Fiona McMahon DPT, PT
WE LOVE DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING! We do, we really do and we hope you will too. What is diaphragmatic breathing you ask? Diaphragmatic breathing is a form of deep breathing where you breath deeply into your stomach. As you breath in, you will actually see your belly extend and get bigger, and as you breath out, your belly will return to it’s old spot. It’s not like our typical breathing patterns where we breath from the chest; it is a much more deep and deliberate breath. Why We love Diaphragmatic Breathing Diaphragmatic breathing accomplishes a lot in the body. First of all, it supplies the body with a large dose of oxygen, which is pretty obvious, but it is a much more robust breath than a simple chest breath. Diaphragmatic breathing also works wonders on the tissues of both the abdomen and the pelvic floor. By taking a big diaphragmatic breath in, the diaphragm lowers and provides a gentle stretch to the tissues and organs of the belly as well as the pelvic floor. As you breath in you are actually providing a nice stretch to the pelvic floor. Deep breaths can also calm down the nervous system and allow you to better relax. When you are more relaxed your body can attend to the day to day tasks such as digestion and healing. It really is amazing what some deep breaths can do. How to breathe diaphragmatically Start off by putting one hand on your chest, at about the area of your breastbone. Place the other hand on your stomach. You can do diaphragmatic breathing just about anywhere, so get in a position that is comfortable for you. Start by slowly breathing in. In order to tell if you are using your diaphragm, you should feel the hand on your stomach move more than the hand on your chest. As you breath in, bring your awareness to your ribs and feel them expand out to the side and back. Finish by slowly breathing out. The out breather should be longer than the inhale. It is really that easy. How does one actually use diaphragmatic breathing? Really you can use it in anyway you need too. Some people find it tremendously helpful to do 10 diaphragmatic breaths every hour, while others employ deep breathing techniques in times of stress or pain. The important thing about diaphragmatic breathing, or any exercise for that matter is consistency. Try to at least get in 20 deep breaths a day.
BBPT Health Tip: Diaphragmatic Breathing
—FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic Floor Disorders and Treatment
What is pelvic floor dysfunction and why does it happen?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common and occurs when the muscles, tissues, or nerves of the pelvic floor are weakened, tightened, or injured by trauma, chronic strain, or overuse. Pelvic floor disorders can result from traumatic injury such as a fall, from sporting activity, surgery, or childbirth. They can also happen from more chronic issues, such as infection or chronic inflammation such as endometriosis. Pelvic floor disorders can be a consequence of poor alignment or posture, overuse, or improper movement. The pelvic floor muscles surround the urethra, rectum, vagina and prostate; therefore, if there is a dysfunction in these muscles it can result in urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction in people of all ages.
Who should I see to get a proper diagnosis?
Many healthcare providers don’t assess – or don’t know how to assess – the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a practitioner who specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. Too often patients tell us that they’ve been to 10 different doctors and healthcare providers and their symptoms have not improved, or have worsened. Find a specialist right away and get on the path to healing as quickly as possible.
Why do healthcare providers miss (or misdiagnose) pelvic floor dysfunction?
Long story short, the medical practice is divided into areas of the body: Urology. Orthopedics. Gynecology. But the body itself doesn’t have walls; every system interacts with everything else. Sometimes providers are so laser-focused on what they treat that they miss the whole picture.Â
As more and more research emphasizes the importance of physical therapy as part of a complete treatment regimen, more and more physicians are learning how to recognize and treat pelvic floor disorder. In the meantime, if you’re not getting relief from your current treatment, make an appointment with a pelvic floor specialist to learn more.
How does pelvic floor dysfunction affect sex?
Pelvic floor muscles have a huge impact on sex. Muscles that are shortened or tight and are unable to elongate will not allow for good blood flow into the genitals. This can result in pain, weaker erections, diminished sensation, inability to orgasm, and even decreased lubrication. Pelvic floor PT can help with these issues by enhancing blood flow and improving muscle function.Â
How can pelvic floor dysfunction cause bloating?
Pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to correctly relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles, can significantly contribute to bloating due to its impact on gastrointestinal functions. When these muscles are not functioning properly, it can impact the ease of emptying and make it difficult for your body to pass stool and gas through the intestines. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of waste and gas in the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Is it true there’s internal massage?
There can be. We do perform internal soft tissue mobilization of the pelvic muscles that are inside your pelvis and are accessible only through the vagina or rectum. We never do internal treatment without your consent and understanding.
What makes someone a pelvic floor PT vs a regular PT?
All pelvic PTs get additional training in pelvic floor internal treatment through continuing education and at our clinic.Â
We pride ourselves on the level of training we provide, not just at the beginning but throughout the time our therapists spend at Beyond Basics. We know that learning is a life-long process. We also provide additional training in physiology of the GI system and urinary system as well as sexual health and function and nutritional training. Most PT programs and schools do not provide the depth and breadth of knowledge that we provide all our PTs at Beyond Basics.
Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist.
