I'm going to tell you a story about me. I've had pelvic floor problems for as long as I can remember.

After consuming large amounts of alcohol, I would struggle, and then after having my children I've had problems with prolapse incontinence and urge incontinence. I manage these very well on a day-to-day basis thanks to pelvic floor physiotherapy (yes I see the irony in a physiotherapist seeing a physiotherapist, but I also believe everyone should see a pelvic health physiotherapist) I do not cope well at times, especially when I'm under stress. And prior to completing my training, I never really connected the dots.

Here is an easy way to think about this. When a cute puppy is excited to see you, his tail wags so fast he almost launches from his body. Compare this to yourself on a day where you feel pretty good about how life is treating you. There is most likely a spring in your step and possibly a little shake in your booty.
Conversely think of that same puppy having chewed the 8th pair of shoes knowing he's in trouble. His tail is tucked underneath him, almost completely vanished from his body. Now think of yourself on a day where you got stuck in traffic, making you late for work. You forgot your lunch, and even stepped in a puddle on your way into the office. Every bad thing that could possibly go wrong went wrong before 9 a.m. You just feel like curling into a ball on the floor. There is no spring in your step and booty shaking is out of the question. If anything you want to tuck your bum underneath you and hide it.
This is an example of how the pelvis reacts to stress. When we are happy our pelvic floor muscles tend to be in a better state and more relaxed. When we are stressed our pelvic floor muscles contract. Research has shown that the pelvic floor muscles are among the first muscles to react to stress and fear.
I myself have experienced this. I know on a stressful day, the urgency to go to the toilet 25 times, creeps back. How do I manage this ? Well first and my best piece of advice, a big, deep belly breath. Breathe in through the nose then a big sigh out through the mouth. This is how I get through the day. Regular deep breaths. When I get home at night, I will lay on the floor feet on the sofa and listen to guided meditation. I will repeat this little routine for 2-3 days and my normal service will resume.
However if my symptoms continue, it's time to return to my pelvic floor physiotherapist. I know there's probably something going on with my muscles and they require some attention that I am not capable of giving them.

Therapists are not just here for manual therapy, we help you learn to manage your stress 💙

Nicola Robertson

Registered Physiotherapist

A case for stress in the pelvis