Are the feet really connected to the pelvic floor?
When patients present to our Women’s Health physio’s with pelvic health issues, for example pelvic pain, leaking wee when running, painful sex we have to consider all the connections and interactions that occur above and below our pelvis.
The area that catches most of our patients off guard is the feet- people often wonder why we care so much about their feet when they come to us with a pelvic issue.
Well, it’s because there is a deep connection between our feet and pelvis, including our pelvic floor muscles. So in order to restore balance through the pelvis we go looking for what may be creating imbalance in the first place.
Some of the common examples of dysfunction in the relationship between our feet and pelvis include:
Flat feet or collapsed arches increases thigh and hip rotation leading to strain on muscles of the hip. Some of our hip muscles have a direct link into our pelvic floor, and increased stress and strain can lead to overactivity, excessive gripping and/or tightness of our pelvic floor.
Alternatively, rigid or high arched feet have decreased ability to fan out and absorb ground reaction forces with each step. This lack of shock absorption of the foot and lower limb can load up the structures of the lower back and pelvis, as well as increasing intra-abdominal pressure – especially during running, which can lead to pelvic pain or potential for bladder leakage.
The spinal nerve segments which supply our pelvic floor muscles also control the small muscles in our feet, this sometimes leads to cross communication and overstimulation of the nerves resulting in increased bladder urgency or frequency.
There is a direct connection of fascial tissue from our foot to our pelvic floor and deep core muscles. We can use this connection to unwind and unload a tight pelvic floor, or alternatively we can use the foot to enhance pelvic floor activation and strength for bladder leakage or prolapse management.
So as you can see, paying a bit more attention to our feet, the area of our body that carries us around all day can make a world of difference!
We often get’s asked if we get bored at looking at the pelvis’ all day, and the answer is NOT AT ALL, its actually the opposite, everyday we embrace the innate wisdom and connections within the human body and we love sharing this with our patients!
Appointments with our Women’s Health Physio’s Nicole and Amy are available at Bowral Clinic only, bookings can be made online or via phone 4861 1223.