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!
- 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:
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 ***
[ 1 ] Marshall P, Murphy B. The Effect of Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation on Feed-Forward Activation Times of the Deep Abdominal Musculature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2006;29(3):196-202
*** As always don't hesitate to reach out with questions /// thoughts surrounding this topic! ***
