The pelvic floor + lower body are both affected postpartum. The feet are especially affected because of the relaxin that lingers in the body for up to 1 year! The muscles of the pelvic floor are found between the tailbone [ coccyx ] and the pubic bone. These muscles create supportive foundation for our organs as we go about life on two legs!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Chiropractic Role in the Pelvic Floor
- adjusting the sacrum + pubic bone
- adjusting the SI joint
- studies show that adjusting the SI joint causes activation of the abdominal muscles - a strong core is a strong pelvic floor! [ 1 ]
Although we do not do ANY internal pelvic floor work, we do work closely with the sacrum + pubic bone as well as the muscles attaching on the external surface. These muscles include:
- psoas [ hip flexor ]
- adductors [ inner thigh muscles ]
- piriformis + glutes [ butt muscles ]
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Products for Tailbone Pain:
Boppy Pillow
Donut Pillow
Lumbar / Low Back Pillow
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Top 6 Pelvic Floor Conditions
1. rib + diaphragm pain
2. pubic symphysis dysfunction [ SPD ]
3. tailbone + low back pain
4. diastasis recti [ DR }
5. incontinence / leaking
6. painful sex
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our Favorite Postpartum Products :
Diaphragm + Rib Wedge [ for sleeping ! ]
Compression Tights
Postpartum Girdle - for DR [ diastasis recti ]
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Many of the pelvic floor muscles attach directly onto the front of the pelvis at the pubic symphysis.
How to combat pubic symphysis pain [ SPD ] :
- adjustments of the pubic bone + pelvis
- ball + inner thigh [adductor ] squeeze
- adductor stretching
- adductor stripping [ you can use a baking roller! ]
- pelvic mobility on the ball
- star stretch
- foam roll squat
*** see video below for full demonstration of the above exercises ***
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Products for SPD Pain:
Exercise Ball
Sacroiliac [ SI ] Support Belt
Athletic Roller
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spine + Pelvic Floor Stabilizers :
- cross / crawl
- planks
- glute bridging
*** see video below for full demonstration of the above exercises ***
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Foot / heel pain is common postpartum because the relaxin that remains in the body [ for up to one year ] keeps the ligaments of the foot loose and "unstable".
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It can cause a stabbing pain that shows up early in the morning. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
Foot Pain + Plantar Fasciitis Exercises :
- calf massage
- arch stripping + foot adjustments
- tennis ball + frozen water ball foot massage
- heel + calf stretch on the wall
*** see video below for full demonstration of the above exercises ***
Products to Combat Leg / Foot Pain :
