Pilates and Incontinence
Incontinence can be a challenging condition, but Pilates offers a natural and effective way to help manage and reduce its symptoms. A key component of Pilates is its focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which play a vital role in bladder control.
How Pilates Supports Pelvic Floor Strength
The pelvic floor is one of the core muscles that forms part of our deep core system. When practising Pilates, you engage this deep core, including the pelvic floor, which can help to actively strengthen and tone these muscles. Regular Pilates exercises improve the control and coordination of the pelvic floor, reducing the risk of urinary incontinence.
Benefits of Pilates for Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence, a common type of incontinence, particularly after childbirth, can benefit significantly from Pilates. It involves leakage when coughing, sneezing, or during exercise due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Pilates targets these weaknesses and provides relief by promoting muscle endurance and stability in the core and pelvic region. This makes it an excellent exercise choice for post-natal women and anyone experiencing stress incontinence.
Additional Benefits of Pilates
Alongside improving pelvic floor health, Pilates offers numerous other benefits, including:
- Improving posture and alignment
- Enhancing balance and coordination
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion
- Promoting relaxation and reducing stress
- Building core strength and stability
- Improving mental clarity and focus
Incorporating Pilates into your routine can be a highly effective, non-invasive way to manage and reduce incontinence symptoms. For those experiencing stress incontinence, particularly post-natal women, Pilates offers a well-rounded approach to improving pelvic floor strength and overall well-being.
Pilates is recommended for anyone with stress incontinence and has been proven to be particularly successful for post-natal women.
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.
Reference:
1. www.physiolates.org.uk
2. www.pilatesinthegrove.com
3. www.incontinence.co.uk
