These muscles are crucial for controlling bowel movements, supporting pelvic organs, and assisting in sexual function.
Session 4-7: Core Integration: As the series progresses, the focus shifts to the core of the body, including the abdomen and pelvis. Rolfers work to release any restrictions and adhesions in the connective tissue around the pelvic floor muscles. This can involve releasing tension in the hip flexors, adductors, and addressing pelvic tilt. This phase of the Rolfing treatment helps enhance overall pelvic mobility, improve bowel control, and ease symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, or stress incontinence.
Session 8-10: Integration and Wholeness: In the later sessions, the Rolfer aims to integrate the changes made throughout the series into a cohesive whole. The pelvic floor is revisited, ensuring that the improved alignment and mobility are integrated effectively. The Rolfer may provide pelvic floor muscle exercises or recommend Kegel exercises for pelvic floor muscle training to help clients maintain the positive changes achieved during the sessions.
Throughout the series, the Rolfer uses hands-on manipulation and movement education techniques to release tension, improve alignment, and enhance awareness of the pelvic floor. The goal is to optimize the function and balance of the pelvic floor muscles, allowing for better support, movement, and overall well-being.
It's important to note that the specifics of how the pelvic floor is addressed can vary slightly based on the individual needs and responses of the client, particularly if the client is experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, prolapse, or other pelvic floor disorders.
Incorporating Rolfing with physical therapy and biofeedback can be especially beneficial in these cases, as it helps clients gain awareness of the right muscles involved in pelvic floor function, ultimately improving overall continence and quality of life.
