The main goals of #pelvicfloor therapy for #prolapse are to optimize: 1️⃣ Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and 2️⃣ Pressure management Pressure management refers to our ability to maintain asymptomatic stability, movement, and function* in the presence of fluctuating pressures within the abdomen and pelvis—which requires healthy PFM function. *includes continence, bladder & bowel emptying, intercourse, coughing, sneezing, etc… ❎ What healthy PFM function includes: ✔️strength ✔️flexibility ✔️endurance ✔️coordination 🅾️ What healthy PFM function helps with: ✔️bladder & bowel regularity ✔️sexual/reproductive function ✔️postural support/stability ✔️bloodflow & lymphatic circulation Changes, deficits and/or dysfunction of anything in 🅾️ can contribute to changes, deficits and/or dysfunction in anything in ❎—and vice versa. If a muscle is weak, strengthen it. If it’s too tight, lengthen or stretch it. If it’s too tense, relax it it. But it’s not that simple. Keep in mind that the PFM live at the base of the pelvis. This means that it’s function is affected by everything that lives *above* it. So if one (or more) of the pelvic floor muscles is… ▪️weak because of an injury or trauma or surgery or recent childbirth—healing, recovery and prevention of re-injury need to be prioritized. ▪️tight because of chronic constipation/diarrhea from IBS or recurrent UTIs—bladder & bowel health and habits need to be discussed. ▪️tense because of weakness or pain in another part of the body (i.e. spine or hips), the other parts need to addressed as well. Muscles do 2 things: contract/shorten & relax/lengthen. A muscle that is chronically tense, overly shortened (or lengthened), or deconditioned—for WHATEVER reason(s)—can’t do either of those 2 things efficiently. #Kegels, while useful, rarely resolve symptoms associated with prolapse, especially when done without assessing and addressing all the factors that affect the pelvic floor muscles. Lastly, some prolapses require more support by way of a #pessary, hormonal supplementation, and of course surgery. An experienced & well-connected therapist can help guide you to the right specialist. Stay tuned to learn more!