Kaaiaa Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy - Kaaiaa Men and Women's Pelvic Health Blog #Pelvic Floor TreatmentKaaiaa Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy - Kaaiaa Men and Women's Pelvic Health Blog #Pelvic Floor Treatmenthttps://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/tag/pelvic-floor-treatmentWed, 13 May 2026 15:47:26 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[The Role of Breathing Techniques in Pelvic Physiotherapy]]>https://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/post/the-role-of-breathing-techniques-in-pelvic-physiotherapy

An Exploration of Diaphragm, Glottis, and Pelvic Floor Connection

Breathing is a fundamental process that sustains life, but its significance extends beyond mere respiration. In the realm of pelvic physiotherapy, breathing techniques play a vital role in optimizing pelvic floor function and promoting overall pelvic health. This article delves into the intricate connection between the diaphragm, glottis, and pelvic floor, elucidating the anatomy of these structures and highlighting how breathing techniques can be utilized to enhance pelvic physiotherapy outcomes.


Understanding the Anatomy of the Diaphragm, Glottis, and Pelvic Floor

  1. The Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It serves as the primary muscle responsible for breathing. When it contracts, it flattens and descends, creating negative pressure in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand with air. The diaphragm attaches to the lower ribcage, the sternum, and the spine, forming a muscular barrier at the base of the thoracic cavity.
  2. The Glottis: The glottis refers to the opening between the vocal cords in the larynx, which controls airflow during breathing, swallowing, and speaking. It consists of the vocal folds, which are elastic bands of tissue that vibrate to produce sound. The glottis opens during inhalation to allow air to enter the respiratory system and closes during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.
  3. The Pelvic Floor: The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that span the bottom of the pelvis. It acts as a hammock-shaped structure, providing support to the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in urinary and fecal continence, sexual function, and stabilizing the pelvic region. These muscles can be divided into three layers: superficial, middle, and deep, each with specific functions and connections to other anatomical structures.

The Connection between Breathing and the Pelvic Floor

Breathing and the pelvic floor are intricately connected through the coordination of the diaphragm, glottis, and pelvic floor muscles. When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and descends, causing the abdominal contents to be pushed downward and the pelvic floor to relax. This coordination creates an optimal environment for efficient diaphragmatic breathing and proper pelvic floor function.


The Importance of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing or deep breathing, refers to the practice of engaging the diaphragm fully during the inhalation and exhalation process. This technique is crucial in pelvic physiotherapy for several reasons:

  1. Pelvic Floor Activation: Diaphragmatic breathing promotes the engagement and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. As the diaphragm descends during inhalation, the pelvic floor muscles naturally relax, allowing for optimal expansion of the abdominal cavity. On exhalation, the diaphragm ascends, and the pelvic floor muscles contract, providing support to the pelvic organs.
  2. Improved Diaphragm Mobility: Deep breathing exercises help improve the mobility and excursion of the diaphragm. This enhanced mobility allows for better ventilation and oxygenation of the lungs, reducing respiratory inefficiencies and promoting overall lung health.
  3. Stress and Tension Reduction: Diaphragmatic breathing activates the body's relaxation response, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction, as stress and tension can contribute to pelvic pain, muscle tightness, and other pelvic floor disorders. By incorporating diaphragmatic breathing into pelvic physiotherapy, individuals can effectively manage stress and alleviate tension in the pelvic region.

Techniques for Incorporating Diaphragmatic Breathing in Pelvic Physiotherapy

  1. Mindful Breathing: Begin by finding a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on filling your abdomen with air as you inhale. Feel your abdomen rise and fall with each breath. This technique promotes diaphragmatic engagement and relaxation of the pelvic floor.
  2. Breathing with Pelvic Floor Muscle Activation: Combine diaphragmatic breathing with pelvic floor muscle activation to enhance coordination. As you inhale, relax your pelvic floor muscles, allowing them to naturally descend with the diaphragm. On exhalation, gently contract the pelvic floor muscles, lifting them back up. This synchronized movement strengthens the connection between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor.
  3. Yoga and Pilates-Based Breathing Exercises: Yoga and Pilates incorporate various breathing techniques that can be beneficial for pelvic health. Techniques such as "Ujjayi" breath or "Pilates Breathing" emphasize deep, controlled breathing, engaging the diaphragm and promoting relaxation and coordination with the pelvic floor muscles.
  4. Integrated Breathing during Exercises: During pelvic floor exercises or other therapeutic movements, it is essential to maintain proper breathing. Coordinate your breath with the movements, ensuring that inhalation aligns with relaxation and lengthening of the pelvic floor, while exhalation corresponds with contraction and engagement of the pelvic floor.

Benefits of Incorporating Breathing Techniques in Pelvic Physiotherapy

  1. Enhanced Pelvic Floor Function: By incorporating diaphragmatic breathing, individuals can optimize the coordination between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, improving muscle tone, relaxation, and overall function.
  2. Stress and Pain Reduction: Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. This can help alleviate pelvic pain, muscle tension, and other symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
  3. Mind-Body Connection: Breathing techniques foster a deeper mind-body connection, allowing individuals to be more in tune with their pelvic floor muscles and body sensations. This increased awareness can lead to better control, coordination, and self-management of pelvic health.

Incorporating Breathing Techniques into Daily Life

Apart from incorporating breathing techniques during specific pelvic physiotherapy sessions, it is beneficial to integrate them into daily life. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing during activities such as sitting, standing, or exercising can support pelvic floor health and overall well-being. Mindful breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and stress management practices can be valuable tools for maintaining pelvic health beyond formal therapy sessions.



Breathing techniques, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, play a crucial role in pelvic physiotherapy by optimizing the coordination between the diaphragm, glottis, and pelvic floor muscles. By engaging in deep breathing exercises, individuals can enhance pelvic floor function, promote relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce stress levels. Incorporating breathing techniques into pelvic physiotherapy interventions and daily life can lead to better pelvic health, improved overall well-being, and a stronger mind-body connection. Embrace the power of your breath and unlock the potential for optimal pelvic health.

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]]>Wed, 17 May 2023 16:19:18 -0600<![CDATA[Dealing with Chronic Constipation]]>https://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/post/dealing-with-chronic-constipationConstipation is a common digestive problem that affects people of all ages. It is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with st ]]>

Helping you understand the underlying factors that can contribute to this widespread condition. 

Constipation is a common digestive problem that affects people of all ages. It is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Chronic constipation is a more severe form of the condition that lasts for an extended period, typically over three months. Chronic constipation can cause discomfort, pain, and distress, affecting a person's quality of life. In this article, we will explore the factors that can contribute to chronic constipation and how to resolve them.

Factors contributing to chronic constipation

1.  Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fat can lead to chronic constipation. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements, and it adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass. Inadequate hydration can also contribute to constipation, as the colon absorbs more water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass.

2.  Lack of physical activity: Physical activity stimulates bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can lead to slow bowel movements and chronic constipation.

3.  Medications: Certain medications, such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, can contribute to chronic constipation by slowing down the movement of the intestines.

4.  Medical conditions: Several medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hypothyroidism, can cause chronic constipation.

5.  Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect the digestive system and lead to chronic constipation.

6. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles must relax for stool to come out. If they are not able to, the person might feel either they cannot completely empty, having to push, or constipated.


How to resolve chronic constipation

1.  Increase fiber intake: Adding more fiber to the diet can help regulate bowel movements and prevent chronic constipation. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is essential to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating, gas, and discomfort.

2.  Drink more water: Staying hydrated can help soften stool and make it easier to pass. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can help prevent chronic constipation.

3.  Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can stimulate bowel movements and prevent chronic constipation. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are all great forms of exercise that can help maintain regular bowel movements.

4.  Review medications: If medication is causing chronic constipation, speak to a doctor about alternative treatments or ways to manage the side effects.

5.  Manage medical conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions such as IBS, IBD, and hypothyroidism can help manage chronic constipation.

6.  Reduce stress: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to chronic constipation. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve digestive health.

7.  Try over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners can provide relief from chronic constipation. However, it is essential to use them as directed and only for short-term relief.

8.  Seek medical advice: If chronic constipation persists despite making lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter remedies, it is important to speak to a doctor. Chronic constipation can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.

9. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: If you have tried everything and nothing has worked, it might just be that your muscles need some therapy. Working with a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you determine the functioning of your muscles and how they can help with better bowel movements.


Conclusion

Chronic constipation can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition that affects a person's quality of life. Fortunately, many lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage chronic constipation. Increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, exercising regularly, reviewing medications, managing medical conditions, reducing stress, trying over-the-counter remedies, and seeking medical advice are all effective ways to manage chronic constipation. By adopting these strategies, people can improve their digestive health and maintain regular bowel movements.

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]]>Wed, 03 May 2023 18:22:00 -0600<![CDATA[Tips to Manage Overactive Bladder]]>https://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/post/tips-to-manage-overactive-bladder Feeling like you have to go to the bathroom all the time? Waking up at night multiple times? Social situations have you wor ]]>

No more running to the bathroom!

Feeling like you have to go to the bathroom all the time? Waking up at night multiple times? Social situations have you worried? Always thinking of where the bathroom is and IF there is one when you go out? Keep on reading.


The “normal” amount of times to urinate per day is 5-8 times, and this obviously changes if fluid intake is increased or decreased, including any diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine. However, the important part is more likely if you feel uncomfortable holding your bladder or feel you have to go so many times that it is affecting your day to day living or social and work life.


The first thing to know is that your brain plays an important role in controlling your bladder AND we can retrain the brain. The more you go to the bathroom, the more your brain thinks you have to go to the bathroom and it can become a habit. To retrain this habit, do the following:

  1. When you get urgency, try doing belly breathing, focus on slowing down your breath

  2. Walk slowly to the bathroom (no rushing allowed!) and change your clothes slowly before sitting down

  3. Once doing the above a few times, work on delaying before you go to the bathroom - this could be as short as a few seconds. Over time, increase the time you delay before going to the bathroom. For some people, the urgency fades away and they wonder if they actually had to go in the first place!

  4. You can also try distracting yourself by counting backwards from 100, or busying yourself with housework so your brain has something else to think of. Or you can focus on the breathing for a few minutes as you delay.

Over time, you will train your brain to not send signals to go to the bathroom which will also help the bladder properly relay to you when it actually is full so you know it was a time when you really did need to go and empty.


Practice this at home first and then in public, especially if you feel you will urinate yourself if you don’t rush to the bathroom. Most often, even if there is leakage initially, it should resolve if you continue to work away on the above strategies. If your urgency resolves but leakage remains, you may experience mixed urinary incontinence or urge incontinence, which is explained in a later article.


If you try these techniques and are still experiencing bladder urgency, book in with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist who can help you assess and treat exactly what is going on.


Questions? Comment below, e-mail us at hello@kaaiaa.co or book a free phone consult.

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]]>Wed, 28 Sep 2022 21:54:35 -0600<![CDATA[Treatments for a Tight Pelvic Floor]]>https://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/post/treatments-for-a-tight-pelvic-floor

When your pelvic floor is overactive and just won't let go.

Tight, overactive, or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles may be the cause of various pelvic floor concerns such as painful sex, urinary and bowel urgency, frequency, constipation, urinary and bowel retention, and pelvic pain. Tight muscles may also contribute to bladder leakages. In clinic, we have seen clients with overactive muscles not being able to kegel (because they are in a constant state of “kegel-ing”) and when a cough or sneeze comes, the pelvic muscles let go instead.


Achieving a state where the pelvic floor muscles are able to coordinate being tight with relaxation is the first step in treating many of the above symptoms. The following tools may be discussed and prescribed by your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist depending on the assessment findings.


Breathing

The diaphragm is a large muscles underneath the ribcage that helps us breathe deep into the belly and also works with the pelvic floor in a sump-pump fashion. As it moves down when we inhale, the pelvic floor also moves down and they both move up on the exhale. Using the breath to connect with the pelvic floor during the day and in different stretches can help alleviate symptoms.


Dilators or Pelvic Wand

Depending on your needs, manual therapy and release may be performed by your Physiotherapist or prescribed to you as homework at home. Both dilators and wands are useful in different ways to help stretch and massage muscles internally. Please follow your therapist’s instructions carefully on how to use these tools. To find out more about the pelvic wand, click here.


Stretches

Along with breathing, yoga and stretching can help retrain the pelvic floor muscles. Commonly prescribed stretches may include child’s pose, cobbler’s pose and happy baby. When stretching, you should not have any other aches or pains. This is a sign to stop the stretch and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are dong them correctly.


Consult with your Family Physician or Gynaecologist/Specialist

Sometimes tightness in muscles can be a sign of tissue atrophy, degeneration, lichens sclerosis, or be due to another condition or menopause. Your physician may prescribe additional testing or a topical cream or hormonal solution to help the tissues which may complement the above prescribed therapies.


It is best to work both with your Physiotherapist and Physician to find the solutions you need for a health pelvic floor. Never be afraid to ask questions and continue to ask questions from different providers until you get the help you need. We are here for you.


Questions? Please comment below, email us at hello@kaaiaa.co, or book a free phone consult.

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]]>Mon, 05 Sep 2022 17:36:14 -0600<![CDATA[What is a Pelvic Phone Consult?]]>https://www.kaaiaa.co/blogs/post/The-Pelvic-Floor1

Connecting over phone before meeting in person.

It can be confusing to know what kind of appointment to book with your healthcare provider, so this post is here to try and make it simple.

 Appointments range from assessments, follow ups and introductory phone consultations that are complimentary. The purpose of the phone chat is to get to know your history, the pelvic symptoms you may be experiencing (or trying to prevent), and a discussion of how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. We want to ensure that pelvic physiotherapy is a right fit for you at this point in time and allow you to ask us any questions you might have regarding how it works.




 This meet and greet is a great way of finding out who your therapist will be and to confirm that your symptoms will be able to be addressed. We will also give you information about what the assessment and treatment might entail. 


Phone consults are free and flexible with timing. To book yours, click the button below. For further questions, comment on the post or e-mail us at hello@kaaiaa.co.

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