Many people find pelvic floor massage to be a useful tool in their healing journey. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the benefits of pelvic floor massage, including its role in improving pelvic health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing your overall well-being.
What is pelvic floor massage?
Pelvic floor massage can refer to two different types of massages: perineal massage and internal massage. A perineal massage is perfect for postpartum pelvic floor pain resulting from scar tissue. An internal trigger point massage is best for helping relax tight pelvic floor muscles as a part of treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
Overview of common pelvic floor issues
The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum. These muscles are essential to controlling bowel and bladder function, supporting the lumbar spine, and providing stability to the pelvic region. Pelvic floor issues can arise from a variety of causes, including muscular imbalances, injury, trauma, and childbirth. An important part of managing pelvic floor issues is a holistic, whole body approach that takes into account both physical and mental/emotional factors. Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Stress incontinence (“sneeze pee”)
- Urge incontinence (leaking due to not being able to get to the toilet fast enough)
- Incomplete elimination
- Constipation and other issues with bowel movements
- Low back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- and many more
Pelvic floor massage can help
Pelvic floor massage can be a useful part of a holistic approach to managing pelvic floor dysfunction. Massage increases blood flow to the area being massaged in addition to providing feedback via sensation. The benefits of pelvic floor massage therapy can include a relaxation of excess tension in the pelvic floor muscles, pain relief, and better muscular coordination. And these benefits extend to supporting the function of all your pelvic organs as well as enhancing the quality of your sexual experiences.
Types of pelvic floor massage techniques
There are two types of pelvic floor massage: external, or perineal, massage, and internal massage. Perineal massage focuses on the perineum and is helpful as part of recovering from injury or scarring in the area, especially postpartum.
Internal trigger point massage focuses on specific spots within the body, usually accessed through the vagina or anus. You can also perform an internal massage that is more general and focused on releasing tension and spasms in the pelvic floor–this second kind of massage is especially helpful for getting your nervous system used to insertion of any object if you tend to feel pain or discomfort with insertion (e.g., insertion of a tampon or during intercourse).
Who benefits from pelvic floor massage?
People looking to relieve tension in the pelvic floor can benefit from pelvic floor massage, especially anyone whose pelvic floor symptoms are interfering with their quality of life. Some forms of pelvic floor massage have been shown to be very effective in relieving pain from tenderness in the pelvic floor muscles, and helpful for alleviating symptoms of interstitial cystitis and hypertonic pelvic floor muscles. Used in conjunction with a regular program of corrective exercise or physical or occupational therapy, pelvic floor massage is also useful for people who need more hands-on connection in order to begin feeling their pelvic floor muscles.
You can perform a gentle pelvic floor massage by using your hands to explore your genitals and perineum. Notice what feels good, and feels like it relieves pressure or tension. If you want to tackle more specific areas of tension or pain, it would be best to learn the techniques that suit your body best from a practitioner such as a pelvic floor physical therapist–they may use internal massage on you in their clinic and offer you instructions to continue with home care. There are also a number of tools you can purchase for home use that are helpful for accessing your pelvic floor on your own. These may include dilators or trigger point wands; follow the recommendations of your PT or OT based on what is working well for your body, and use plenty of lubricant.
Read full article about pelvic floor massage at Lauren Ohayon’s Blog