How Improved Posture Can Enhance Pelvic Floor Health
- Dr. Melissa Misevski (DC)
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Did you know that the way you sit, stand, and even walk can significantly impact your pelvic floor health? Find out how improving your posture can boost your pelvic floor muscles and overall wellness, especially with some insights from recent research and chiropractic perspectives.
Understanding the Connection
Your pelvic floor muscles support vital organs like the bladder, bowel, and for women, the uterus. These muscles are like a hammock, holding everything up! But when your posture is off—think slumping in your chair or constantly leaning forward—it can put unnecessary pressure on these muscles.
In a 2016 study, Dr. Heidi Haavik, Dr. Jenny Kruger and Prof. Bernadette Murphy prove that adjusting vertebral subluxations (joint dysfunctions) alter pelvic floor function. Poor alignment and posture not only affects your back but can also lead to weakening of the pelvic floor, which might result in discomfort and health issues like incontinence or pelvic pain over time.
Why Good Posture Matters for Your Pelvic Floor
Reduces Pressure on Your Pelvis: By maintaining a straight, aligned posture, you decrease the strain on your pelvic organs and muscles. This alignment is crucial to prevent overstretching or weakening of the pelvic floor, which is essential for maintaining strength and functionality as you age.
Boosts Core and Pelvic Muscle Coordination: Standing or sitting straight doesn’t just look good—it engages your core and pelvic muscles more effectively. This not only helps to keep these muscles robust but also improves their overall functionality, affecting everything from bladder control to sexual health.
Improves Breathing and Circulation: Proper posture ensures your diaphragm has room to expand, facilitating better breathing, which is directly linked to pelvic floor health. Plus, better circulation means these crucial muscles get all the nutrients and oxygen they need to function optimally.
If the pelvic floor muscles are damaged or under stress, health issues like incontinence, vaginal prolapse, or bladder weakness may occur. Many of these issues can cause a lot of stress upon women.
In fact, in Australia over 5 million Australians experience bladder/bowel control problems. Urinary incontinence affects up to 13% of Australian men and up to 37% of Australian women. In addition, 70% of these people that are affected by urinary leakage, do not seek advice or treatment.
Urinary incontinence affects up to 13% of Australian men and up to 37% of Australian women.
Chiropractic’s Role in Enhancing Posture and Pelvic Floor Health
Chiropractic care focuses on aligning your body to promote optimal health. Here’s how visiting a chiropractor at The Myéline Clinic can help with your posture and, by extension, your pelvic floor:
Spinal Adjustments: Joint dysfunctions of the pelvis and sacrum can create tightening and spasm of muscles and ligaments in this area. This in turn may affect the pelvic floor as its origin connects to the pelvis and sacrum. Chiropractic adjustments can correct misalignments in your spine, relieving pressure on nerves and muscles that contribute to poor posture.
Tailored Exercises: Your chiropractor can provide specific exercises that strengthen the core and pelvic floor while also improving your posture.
Posture Education: Often, we don’t even realize our posture is poor. Part of chiropractic care involves learning how to maintain healthy posture during everyday activities, through rehabilitative exercises and stretches.
Tips to Start Improving Your Posture Today
Be Mindful When Sitting: Keep your back straight and shoulders back. If you’re at a desk, make sure it’s set up to support a healthy posture.
Keep Moving: Regular physical activity, especially exercises like yoga and Pilates, strengthens the muscles that support good posture.
Schedule Regular Chiropractic Visits: Keeping in touch with your chiropractor can help keep your spine aligned and your posture correct.
Improving your posture is a practical step towards not only enhancing your pelvic floor health but also boosting your overall well-being. With proper posture, you reduce back pain, enhance digestion, and even improve your breathing.
If you’re keen to learn more about how chiropractic can specifically aid in this area, why not visit us at The Myeline Clinic? Let's work together to get you feeling your best - book in an appointment online.
Remember, a little attention to your posture now can lead to significant health benefits down the line. Your body—and particularly your pelvic floor—will thank you for it!
References:
1. Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Pelvic Floor Functional Changes in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women: A Preliminary Study. Haavik, Heidi et al. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , Volume 39 , Issue 5 , 339 – 347.
3.Jórasz K, Truszczyńska-Baszak A, Dąbek A. Posture Correction Therapy and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Assessed by sEMG with Intravaginal Electrode and Manometry in Female with Urinary Incontinence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 26;20(1):369. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010369. PMID: 36612691; PMCID: PMC9819097.
Comments