Discover 10 Myths About Your Clients or Patients “Lady Parts” That They Don’t Know About or Talk About – Part-2
In my last post, we discussed the first five myths related to pelvic floor muscles. If you have not read this post, you can go to this link to get up to speed, Discover 10 Myths About Your Clients or Patients “Lady Parts” That They Don’t Know About or Talk About – Part-1, 1 thru 5.
Just to recap, as you recall, the information that is available on your pelvic floor muscles can leave you confused and frustrated, even as someone who understands female anatomy and conditions associated with “lady parts.”
The reason for this is because if you do some research, even when it comes from well meaning competent professionals, much of the information contradicts itself.
Unbenounced to these professionals, they have received wrong information, and because they have not treated this condition enough, there is not a familiarity with the condition that I have been privy to experience. This a dilemma the health practitioner and professional are facing; I am addressing this everyday, and we will solve it!
As I stated in Myths 1-5, I wrote this because it is my life’s mission to help women overcome pelvic pain. And if you are still reading and following along I am going to assume that you are curious about learning more about some of these myths and looking for answers. You may also be someone who has a patient or client who is in pain and suffering.
I want to clearly communicate to you that wherever you are at on your level of knowledge, and regardless of the amount of pain, discomfort, and frustration your patients or clients may be experiencing, I have some time-tested and proven techniques and solutions for you to consider, so stay tuned.
In the interim, let’s continue to educate ourselves on some of the common myths on pelvic floor pain and dysfunction. It’s time you know the truth!
Myth #6 – I suffer from constipation because I have digestive issues.
This may be true, but a big culprit of PFM dysfunction is tight and unrelaxing PFMs. Contrary to many beliefs, PFMs encompass not only the female parts but also the urinary tract and the large intestine as well as the anus. It is not uncommon for me to treat for PFM and constipation simultaneously when I see patients.
Myth #7 – It’s okay to push and strain when I urinate or defecate especially if I feel that my bladder is not emptying or my poop is stuck.
No, it is never a good idea to push when you are going to the bathroom. Pushing has an adverse effect on the PFMs and can cause them to become tighter, and you can even create spasms in them. When your PFMs are healthy and stable a trip to the bathroom is smooth and easy, there should be no need to strain or exert extra effort to urinate or have a bowel movement.
Myth #8 – My pelvic pain is caused by a medical condition.
This can be a tough one to grasp. I agree, however, this is a broad and vague diagnosis. We need to identify and specify what the medical condition is to make the statement a valid and encompassing statement.
In my conversations with patients over the last twelve years, I cannot tell you how many have told me this. The reason is often; medical professionals will connect another condition to the symptom(s) associated with the pelvic floor muscles. This can be tricky and sensitive because we want to believe and accept the opinions, observations, and diagnosis that these professionals have given to us.
You need to understand that pelvic pain is driven by PFM dysfunction, especially when the PFMs are too tight. Typically pelvic pain patients have trigger points, spasms, or tension in their pelvic floor muscles that contribute to a deep pelvic ache within the vagina. In addition to that, this tension sometimes squeezes down on the nerves, and blood supply leading to pelvic congestion or the patient may also experience stabbing and burning pain.
Myth #9 – Yeast infections are only caused by bacteria and should be treated with antibiotics.
Women with PFM dysfunction can suffer from itching and burning in the vagina and are lead to think that they have a yeast infection. A true yeast infection will have the presence of a fungus called Candida or other yeast organisms. You must advise that your clients get tested first, and if their test continues to come back negative, then chances are they have PFM dysfunction.
The confusion comes because, with a yeast infection, you can and may experience some of the same symptons such as a pelvic floor muscle that is too tight and squeezing in on your nerves and blood supply.
Myth 10 – Caesareans births do not affect the PFMs.
Of course, you knew I was going to save the largest myth out there until the end. All I need to do is to explain two semesters worth of lectures and medical knowledge and anatomy in one paragraph.
Follow along closely, and it will all make sense. The PFMs are deeply affected by the growing baby. Outside of the miraculous growth of the baby, your body is making countless adjustments to accommodate the increase in size over each trimester, especially the third which is when a large portion of the development takes place.
During this time the body needs to continually realign the pelvic bones and the fascia as well as the stretching of the abdominal muscles. Keep in mind, the fascia of the abdominal muscles connects to the pelvic floor muscles. When healthy, the abdominal muscles and the PFMs have a synergistic relationship. In a caesarean birth, the fascia of the abdominals is cut, thus eliminating the synergy. This mere fact affects the stability of the pelvic floor muscles. So no a cesarean will not save your PFMs.
Ok now take a deep breath, you have just dispelled many of common myths associated with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. So the question you may be asking yourself is,
Want to Learn More to Help Your Patients and Clients?
Join me for a Live Professional Masterclass and really get underway with your skills. Click on the banner below to sign up for this amazing event.
Be part of the solution to help over 30 million women in the US alone.
