When people think about the effects of stress on the body, they probably think: headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability and other common symptoms.
While these things can be true, one thing many people overlook is the way stress shows in the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support specific organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum; it has a hand in maintaining bladder, bowel, reproductive and sexual functions.
If you tend to hold tension in your shoulders or clench your jaw when experiencing stress, you may be doing the same thing to your pelvic floor muscles without even realizing it.
Luckily, that stress is sometimes temporary, and once the stressor is gone, the pelvic floor can generally return to a natural state of rest; however, when stress is chronic, the impact on the pelvic floor can have long-lasting effects, like developing a hypertonic pelvic floor.
A hypertonic pelvic floor is a condition that develops when muscles don’t relax properly, causing them to overtighten and clench. This condition can impact proper bladder functioning – like making it harder to start a stream of urine or causing increased urgency –, and can even be the culprit behind painful sex in some women.
While we can’t eliminate stress from your life (as much as we’d like to), we offer many services that limit the impact of it on your pelvic floor. Here are a few of them:
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a gentle, evidence-based practice that helps to restore and maintain strength, flexibility and control in your pelvic floor. Think of it as a first-line defense when treating most pelvic floor disorders.
At Taylor PT & Wellness, we take a holistic approach to supporting your pelvic floor. You can expect treatment that addresses your posture, core strength, nervous system, breathing, and even your sleep.
At Taylor PT & Wellness, you can expect a thorough evaluation, a personalized treatment plan, and ongoing support that yields early results. Book your appointment (and free screening) with us to get started.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy may sound like a luxury reserved for a celebratory “treat yourself” day, but a therapeutic massage can have an amazing impact on your mental and physical health.
Our massage therapists are trained in women’s health at all ages of life for various purposes, such as prenatal and postpartum care, pain relief and stress reduction.
A good massage session can lead to better blood flow, increased flexibility, decreased muscle stiffness and lower stress levels. Our clinic offers several massage options to meet our clients’ specific needs, such as:
- Prenatal and postpartum massages.
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Deep Tissue
- Relaxation Massage
You can book your massage appointment on its own, or as part of your overall care plan if you’re a patient.
Yoga Classes
Yoga combines steady breathing, movement and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system.
All of this helps you release tension you could be holding throughout your body and increase flexibility, both of which can benefit your pelvic floor muscles.
We see yoga as being not just an exercise, but also a key part of holistic healing. Throughout the year, we offer:
- Prenatal yoga & Postpartum yoga
- Mommy & Me Yoga
- Therapeutic Yoga for Chronic Pain
Our classes are small and intimate so that you can receive the personalized care you need while being in a safe space with other women. Plus, you don’t need any prior yoga experience.
Book one of our classes based on your specific needs.
Let us help you manage your stress
As a practice rooted in holistic care, Taylor PT & Wellness offers several ways to help you manage every stress that can have an impact on your pelvic floor health.
Whether you use our services individually or as part of a broader treatment plan, you can count on receiving personalized, intentional care that leads to a happier and healthier you.
We’re Here to Help
We offer:
- Free Pelvic Floor Screens
- 1:1 visits with Expert Therapists
- Therapeutic Massage
- Trigger Point Dry Needling