The second appointment with the pelvic floor therapist was much shorter than my first encounter as we already covered the large set of introductory questions. We started off with some questions on my progress and how I was finding my exercise routine.
We did another internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles and I was instructed to contract and release to measure my ability to hold a relaxed state. I did notice a definite improvement in my ability to consciously relax the pelvic floor so I was very happy about that. The exercises were definitely helping.
I was still finding some issues when sitting down , my pelvic floor muscles would feel tight often accompanied by a burning sensation or dull ache and sometimes the classic golf ball syndrome.
Probably the most important take away was the fact that I am very tense throughout he day and really need to learn how to relax in general. I bought a relaxation cd that was directly targeted for chronic pelvic pain and have been using since my 2nd appointment and it is frankly amazing for the pelvic floor as well as calming an overactive mind.
Important Take Aways
Lumbar Support
The Lumbar support for the chair helps maintain the natural curve of the lower spine while maintaining a good sitting posture with the sitting bones taking the the weight of the body and avoiding tucking the tailbone.
A good way to determine if you are sitting correctly is by paying attention to your breathing, Are you able to take a nice deep belly breath down into your pelvic floor. Then you are sitting correctly and the pelvic floor is able to relax.
Relaxation CD
The pelvic floor relaxation CD is probably one of the most important tools for people suffering pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. For those of us with pelvic issues we really need to learn how to relax and a relaxation CD teaches you how to relax again .
there seem to be a few audio books available online to download for pelvic floor relaxation or you can visit a pelvic floor physio in order to get one but it is very similar to other relaxation cd and goes something like this
-> Start relaxing each body part starting from your face and working your way down to your toes.
-> To better feel the feeling of a relax limb or joint , first lightly tense the muscle then relax
-> Jaw tension has been closely associated with pelvic floor tension , always check in with face and jaw tension.
-> Do the same for the pelvic floor, lightly contract and draw in the pelvic floor and breath out and release the pelvic floor muscles.
-> It helps to cover your eyes with a towel or hankerchief to block out light so you can fully focus on the relaxation.
I shall be back with appointment number 3 if anyone is interested, we used an ultrasound on the pelvic floor muscles to help me visual the relaxing and contracting of the pelvic floor muscles.
I will also hopefully publish a post regarding levator ani syndrome, and what has helped for me as this must be one of the most frustrating disorders I have come across, full of uncertainty and miss diagnosis. Hang in there all the best :)
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ReplyDeleteHi Mark I have just come across your blog. I am also suffering from this horrible condition, and I have had to give up a lot of the food and drink I loved, the exercise I lived for ( prior to this I was a keen athlete), and can only manage infrequent sex due to the pain afterwards. I have the golf ball and perineal symptoms as well, and also my bladder is messed up (burning, excessive frequency, incomplete voiding). I have just started treatment with a pelvic floor specialist physio, and there has been some minor progress, but I know the road back is likely to be a long one. It's great to read of your journey and gives me hope.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you haven't updated in along time 🙁. Please do update and tell us how you are doing and what new discoveries you've had, as it gives us all hope.
Hi Mark I have just come across your blog. I am also suffering from this horrible condition, and I have had to give up a lot of the food and drink I loved, the exercise I lived for ( prior to this I was a keen athlete), and can only manage infrequent sex due to the pain afterwards. I have the golf ball and perineal symptoms as well, and also my bladder is messed up (burning, excessive frequency, incomplete voiding). I have just started treatment with a pelvic floor specialist physio, and there has been some minor progress, but I know the road back is likely to be a long one. It's great to read of your journey and gives me hope.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you haven't updated in along time 🙁. Please do update and tell us how you are doing and what new discoveries you've had, as it gives us all hope.
Hi Robert,
ReplyDeletethank you for your comment, I feel for you and wish the suffering would end for you. I agree it feels like you give up a lot of your life for this condition. I am interested you gave up your athletic pursuits did you find the exercise made the chronic tightness worse?
I know what you mean about the bladder symptoms this is definitely pelvic floor dysfunction related.
Glad your seeing a pelvic floor therapist it will definitely help, I have actually thought about starting a youtube channel to help people with pelvic floor dysfunction as I have found pelvic floor therapists don't cover everything and in the end it seems to come down to understanding your body and what specifically in your case causes the issues.
anyway enough ranting I hope to update soon , Hang in there Robert all the best
Hi beanie27,
ReplyDeleteAny updates planned ony our blog?
I would like to see the news and benefits you obtained by Seeing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Hi Kegs,
ReplyDeleteI will hopefully make another post soon :) thanks for your interest
Hi beanie27, I am suffering from PFD and am a male. Been struggling with it for 15 years or so. Your blog has been super helpful. Any updates on your situation or what might have worked for you would be greatly appreciated! We're still struggling! Thank you man!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful blog.You have no idea what a great courage you gave me. Was you able to deal with this condiyion? And keep updating the blog its awesome.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful blog.You have no idea what a great courage you gave me. Was you able to deal with this condiyion? And keep updating the blog its awesome.
ReplyDelete