It's no secret that exercise plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy body and mind, and this includes our pelvic floor. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects a vast number of people, causing issues such as incontinence, urinary tract infections, and even pain during intercourse. With pelvic floor exercises becoming increasingly prevalent in health conversations, you might be wondering if walking, a seemingly simple and everyday activity, is good for managing and even improving symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. So, is walking the answer to achieving a stronger and healthier pelvic floor? Let's explore this topic further.
Is Walking Good For Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Table of Contents
Positives of Walking for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Potential Drawbacks of Walking for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles in the pelvic area become weak, tight, or imbalanced. These issues can be caused by numerous factors, such as childbirth, surgery, aging, or obesity. Although walking is a low-impact exercise that promotes overall health, the effect it has on the pelvic floor can be both good and bad.
Positives of Walking for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Improves blood circulation
Engaging in regular walking can enhance blood flow in the pelvic region, which contributes to better muscle and tissue health. This increased circulation strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, helping to alleviate symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Encourages weight loss
Obesity and excess weight can put additional pressure on the pelvic region, worsening symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Walking is a great way to shed those extra pounds and, in turn, relieve some of the stress on the pelvic muscles.
Promotes relaxation
Stress can aggravate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Walking is an excellent way to relieve stress and relax the muscles, including those in the pelvic region.
Potential Drawbacks of Walking for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Prolonged or vigorous walking
Long periods of walking or taking part in high-impact walking routines may increase pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, worsening symptoms for some individuals. It's essential to listen to your body and not overdo it when it comes to walking.
Poor posture during walking
Slumping or leaning forward while walking can put undue stress on the pelvic floor muscles. Maintaining good posture during walking is critical to ensure the exercise is beneficial for the pelvic area.
Example
Take Mary, who is experiencing urinary incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. She gets a prescription from her doctor to engage in daily, low-impact walking while also focusing on posture and pace. After a few weeks, Mary begins to notice improvements in her pelvic floor strength, leading to fewer incontinence episodes.
In conclusion, walking can be a great addition to your daily routine if you're looking to improve your pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. But like any other form of exercise, moderation is key. Start with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance and intensity as your body adjusts. Be mindful of your posture and seek guidance from your healthcare professional to learn more about appropriate walking techniques for your specific needs. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and explore other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy to help you on your journey toward better pelvic health.
