Correct breathing has a profound effect on pelvic health. When we inhale, the diaphragm flattens out and pushes abdominal contents downwards to the pelvic floor, which lengthens due to an increase in abdominal pressure. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes, arches back up, and the organs move upwards with a decrease in abdominal pressure.
This is the ideal movement and breath rhythm pattern, essential for an upright posture, dynamic movement, and vibrational communication across your body.
C-Sections and Hysterectomies
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver a baby through a cut made in the tummy and womb. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, also through a cut made in the tummy.
These are major operations that involve cutting through soft tissue and muscle. The healing process, scar tissue and resulting pain forces patients to adapt their posture when going about their daily lives, often through compensatory movements.
These changes in posture, coupled with a lack of sensation, can disrupt the function of the pelvis, breath rhythm and our ability to breathe correctly down to pelvic floor, as described above.
Post-op steps to take for better pelvic health
There are steps that can be taken after these operations to promote healing and minimise the effect on the pelvic floor. The aim is to:
Reduce excess tension
Re-acquire pelvic stability
Introduce movement that slowly challenges a patient’s ability to maintain alignment, stability and reduce excess strain on pelvis, pelvic floor and diaphragm
You can learn more about pelvic health, breath and exercise by booking onto one of our courses. 4U Pilates also offers 121 sessions, tailored to you and your body’s needs.
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