Core & Floor Assessments

FLEX now has a fancy new real time ultrasound machine.

Research shows that weakness, late activation or overactivity in these muscles is commonly associated with lower back pain, as well as during and after pregnancy.  And it's not just the women that benefit, read on men!

Post Natal Core & Floor Appointments

It is normal during and immediately after pregnancy for these muscles to be a bit weaker, and that they lose the “knack” of automatically turning on the right amount at the right times. Unfortunately, some people with the best intentions, practice "pelvic floor" or "core" incorrectly and can make their problems worse rather than better.  The good news is that regular practice with correct technique makes a huge difference, and in most cases can restore normal pelvic floor tone, strength and endurance.  

Post natally, it is important to ensure that these muscles are working effectively before returning to impact, or typical abdominal exercises.  Our physiotherapists can help advise you about when is safe to return to different types of exercise, and how to check you're looking after your body and back properly.

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Core & Floor for Lower Back Pain

Physiotherapy research shows that weakness, late activation or overactivity in these muscles is commonly associated with lower back pain, especially chronic or recurrent lower back pain.

It is common during and immediately after an episode of lower back pain for these core muscles to be a bit weaker, and that they lose the “knack” of automatically turning on the right amount at the right times.

Unfortunately, some people with the best intentions, practice "core exercises" incorrectly and can make their lower back pain worse rather than better.

The good news is that our physiotherapists can assess if this is an issue for you, if it is affecting your lower back pain, and help you improve it so your back feels more supported and stronger.

To improve your core control and help back pain, you may also be interested in our Pilates Classes

Secrets Men's Business: Sex, Erections and Your Pelvic Floor

Many men don't realise they also have a pelvic floor - and that it not only helps with supporting your lower back, preventing incontinence, but also helps create and sustain an erection.  So now, pilates classes suddenly seem like a good idea don't they!

It is also common during prostate issues or after prostate surgery to have weakness in pelvic floor muscles that needs to be retrained.  For men over 50 years old, please speak with your GP about having annual checkups that include PSA testing to screen for prostate cancer.

Unfortunately it is all too common, and remains a taboo topic amongst many men, which.

To further improve your core control, help back pain, and rehabilitate your pelvic floor, you may also be interested in FLEX Pilates Classes

Shh . . . Secrets Women's Business: Sexual Satisfaction and Your Pelvic Floor

Unfortunately many women aren't aware that improving pelvic floor muscles not only helps support their lower back and prevent incontinence, but may also improve their sexual satisfaction.

It is sadly a common misconception that after having a baby, many women are uninformed, misinformed, or lose motivation for fully rehabilitating their pelvic floor, and come to expect less sexual satisfaction.  However in most cases, this is not necessarily true. It is important also to recognise if these muscles are overactive, as this requires a different type of treatment.

So now, calling FLEX to book a Core & Floor appointment, or starting FLEX Pilates Classes suddenly seems like a good idea don't they!

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Pelvic Floor, Balance and Ageing

It is interesting and important to know that pelvic floor muscles

(like many other muscles) naturally get weaker with age, and for women who have had vaginal births, or are overweight, the risk of developing incontinence is higher.

As a strategy to prevent early onset incontinence, we encourage women to practice pelvic floor exercises as a daily habit.  Why not get in the habit of doing your pelvic floor lifts and squeezes every time after you've finished toileting?  Many women are unsure if they are doing turning on pelvic floor correctly, os if you're not sure, please call us and book a Core & Floor Screening with Grace.

Similarly, people's balance naturally reduces with the ageing process.  The old adage, "use it of lose it" definitely applies.  Our physios can assess your balance and give you safe, easy balance exercises to practice to help you stay confident on your feet, and reduce your risk of falls.

If you are experiencing dizziness or balance issues, please discuss these with your GP,

So now, calling FLEX to book a Core & Floor appointment with Grace Robertson, or starting FLEX Pilates Classes suddenly seems like a good idea don't they!