How to relax tight pelvic floor muscles?

Send us Fan MailIn today's podcast episode I answer the question 'How do I relax my tight pelvic floor muscles?'Like all muscles, we need them to function properly.  If our muscles around our head/neck and shoulders are tight or overactive, we might be predisposed to head aches or neck pain.Similarly, sometimes we want our pelvic floor muscles to be strong and activated, and at other times we need them to relax and release the tension in the muscles.When do we need to relax our pelvic floor muscles?Pelvic floor muscles may be weakOr, pelvic floor muscles might be overactiveTight / overactive pelvic floor muscles might predispose us to issues with constipation / sexual pain / difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or perhaps coccyx pain or back pain.Sometimes our emotions, stress levels / feelings impact our overall body muscle tension, eg if you're feeling anxious or stressed.Sometimes there is no known cause / reason.Why do we need to relax our pelvic floor muscles?It is important to relax for all of the above reasons (plus more). Preparation for childbirth is also an important time to become aware of our pelvic floor muscles, and pelvic floor relaxation can work really well when combined with perineal massage.*Please be sure to touch base with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns around your pelvic floor muscles.How can we relax our pelvic floor muscles?Some things to think of:Diaghragmatic breathingVisualisation - ripplesBody relaxationBody scanningTummy relaxationRelaxed environmentOpening bowels, and letting it gooooo.LINKS:Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklistFree 7 Day Trial Pregnancy WorkoutsFree 7 Day Trial Postnatal WorkoutsFitNest Mama WebsiteInstagram @fitnestmamaLINKS:Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklistFree 7 Day Trial Pregnancy WorkoutsFree 7 Day Trial Postnatal WorkoutsFitNest Mama WebsiteInstagram @kathbaquie.physio1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.